Eve's Wine 101

Caroline Martin Named Master Blender of The Busker Irish Whiskey

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Award-winning The Busker Irish Whiskey is proud to announce the appointment of Caroline Martin as its new Master Blender at Royal Oak Distillery. Caroline Martin joins the team following a successful launch campaign which saw the brand take home multiple top accolades and scores. Proof of this is the highest rating (94 points) and “Best Buy” among all Irish whiskey blends from Wine Enthusiast and the medal collections achieved at World Whiskies Awards and at San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Furthermore, The Busker Pot Still won a Gold Medal at the Irish Whiskey Awards last month; our pot still is the most typical expression of Irish Whiskey and we’re honored to be recognized as one of the best in this category.

Photo: Indulge Press.

Caroline Martin, taking over for John Ramsay, will be responsible for the ongoing quality of The Busker Irish Whiskey as well as delivering an exciting innovation program for the brand and category as a whole.

Caroline’s 35-year-long career showcases her incredible leadership and expertise having worked as a Master Blender and whisky specialist on various staple Scotch and Irish Whiskey brands such as J&B, Bell’s, Johnnie Walker and Old Parr, as well as Roe & Co. and Indian Signature blends. Her wealth of whisk(e)y knowledge, experience, and dedication to the craft has brought her wide recognition across the industry, earning her the prestigious titles of Keeper of the Quaich and Blender of the Year by The Spirits Business in 2019 for her role with Roe & Co. Caroline Martin also proudly carries her reputation as a mentor and pioneer for women in whisk(e)y, pushing the boundaries of this industry.

“I am honored to take on the title of Master Blender of such a contemporary, adventurous and bold range of whiskies. It’s an exciting time not only for The Busker as a brand, but for the Irish Whiskey sector as a whole, which remains the fastest growing spirits category,” says Caroline. “The Busker is currently the only brand offering the full Irish whiskey experience of single pot, malt and grain whiskeys as well as a blended whiskey, all of which are produced at Royal Oak Distillery. As such, we have full visibility and control of how our products are distilled, matured and blended,” says Caroline. “I’m looking forward to working alongside the team, harnessing my passion for whiskey flavors, crafting new whiskeys, and ensuring the ongoing quality of The Busker range which is already winning many whiskey awards.”

Alan Dempsey, General Manager of Royal Oak Distillery states “We are delighted to have Caroline as part of the team at Royal Oak Distillery, working alongside our lead whiskey blender, Niall Bolger. Caroline’s experience, skillful blending techniques and positive attitude will play a key role in continuing to deliver the high quality of whiskey that Royal Oak Distillery is recognized for, while also driving innovation and flavour development of our whiskey portfolio. We wish Caroline all the best in her new role.”

About The Busker:
The Busker Irish Whiskey is born out of a modern Ireland, where the contemporary and bold meet at the crossroads of tradition. The Busker is produced at Royal Oak Distillery in County Carlow, Ireland, which is located on an 18th century estate in Ireland’s Ancient East region. It is the only distillery in Ireland which offers all three classic Irish styles of whiskey – Single Grain, Single Malt, & Single Pot Still, which make The Busker Single Collection. The Busker portfolio also includes The Busker Blend which is a beautiful blend of The Single Collection. The Busker uses different casks during the maturation process of their whiskeys including Bourbon casks, Sherry casks and Marsala casks. Most recently, The Busker took home multiple top accolades at the 2020 LA Spirits Awards: The Busker Single Malt was awarded the 2020 Platinum Medal and Best Irish Whiskey, while the Single Pot Still and Blend were awarded the Gold Medal.

For more information, visit http://www.thebusker.com and join the conversation at @thebusker_official

Balcones Distilling Announces Collaboration with the Legendary ZZ Top

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WACO, TEXAS (PRWEB) – Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, ZZ Top, and Balcones Distilling announced today their collaboration on a one-of-a-kind whisky. Integrating a strong mutual Texas heritage and love of whisky, the partnership focuses on a grain-to-glass approach to create a new whisky named Tres Hombres, the title of the band’s first top 10 chart album that was released in 1973. In tribute to the band’s enduring legacy, Tres Hombres is made using three distinct grains: roasted blue corn, barley and rye.

Founded in Houston in 1969, ZZ Top have been synonymous with all that is Texas for more than five decades of recording and relentless touring. Renowned for their signature blues-rock sound, ZZ Top reached new heights of success in the 1980s with massively attended performances and some of the highest-grossing international concert tours of all time, making them one of the most prominent groups of the decade. In the 50+ years since the band’s founding, ZZ Top has created 15 studio albums and sold an estimated 50 million albums worldwide. Along the way, they’ve been named Official Heroes of the State of Texas and have won three MTV Video Music Awards.

