Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/80298
SPEED TASTING REPORT INFINITE SPIRITULALITY The Brand: TY KU COCONUT NIGORI SAKÉ Tony Selna of Roku Akor, Chicago, created the cocktail with TY KU Coconut Nigori Saké. Japanese Akebono rice is polished away 30% for this craft-brewed junmai nigori (cloudy) premium saké from Nara, Japan—home of the world's first saké brewery. The nigori process leaves a cloudy look, but a silky, creamy texture results from the small amount of suspended rice, which is purposefully left unfiltered. The subtly sweet coconut and vanilla notes are lovely. Only 24 proof, TY KU is gluten-, sulfite- and tannin-free. With its mantra "Respect tradition, embrace tomor- row," TY KU enlightened our spirits and our palates. Our Panel says: "This cocktail completely encompasses my mood at the end of the summer. By using popular fall flavors such as cinnamon and vanilla and introducing them in TY KU Coconut Saké, it inspires a trip to the bookstore so I can have a good read by the fireplace." —Tony Potempa "An amazing array of flavors, from start to finish." —Andre Cunningham september 2012 / the tasting panel / 109 The Drink: Asian Bloom ◗ 2 oz. TY KU Coconut Nigori Saké, with Tony Selna's housemade infusion of roasted almonds, vanilla, cinnamon and honey ◗ ¼ oz. agave nectar ◗ ¼ oz. mango purée ◗ ½ oz. lime juice ◗ Float of Cruzan Black Strap Rum ◗ Garnish with edible marigold (which blooms through late summer)