Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/91577
SPEED TASTING Sexy, Stylish and Sparkling: LeSUTRA Joining the celebrity-owned spirit circuit is recently-released LeSUTRA, offered by Grammy Award–winning super producer and music icon Timbaland, who partnered with a driving force behind the Grey Goose Vodka brand, Tom Bruno. But this vodka- based sparkling liqueur (mixed with just a hint of white wine) offers more than just bling, although the bottle sure is pretty. Offered in four deliciously fruity fl avors (Peach, Grape, Strawberry and Blueberry), LeSUTRA is sippable on its own over ice, but the mixology options are endless, proving that this is one liqueur we'll like as much on the dance fl oor as in the dining room. www.drinklesutra.com Monique Idlett Mosley, Co-Founder of LeSUTRA. Notes from the Panel: "Peach Perfection says it all!" —Ryan Velilla "Both fl avors are delicious and refreshing; I can easily share this with my guests." —Chef Michael Fiorelli "Great fruit fl avors without being overly sweet." —Tai Nguyen PURPLE PASSION ◗ 3 oz. Grape LeSUTRA ◗ ¾ oz. simple syrup ◗ ¾ oz. lime juice ◗ ¾ oz. St-Germain Exotically Appealing: TATRATEA Hand-crafted in Slovakia, THE TASTING PANEL has had their taste buds in tune with Tatratea for over a year, one of the most creatively packaged brands to come along in recent memory. Utilizing real fruit and top-secret ingredients, Tatratea is an exotic blend of Indian Assam tea and a variety of herbs and spices, steeped and fermented in a molasses-based neutral spirit, then aged for an average of 160 days. Named after the Slovakian Tatra Mountain Range, the colorful brand in the thermos-shaped bottle offers six fl avor expressions in proofs vary- ing from 44 to 144. Avant Garde Imports Notes from the Panel: "An interesting riff on the Mojito, with a bit more power and a good grape- berry character." —Jeremy Lake "Herbaceous and earthy, the drink fi lls a perfect niche for a healthy alternative. Great drink, but even more, a genius product." —Carlo deLeon SKINNY "T" ◗ ¾ oz. Tatratea Bohemian 62% (124-proof) ◗ 1/8 oz. agave nectar ◗ 2 fresh lime wedges ◗ 4 mint leaves ◗ Top with club soda and a blackberry fl oat Rado Dvorsky and Glenn Grabowski, Co-Owners of Avant Garde Imports. november 2012 / the tasting panel / 109