Commenting on the band’s association with Balcones and the launch of Tres Hombres, Carl Stubner, ZZ Top’s manager, remarked, “ZZ Top’s love of Texas runs deep and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate that than by creating something together with Balcones – The Original Texas Whisky. Tres Hombres exemplifies what can be achieved when brands care deeply about their respective products and legacy.”

Jared Himstedt, head distiller at Balcones Distilling, added, “It was incredible to collaborate with the ZZ Top team to develop an exclusive whisky that celebrates ZZ Top’s and Balcones’ shared Texas roots. To actually get to taste through the blending process with ZZ Top and make a whisky that synthesizes our joint vision for Tres Hombres was an honor. ZZ are Texas and Rock legends, and we can’t wait to share Tres Hombres with folks.”

Tres Hombres will be available nationally for pre-order at balconesdistilling.com/treshombres and at Keg N Bottle. The product will roll out to liquor stores across Texas and select other states in mid-November. To learn more about Balcones Distilling, please visit BalconesDistilling.com. To learn more about ZZ Top, please visit ZZTop.com.

About Balcones Distilling

Balcones is The Original Texas Whisky. Driven by a passion to create something original and authentic, Balcones Distilling marries centuries of distilling tradition with the bold flavors of Texas. Balcones is synonymous with quality and innovation in the whisky industry, known for emphasizing high-quality ingredients and drawing influences from all over Texas. To date, the distillery has earned over 550 national and international tasting awards and accolades for their whiskies and spirits. Balcones will be available in 48 states by the end of 2021 and is one of the fastest-growing whisky brands in the country.

Balcones distills all of its beloved spirits inside the historic Texas Fireproof Storage Company building in downtown Waco, Texas. At the heart of the distillery are four copper pot stills built by Forsyths, considered some of the best artisans in Scotland. Guests can now visit and tour the facility, with tastings and events held regularly, and see why Balcones is always Distilled to Appreciate. Visit BalconesDistilling.com for more information.

Ojo de Tigre Artisanal Mezcal Seeks to Invite New Consumers into the Small but Rich Mezcal Category (Cocktail Recipes Included)

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Puebla, México – Introducing approachable Mezcal. Renowned Mexican actor Luis Gerardo Méndez, who is best known for starring in and executive producing Netflix’s first Spanish-language original comedy series, Club de Cuervos, the groundbreaking comedy Nosotros Los Nobles, as well as for roles in Netflix’s Murder Mystery and the 2019 Elizabeth Banks reboot of Charlie’s Angels, has partnered with Casa Lumbre to create Ojo de Tigre Artisanal Mezcal, a new offering that seeks to bring Méndez’s love of this historic spirit to a new generation of drinkers, including those unfamiliar or unaccustomed to Mezcal.

Luis Gerardo Méndez

Ojo de Tigre redefines intimidating expectations of mezcal for new drinkers, offering fresh, inviting aromas on the nose, like green apple, fresh pear, and pepper. On the palate, think herbal notes, chocolate, and light smoke. With a process that is designed to broaden the experience of Mezcal, it is important to note what Ojo does not do: overwhelm. Each step of the process was crafted to create accessibility for new palates, paring down the acidity and funkiness during fermentation and any aggressive smokiness from roasting.

What it is not short on is flavor, driven by the unique signature blend of two agaves: Espadín and Tobalá. With sustainable practices at the forefront of all farming and harvesting decisions, and with the goal of maintaining this delicate resource, Espadín is grown in the state of Oaxaca and harvested after seven years, while the rarer Tobalá variety matures for between 10-14 years in Puebla. Each agave variety imbues the spirit with their own unique characteristics and nuances. Herbal notes along with hints of fruit and citrus in the Espadín blend nicely with the earthier, umami flavors of the older Tobalá.

The agave is roasted in underground stone pits, unlocking the plant’s sugars for fermentation, imparting some subtle smoky notes, and avoiding the strong char or smokiness that many intimidated drinkers may associate with Mezcal. The spirit is then naturally fermented in wooden vats and distilled in copper pot stills. The result is a smooth, low-smoke Artisanal Mezcal bottled at 40% ABV – lower than most Mezcals currently on the market.

