The Tasting Panel magazine

September 2012

Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/80298

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 104 of 132

SPEED TASTING REPORT THE INDEFATIGABLE HOUSE COCKTAIL The Brand: BELVEDERE PINK GRAPEFRUIT VODKA For the fourth year, Jonny Abens's recipe has experienced the most success on theWit's cocktail list since the hotel first opened. An homage to ROOF's 27th floor location high above Chicago, the refreshing year-round cocktail is a play on the French 75. Belvedere Pink Grapefruit vodka is made by a proprietary artisanal process that draws out the vibrant flavors from the citrus peel. A zing of ginger and the warmth of vanilla add to the rich flavors of this aromatic spirit. The Drink: The French 27 ◗ 1 oz. Belvedere Pink Grapefruit Vodka ◗ ½ oz. lemon juice ◗ ½ oz. St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur ◗ Moët & Chandon Ice Imperial Champagne ◗ Shake first three ingredients over ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Top with Moët Ice. Jonny Abens is the bartender for theWit hotel. Our Panel says: "Simple and clean—the perfect upscale bar 'atmosphere' drink; balanced with nice acidity from Moët Ice." —Lynn House "Drink it all year and dream of summer. It has a good, dry finish." —Tom CaesteckerJr. DURABILITY UNCHALLENGED The Brand: OLMECA ALTOS TEQUILA From Jalisco's Highlands, Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila is a high-quality, 100% agave spirit, distilled in copper pots. Herbal on the tongue, yet warming and sweet, this un-aged tequila is a magnet for developing fruitful relationships with berries and citrus. Named for the powerful revolver (one used by none other than Agent 007), the Cougar Magnum cocktail packs power and finesse. Daniel Deoliveira is the Brand Ambassador for Olmeca Tequila, Pernod Ricard USA. Our Panel says: "The flavors of the blackberries add depth and complexity to the herbal notes of the plata tequila. Delicious." —Linh Pham "Earthy to the core—the tequila's pepper notes are subdued by the tartness of the blackberry-lime com- bination. This has a long-lasting finish, but I anticipate the next sip." —Pat Brophy 104 / the tasting panel / september 2012 The Drink: The Cougar Magnum ◗ 1¾ oz. Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila ◗ ¾ oz. Mathilde Poire Liqueur ◗ 5 muddled blackberries ◗ ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice ◗ Shake, strain, finish with crushed ice and a freshly spanked sprig of mint.

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of The Tasting Panel magazine - September 2012