Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/80298
SPEED TASTING REPORT PERPETUAL PASSION The Brand: KAI LEMONGRASS GINGER SHOCHU Amy Bender, Director of Sales for Kai Spirits. A traditional distilled spirit in Asia, shochu (Japanese term) / soju (Korean term) is noted as the second fastest-growing spirits cat- egory, after vodka, according to Liqour.com "and the number-one consumed spirit in the world," says Amy Bender of Kai Spirits. As a lower-alcohol (48 proof) spirit, accounts with beer and wine licenses are legally able (in some states) to serve Kai Shochu/Soju. The lovely and ethereal gluten-free Kai Lemongrass Ginger Shochu/Soju received the honor of a Double Gold medal at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while other Kai expressions also took Golds and Double Golds. Our Panel says: "This conjures up sitting on a beach in Hawaii—any time of year! The drink is fruity, but with a nice finish. The ginger finishes nicely on the palate." —Lynn House "The presentation was exotic and so was the flavor profile; the guava played well off the natural lemongrass." —Anne Marineau The Drink: Kai Kiss courtesy of Wade Sooy, Morimoto Waikiki ◗ 1½ oz. Kai Lemongrass Ginger Shochu/Soju ◗ ¼ oz. lime sour* ◗ ¾ oz. white grapefruit juice ◗ ½ oz. guava liquor ◗ Shake vigorously and strain. Garnish with an edible orchid. *2 parts lime juice, 1 part simple syrup september 2012 / the tasting panel / 107