The resulting flavor profile makes Ojo de Tigre spirit equally suited to sip neat, as is tradition in Mexico, or to balance other flavors in bright, fresh cocktails. The Ambar is a take on the margarita that marries the herbaceousness of the Mezcal with passion fruit and lime, while the Amethyst mixes Ojo de Tigre with lime juice, hibiscus syrup and ginger beer, offering a tropical retreat in a glass.

Even the product’s name seeks to invite consumers into the world of Mezcal. Ojo de Tigre translates to Eye of the Tiger – the brand takes its name from the semiprecious stone of the same name, recognized as a universal amulet of good fortune and bravery. Camille Austin, Director of Advocacy for Ojo de Tigre, explained “There’s a wonderful Mezcal proverb ‘El que Mezcal bebe, nada teme’ or, ‘He (or she!) who sips Mezcal fears nothing.’ Drinkers need not be intimidated by what they think they know about Mezcal, but should be fearless and experiment within a category that has so much diversity and richness in it!”

Ojo de Tigre comes in a standard 750 mL bottle as well as a smaller 200 mL for those looking to bravely experiment with a category they may be less familiar with.

“I’ve been asked a number of times by other brands to collaborate, but it was important to me to create something I believed in with a partner I trusted,” said Méndez. “I wanted more people around the world to experience Mezcal the way we do here in Mexico and knew the team at Casa Lumbre had a like-minded vision. What we have created is a truly exceptional Mezcal that epitomizes the inviting Mexican and Mezcal culture – a spirit to toast the small successes, to the big moments, and everything in between. It’s a spirit for everyone and everyday life.”

Cocktail Recipes

Tahiti Pearl

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Mezcal Ojo de Tigre
  • 8-10 Mint Leaves
  • 1 oz Simple Syrup
  • 2 Dashes Lemon Bitters
  • 3 Drops Olive Oil

Method: Place all ingredients except olive oil in a shaker with plenty of ice and give it a good shake. Serve in a cold coupe glass and use a fine strainer to catch stray pieces of leaves. Finish with 3 drops of olive oil on top and decorate with a mint leaf.

Tiger Lily

Image HERE

  • 1.5 oz Mezcal Ojo de Tigre
  • 1.5 oz Pineapple Juice
  • 2 oz Ginger Beer

Method: Build all ingredients over ice in a Highball Glass. Garnish with a pineapple slice or lime.

Amethyst

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Mezcal Ojo de Tigre
  • .5 oz Lime Juice
  • ¾ oz hibiscus syrup
  • 2 oz ginger beer or ale

Method: Combine all ingredients and shake well. Strain and top with ginger beer. 

The New Irish Whiskey Disruptor: Introducing The Busker

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Busker Irish Whiskey is proud to announce the U.S. launch of their innovative line of Irish Whiskeys, an adventurous and modern take on the category. While The Busker honors its Irish heritage, it encourages consumers to go beyond the limitations and lines of history with its four new Irish Whiskeys, including a Single Grain, Single Pot Still, Single Malt and Triple Cask Triple Smooth Blend. The Busker is perfect for urban wanderers, for those who are flavor-curious, eager for inspiration and a quality Irish whiskey like no other. It sides with innovation way beyond its production process; it reimagines a new generation of American whiskey drinkers.

Carefully crafting an independent path to an authentic and high-quality Irish whiskey, The Busker balances tradition with innovative and modern techniques. The Busker uses different casks during the maturation process including bourbon casks, sherry casks, and marsala casks. A major point of differentiation for The Busker takes place during the aging process where the blend, Triple Cask Triple Smooth, and Single Grain expressions mature in rare hand selected Sicilian Marsala wine casks from Cantine Florio (1833), one of the oldest wineries of the south of Italy.

“We take the rich history and heritage of Irish distillation and combine it with innovation and creativity at our state-of-the-art Royal Oak Distillery,” says Woody Kane, Royal Oak Distillery Ambassador. “Not only is The Busker offering a beautiful range of whiskeys with fantastic quality that we stand behind, we are adding a product unlike anything else to the marketplace. The Busker is a great whiskey to drink with friends while we come together and share our stories.”

The Busker includes all four types of Irish whiskeys (Single Grain, Single Pot Still, Single Malt and Blend), all produced under one roof at the world-class Royal Oak Distillery. The Distillery is proudly located on an 18th century estate in the Ancient East region in County Carlow:

The Busker Blend – Triple Cask Triple Smooth combines the Single Grain with a high percentage of the Single Malt and Single Pot whiskeys. Matured and finished in three different casks (Bourbon, Sherry, Marsala), this whiskey brings a new meaning of smoothness to Irish Whiskey. The Busker Single Collection is represented by the three traditional Irish Whiskeys (Single Grain, Single Pot Still and Single Malt). Each whiskey boasts an unmistakable taste profile, with nuances ranging from vanilla and oak, to rich spicy notes.

