Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/869846
september 2017 / the tasting panel / 105 Out on a Limb: Southern Champion The best ideas are born of necessity. Few know this fact better than Merrilee Kick, President/CEO of Southern Champion. Not too long ago in 2009, Kick was a high school teacher who enjoyed grading papers poolside with a Margarita in hand. One day, she looked over and thought how easy it would be for the glass to shatter—then realized she might have a solution. Kick used her savings and a small business loan to launch BuzzBallz, a ready-to-drink cocktail brand made with premium ingredients and packaged in recyclable plastic containers. With more than $20 million in revenue last year, her leap of faith has certainly paid off. Since entering the liquor industry seven years ago, Kick hasn't stopped taking risks. She has launched several spirits into the marketplace, including Pelican Harbor Dark Rum (SRP $17.99) and Crooked Fox Blended Bourbon Whiskey (SRP $25.99). Embodying the free-spirited beach lifestyle, Pelican Harbor blends rum from the U.S. Virgin Islands with barrel-aged rums from Martinique, Barbados, Guyana, Trinidad and Jamaica. Crooked Fox, meanwhile, was a Gold winner in the 2016 Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Spirits Tasting Competition—taking bourbon from Kentucky and Tennessee to create a remarkable spirit. Its unconventional origins and fiery packaging prove Southern Champion isn't interested in going with the grain; Kick wants to add a fresh perspective to the industry. "Merrilee is all about making drinking fun," remarks Blair Casey, VP Sales/Marketing for Southern Champion. "She wants to reduce the preten- tion and is willing to sit on the edge to make that happen." For Kick, her team (which includes her two sons) has always been the reason for her success. "You can believe in yourself, but when you have a group of people who believe in you and aren't afraid to roll up their sleeves, that's another story," she says. Whatever the key to her success, Kick and Southern Champion show no signs of slowing down. Casey adds, "It's a long runway and we're just getting started." Tasting Notes Crooked Fox Bourbon Orange peel and nectarine greet the nose with a hint of pine sap and other woodsy qualities. This fox is approachable—no growls and certainly no bites, but a sensual nature that permeates the palate. Dry on the finish, with black plum, peach and toffee, and a touch of tobacco leaf. Got our ears perked up! 92 —M.M. Pelican Harbor Black Rum Blackstrap molasses melds with pronounced aromas of green apple and clover honey. On the palate, a creamy layer of vanilla extract and honey wheat bread entry showcasing some dry tannins. Mid-palate to finish, it takes flight with a cocoa biscuit-y intensity to a smooth-as-silk landing. Complex and noteworthy. 93 —M.M. SOUTHERN CHAMPION than Merrilee Kick, 2009, Kick was a high Margarita in hand. One glass to shatter—then a small business loan with premium ingredients than $20 million in revenue hasn't stopped hasn't stopped hasn't taking risks. including Pelican Harbor Dark (SRP $25.99). Embodying from the U.S. Virgin Islands Trinidad and Jamaica. & Spirits Wholesalers of Kentucky and Kentucky and Kentucky Tennessee fiery packaging fiery packaging fiery prove Kick wants Kick wants Kick to add a fresh drinking fun," remarks Blair wants to reduce the preten- always been the reason have a group of sleeves, that's Champion show and we're nose Old Foxy ◗ 2 oz. Crooked Fox Blended Bourbon Whiskey ◗ ½ oz. simple syrup ◗ Dash bitters ◗ Orange or cherry garnish Stormy Harbor ◗ 2 oz. Pelican Harbor Dark Rum ◗ 1 oz. lime juice ◗ 2 ½ oz. ginger beer