Looking to challenge the historically traditional muted and dark tones of the Irish Whiskey category, The Busker leverages the power of its bright and bold packaging to inject modernity and disrupt old world expressions. User-friendly and easy to hold, the bottle’s packaging showcases a simple, sleek screen print design. With large fonts and pops of color, the aesthetically ripped label elicits a boldness and ruggedness intriguing to all whiskey drinkers.

To enjoy the full Irish Whiskey experience, The Busker Blend – Triple Cask Triple Smooth’s suggested retail price is $24.99 and the Single Grain, Single Malt and Single Pot Still suggested retail prices are $29.99. The Busker is available nationwide and online. Ask your closest retailer and visit our website http://www.TheBusker.com.

About The Busker

The Busker is a “new to world” Irish Whiskey that is born out of a modern Ireland, where the contemporary and bold meet at the crossroads of tradition. The Busker is produced at the Royal Oak Distillery, in County Carlow, Ireland, located on an 18th century estate in Ireland’s Ancient East region. It is the only distillery in Ireland which offers all three classic Irish styles of whiskey – Single Grain, Single Malt & Single Pot Still, which make The Busker Single Collection. The Busker portfolio also includes The Busker Blend which is a beautiful blend of The Single Collection. The Busker uses different casks during the maturation process of their whiskeys including Bourbon casks, Sherry casks and Marsala casks.

Gear up for the Holidays with stunning at-home cocktail creations from Empress 1908 Gin

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This Holiday season, discover a new multi-sensory cocktail experience with Empress 1908’s delicious, all-natural gin. Handcrafted in small batch copper-pot stills, Empress 1908 is a collaboration between Victoria Distillers and the legendary Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia. Their gin pays homage to the Empress’ regal afternoon tea service, coupling the hotel’s signature black tea blend with carefully sourced botanicals in its recipe. The result is a spirit with a modern flavour profile that is at once lively, delicate, and opulent. Whether you’re looking for last minute gifts or a bold new way to enjoy Holiday-inspired cocktails, Empress 1908’s premium gin will elevate any Holiday celebration.

On top of traditional gin botanicals and Empress Blend tea, Empress 1908 adds grapefruit peel, ginger root, and cinnamon bark to their gin, lending it unique bright and peppery notes. Perhaps the most unusual botanical of all, butterfly pea blossom is also added to balance the gin’s citrus notes with a warm herbal earthiness and soft texture, and provide it with a lush natural indigo colour that transforms depending on the mixer. A twist on tradition, Empress 1908’s creative combination of botanicals, exquisite taste, and remarkable presentation provide the perfect base for a new aesthetic of Holiday cocktail creation.

Since it’s establishment in 2017, Empress 1908 has made a big splash in the world of spirits. It comes as no surprise that their award-winning gin has received praise on the local, national, and international stage, including but not limited to: The Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition, The Fairplex Los Angeles International Spirits Competition, The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, The World Gin Awards, The New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, and The World Beverage innovation Awards.

This Holiday season, we invite you to join the Empress 1908 story by creating— or simply enjoying— a new aesthetic of irresistible Holiday cocktails. Spice up the generic French 75 (or any other gin cocktail!) with Empress 1908’s exquisite taste, delicate aroma, soft texture, and remarkable presentation. The moment of creation is at hand.

Empress 1908’s Holiday favourites:

Cranberry 75
The perfect signature drink for your Holiday celebration! Sweet and tart, the Cranberry 75 is a festive spin on a classic.

1.5oz Empress 1908 Gin

0.5oz Lemon Juice

0.5oz Cranberry Juice

0.5oz Simple Syrup

Sparkling Wine (to top)

Garnish: Cranberries

Method: Shake on ice, fine strain into a chilled flute, top with sparkling wine. Garnish with cranberries

 

Cinnamon 75
Sugar, spice and everything nice! The Cinnamon 75 will be an instant Holiday hit.

1.5oz Empress 1908 Gin

0.75oz Lemon Juice

0.5oz Cinnamon Syrup

0.25oz Maple Syrup

Sparkling Wine (to top)

Garnish: Cinnamon

Method: Shake on ice, fine strain into a chilled flute, top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
For the syrup: Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer with cinnamon sticks (approximately 2-3 per 1 cup of water) for about 15 minutes, or until the desired flavour is reached. Strain, and cool. Store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 1-2 weeks.

 

Rosemary 75
Light and cheery, the Rosemary 75 is your new go-to Holiday cocktail.

1.5oz Empress 1908 Gin

0.75oz Lemon Juice

0.5oz Rosemary Syrup

Sparkling Wine (to top)

Garnish: Rosemary Syrup & Pomegranate Seeds

Method: Shake on ice, fine strain into a chilled flute, top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and pomegranate seeds.

For the syrup: Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer with rosemary sprigs (approximately 3-4 per 1 cup of water) for about 15 minutes, or until the desired flavour is reached. Strain, and cool. Store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 1-2 weeks.

About: Handcrafted in small batch copper-pot stills, Empress 1908 Gin is a collaboration between Victoria Distillers and the legendary Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia. On top of traditional botanicals, Empress 1908 adds a signature blend of black tea served at the Empress Hotel, as well as butterfly pea blossom, an exotic herb that lends the gin a warm herbal earthiness and natural indigo colour. Empress 1908’s exquisite taste, delicate aroma, soft texture, and remarkable presentation set it apart from traditional spirits, and provide the perfect base for a new multi-sensory cocktail experience.

Empress 1908 Gin is a remarkable spirit that could have only been created in the city of Victoria, on beautiful Vancouver Island, where rugged mountains meet the beautiful Pacific Coast. It is a place where tradition is honoured, nature is revered, and artistic expression drives innovation. Perched on the edge of the continent, Empress 1908 is inspired and guided by the natural world. They embrace the wild, and respect both the saltwater that surrounds them and the pristine fresh water used in their gin. Empress 1908’s commitment to nature extends beyond the product to include sustainable production practices, including a geothermal cooling system used in their distillery. Empress 1908 is proud to be paving the way in sustainable spirits.

Empress 1908 Gin is now available for purchase in select liquor stores across Canada and the USA, and can be purchased online and shipped across North America.

The Busker, a Contemporary, Adventurous and Bold Irish Whiskey Launches in the U.S. Market

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Busker is proud to announce the launch of their “new to world” innovative Irish Whiskey in the U.S. market. The Busker is born out of a modern Ireland, where the contemporary and bold meet at the crossroads of tradition. Disrupting the Irish Whiskey landscape, The Busker is a revamped and adventurous look into the category.

Photo from westmeathwhiskeyworld website.

The Busker includes all four types of Irish whiskeys (Single Grain, Single Pot Still, Single Malt and Blend). The Busker Blend – Triple Cask Triple Smooth – combines the Single Grain with a high percentage of the Single Malt and Single Pot whiskeys. Matured and finished in three different casks (Bourbon, Sherry, Marsala), this whiskey brings a new meaning of smoothness in the Irish Whiskey. The Busker Single Collection, represented by the three traditional Irish Whiskeys (Single Grain, Single Pot Still and Single Malt), is produced under one roof at the world-class Royal Oak Distillery. The Distillery is proudly located on an 18th century estate in the Ancient East region at County Carlow. Each whiskey boasts an unmistakable taste profile, with nuances ranging from vanilla and oak, to rich spicy notes.

User-friendly and easy to hold, the bottles packaging showcases a simple, sleek screen print design. The aesthetically ripped label elicits a boldness and ruggedness intriguing to all whiskey drinkers.

“We aim to disrupt the Irish Whiskey category by attracting new and authenticity-seeking consumers to the brand”, says Ray Stoughton, Executive Vice President of Disaronno International LLC, The Busker’s parent company. “While we honor the rich Irish heritage and whiskey-making traditions to produce superb liquid, we go beyond the limitations and lines of history to create our own story. The American consumers are thirsty for something that’s exciting and innovative, and The Busker delivers just that.”

A major point of differentiation for The Busker takes place during the aging process where the blend Triple Cask Triple Smooth and Single Grain expressions mature in authentic, Cantine Florio (1833) Sicilian Marsala wine casks.

The Busker sides with innovation way beyond its production process; it reimagines a new generation of American whiskey drinkers. The Busker blend suggested retail price is $24.99 and for Single Grain, Single Malt and Single Pot Still is $29.99 to enjoy the full Irish Whiskey experience. The Busker will be available nationwide.

About The Busker
The Busker is a “new to world” Irish Whiskey that is born out of a modern Ireland, where the contemporary and bold meet at the crossroads of tradition. The Busker collection includes all four types of Irish whiskeys (Single Grain, Single Pot Still, Single Malt and Blend). The Busker is produced at the Royal Oak Distillery, in County Carlow Ireland, located on an 18th century estate in Ireland’s Ancient East region. The Royal Oak Distillery is the only distillery in Ireland which offers to a unique Brand all three classic Irish styles of whiskey – Single Grain, Single Malt & Single Pot Still. The Busker uses different casks during the maturation process of their whiskeys including Bourbon casks, Sherry casks, and Marsala casks.

Cognac Lesson, Tasting and Pairing Too! Oh My!

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Tickled to have had an opportunity to learn about Cognac from one of my peers in our #LAWineWriters group, Irina Ponomarenko, at our favorite spot in LA for pairings, Napa Valley Grille in Westwood. This was the invite:

This table was special for me as my friends Eric, Terry, Gail, Rebecca, Steve and the one and only Louise joined us for the day!

Join us for a luncheon at Napa Valley Grille with Cognac Educator Irina Ponomarenko. Cognac, the most revered brandy in the world, is an expression of the distinct climate, soils, history and culture of the region where it is grown. We will taste several spirits that illustrate the diversity of Cognac’s terroirs and styles, as well as its versatility in food pairing.

Learning from Irina

Yes, Cognac is a city in France. They produce 10% of the French vineyard area.

The land is mild, no real elevations, by the sea, very green and gets enough rainfall. The key is their limestone-rich soils, known as the “Cognac terroir.”

Regarding the Cognac symbols on the bottle regarding their aging: V.S. (very special) is the youngest blend of at least two years old, V.S.O.P (Very Special Old Pale) is at least four years old, Napoleon is at least six years old and X.O. is 10 years old.

Champagne vs. Cognac Champagne: While the town of Champagne, France, produces Champagne, the word in itself means chalky soil, something Champagne has in common with Cognac. To further clarify, in 2008 Dr. Vinny in Wine Spectator wrote: Cognac is a brandy made mostly from Ugni Blanc grapes. Champagne is made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes. Cognac is made in a region called Cognac, and Champagne is made in a region called Champagne. But then it gets a little confusing, because there is something called “fine Champagne” Cognac. Within Cognac are six growing regions, including two named Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. Turns out that “Champagne” is a way to reference “chalky soils” in France, so there are several areas in France that have “Champagne” in their names. So, if a Cognac comes from Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, it can be called “fine Champagne Cognac.”

We don’t warm cognac in a big snifter anymore. We don’t just enjoy after dinner as a digestif either. Cognac comes in many styles all of which lend themselves to be stored in the freezer and served chilled. Irina explained that unless your home is as cold as a French castle, it’s not room temperature for Cognac. She said the best temperature for serving Cognac is 60-65 degrees.

The Charentaise method for distillation is a double distillation process, using small copper pot stills in comparison with the stills used in Scotland for whisky. Read more here.

The color of the spirit is not a good indication of its age. Color is allowed to be added. In fact the Asian market prefers it more caramel colored and special blends are made for their use.

Three quarters of all V.S. is used in cocktails. Angel’s share (evaporation) is about two percent.

Napa Valley Grille Pairing Menu and Sample Cognacs

Starter/palate cleanser: Kenwood NV “Yalupa” sparkling wine with notes of apple and pear that all enjoyed.

Smoked Salmon Salad (beets, orange and greens)

Camus Ile-de-Re Fine Island Cognac

Loved the smoked salmon with this Cognac that had been grown and matured on the Ile-de-Re Island. While Irina prompted us to find Iodine notes, I did detect some salinity and less sweetness than I would normally have associated with Cognac. This was my first to taste, it also ended up being my favorite in the lineup.

De Luze VSOP, Fine Champagne

Brian Cousins, the GM at Napa Valley Grille, had thought this Cognac would do well with the beets in the salad, and he was right, it also paired nicely with the orange slices. There was a slight sweetness to the Cognac that was slightly amplified by the orange.

Mini Grilled Soft Cheese and Prosciutto (Triple Cream Brie, mushroom)

D’Usse VSOP

The grilled cheese sandwich was a genius pairing for this VSOP Cognac! Who knew? The notes of brown butter, caramel and kernel made the sandwich a little sweeter…and yummier in my opinion.

Pierre Ferrand Reserve Double Cask, Banyuls cask finish, Grande Champagne

This Cognac reminded me of botrytis grapes due to a bit of a honeyed-sweetness, toast, butter and the rich mouthfeel.

Duck rillettes with plum jam on sourdough crostini (I wasn’t a fan of the gamey fatty dish but many loved it and felt it was an inspired pairing for Cognac.)

Hine Homage to Thomas Hine, Grande Champagne

This Cognac had been matured in Bristol, England, and had notes of orange zest, other citrus, a long finish and almost like a scotch whisky to me. Excellent just to sip.

Deau XO

This was my second favorite Cognac in the tasting with notes of honey, orange and spice.

Pork loin, house made Mole sauce, chickpea salsa, cilantro

Camus Borderies XO

I believe that this course was everyone’s favorite; from the flavorful mole sauce down to the pork, our plates were cleaned. The Cognac had notes of leather, dried citrus, honey, botrytis and cream with a huge mouthfeel – both sweet and creamy.

Flourless chocolate cake

Courvoisier Napoleon, Fine Champagne, 1980s bottling

Notes of orange, citrus, cream and caramel on the nose and on the palate. Irina said this Cognac was the “Quintessential after dinner drink” and one guest commented that the drink “is the dessert.” I was happy for both. An excellent finish – chocolate + Cognac – to an excellent lesson and pairing.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Nevada’s Bently Heritage Estate Distillery Tasting Room Opens to the Public

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MINDEN, Nev., – PRNewswire – The Bently Heritage tasting room opened to the public on February 9, 2019. Tours are offered through the reservation system at bentlyheritage.com. The cost of a tour is $20; tastings are $10. The tasting room hours of operation will be from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Thursdays, from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sundays. Tours will generally run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The distillery’s home, which is currently pursuing LEED Gold certification, was the site of the century-old and historic Minden Flour Mill, a local landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Owners Christopher and Camille Bently have lovingly restored the historic building to state-of-the art standards, creating an important landmark which will be a source of pride for Minden, Carson Valley, and all of Nevada.

Bently Heritage Estate Distillery uses 100% of its grains from those grown on the operation at the Bently Ranch. Winter rye, oats, wheat, corn, and barley are milled on-site and malted in-house on the malting floor. The distillery’s Mill Building creates single malt whisky using handmade Forsyths pot stills that were imported from Scotland. The distillery’s Creamery Building distills vodka and gin, using carl pot stills imported from Germany. Bently Heritage has also begun the process of oak barrel aging their single malt, bourbon, and rye for future releases.
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Three spirit offerings are included in the first Bently Heritage release: Source One Single Estate Vodka, Source One Vodka Rested in Oak Sherry Casks, and Juniper Grove American Dry Gin.
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 All products are sold in 750ml bottles for between $32 and $40. Bently Heritage whiskies are currently aging in barrels and will be available in the future.

You can visit Bently Heritage, L.L.C. at 1601 Water St., Minden, Nevada 89423, or find us online at bentlyheritage.com.

About Bently Heritage
Bently Heritage Estate Distillery creates ultra-premium spirits from grains that have been grown on the Bently Ranch here in Minden, Nevada. Our products elevate the connoisseur’s passion for luxury spirits, creating an experience that will be treasured for generations to come.

Purple Wine + Spirits Launches Redwood Empire American Whiskey

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Sonoma County, CA (PRWEB) – Purple Wine + Spirits, parent company to Sonoma County’s Graton Distilling Company (GDC), has announced the inaugural release of its Redwood Empire American Whiskey. Distinguishing itself from other whiskeys on the market today, Redwood Empire’s proprietary blend of house-distilled and port barrel-rested rye whiskeys includes mature stocks of four, five and eleven-year-old bourbon aged in classic, high-toast American oak casks. Rye-forward and 90-proof, its full body is complimented by subtle, spicy notes and an indulgent vanilla-caramel finish.

GDC-logo_black“With Redwood Empire, we set out to create a whiskey that was a true reflection of the spirit and landscape of our Northern California home – rugged, pioneering and adventurous but also aesthetically beautiful,” says GDC Distiller, Jeff Duckhorn. “Our ability to source and distill exceptional ryes and bourbons – and age them in a way that marries tradition with innovation – makes our proprietary blend a one-of-a-kind sipping and cocktailing experience unlike any other whiskey on the market today.”

Redwood Empire Whiskey began to hit store shelves in major metropolitan markets this past September for a suggested retail price of $45. It is the second craft spirit launched by GDC, whose D. George Benham’s Sonoma Dry Gin, launched nationally earlier this year to much critical acclaim. The stand-alone distillery, located on the site of a former apple processing plant, features a custom-built, micro-column still and is dedicated to producing carefully crafted spirits inspired by the artistry, local flavor and rugged beauty of Northern California.

ABOUT PURPLE WINE + SPIRITS

Founded by Derek Benham in 2001, Purple Wine + Spirits is dedicated to creating extraordinary wine and distilled spirits experiences including nationally branded, custom and private label wines for major U.S. and International retailers and restaurateurs. In 2015, Benham added a distillery to Purple Wine + Spirits main production facility based in the west Sonoma County town of Graton, and Graton Distilling Company was born. For more information about Purple Wine + Spirits, Graton Distilling Company or Redwood Empire American Whiskey, please visit our websites: purplewinespirits.com, gratondistilling.com, and redwoodempirewhiskey.com

Get a Broom! Global Spirits Brands Sweep Up the Gold at the LA International Spirits Competition

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Los Angeles, CA – Global Spirits US, a privately held, international manufacturer and marketer of wines and spirits, received numerous Gold Medals at the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition [LAISC]. Winning products include Odessa V.S.O.P. Brandy, LEAF Organic Vodka Made With Alaskan Glacial Water, and Khortytsa Platinum and Ice Vodkas. Both Odessa V.S.O.P. Brandy and Khortytsa Platinum Vodka won “Best in Category.”

Since introducing a spirits category in 2007, the LAISC has set the standard for judging distilled beverages. An esteemed panel of 20 judges used a blind-tasting method to award medals to the best spirits from around the world. This year’s competition received 392 Spirits entries from 146 producers in 31 different countries.

“This represents a bi-coastal win for us, and follows Gold awards from the NY International Spirits Competition earlier this month,” notes Global Spirits CEO Max Dubossarsky. “Since we introduced the brands here in the US, we’ve consistently captured the gold in numerous competitions.”

Gold winning Khortytsa (commonly referred to as KHOR in the USA) Platinum and Ice Vodkas are produced at Ukraine’s famed Khortytsa Distillery, which is among the world’s best distilleries. The brand is named for Khortytsa Island, which is known as “the heart of Ukraine.” This ancient island’s history dates back thousands of years, to the very roots of civilization. It is considered a sacred place, and is one of the country’s seven wonders.

Built in 2003, the Khortytsa Distillery is among the world’s finest distilleries. It uses a local organic filter containing schungite (a unique natural mineral) which allows it to get as close as possible to the structure of natural water.  The filtration process is further enhanced with special birch and alder-tree charcoal and quartz sand.

Gold winner Khortytsa Platinum is the most popular item in the line Khortytsa line and retails for $14.99 per 750-mL.  Khortytsa Ice, with a bottle color that changes when chilled, retails for $14.99 per 750-mL.

leaf vodkaLEAF Organic Vodkas are sourced from unique waters around the country. The Gold winning variety is made from Alaskan Glacial water, which lends a pure, smooth taste with a hint of sweetness. The water source gives LEAF Vodka its signature taste. (My review March 2017 of LEAF vodkas can be read here.)

With a recommended shelf price of $18.99 for 750-mL—and Certified USDA Organic — LEAF Vodka is well positioned within the dynamic and growing vodka category.

Odessa V.S.O.P. Brandy is produced at Ukraine’s famed Shustov Distillery from spirits distilled from white grape varietals including Rkatsiteli, Aligoté and Pinot varieties. The Rkatsiteli is an ancient pale-skinned grape variety from the Republic of Georgia – one of the oldest (if not the oldest) wine-producing regions on earth. Aligoté is a white grape used to make dry white wines in the Burgundy region of France, but it is also cultivated in many Eastern Europe countries.

Odessa is distilled using the traditional French “Charentais” – or double fractional distillation – in copper pot stills.  The heart of the distillate is then carefully selected to be bottled and aged, enhancing the delicate and refined aroma that is the signature of its white grape varietals.  The spirit then ages in oak barrels for at least five years.

The resulting brandy is world class.  Notes of oriental spices and citrus fruit dominate the first nose, while the second follows with hints of raisins and tones of maturity.  The taste carries honey and nutty overtones, while the creamy caramel finish is long and smooth.  It’s a brandy to be savored.

Odessa V.S.O.P. Brandy available in 750-mL and 100-mL sizes, the product carries a suggested retail price of $10.99 or $1.99 respectively.

About Global Spirits USA

A Fortune 500 Company in Europe, Global Spirits was established in 2008 and has offices in New York, Moscow and Kiev, employing over 5,000 people. The company’s annual volume exceeds 10 million cases, with distribution in over 80 countries.   Global Spirits USA markets and distributes strategic brands including: Khortytsa Vodka (3rd largest selling international vodka brand*), LEAF Organic Vodka, and Odessa V.S.O.P. Brandy.