Remy Martin XO
Remy XO
Home Office
Sunday May 15th, 2011
With the rainy and gloomy weather we've had last week, especially Sunday when it came down to evening movies and pizza I only had one thing on my mind to accompany as a drink: something that is exceptionally smooth, with warm flavors and a remarkable taste that makes me literally step back and say "WOW" every time I have it..... Remy XO.
5,562(ish) miles from my home in Denver lies the House of Remy Martin, one of the most revered and well-known Cognac producers in the world. With their portfolio ranging from the superb VSOP ($43.99), to the much read about Louis xiii Black Pearl (ranging from $35,000 to $100,000), they have been undoubtedly named the king of Cognac. Out of the entire lineup which I have had the extreme pleasure of tasting, my favorite is the XO. To me the XO displays all the qualities of Remy without the overpowering oak tones that come with extended aging. The blend of 85% Grand Champagne/ 15% Petite Champagne displays a beautiful mahogany color in the glass with floral tones and vanilla on the nose. The drink is made with some of the finest grapes in the world lain to rest in Limousin oak for 10 to close to 40years yielding a massive palate of flavor that lasts at least 20minutes after you sip. My favorite part about this particular Cognac is the balance: you get floral tones and fruits you would expect from a younger Cognac, as well as the heavier tones found in aged Cognacs, this is a unique balance to find.
So if you're a purveyor of Cognac, or even if you've never had one, if you get the opportunity or even feel like splurging a little for a birthday or holiday, try Remy XO, you will not be disappointed.
cheers,
Casey Capper
Posted by Mark Fetter on May 16th, 2011 | Permalink
American Harvest
New Spirit: American Harvest
Home Office
Monday May 2nd, 2011
Hailing from the farmlands of Rigby, Idaho American Harvest is the newest 100% Organic, small batch/hand-crafted spirit to hit the market just in time for clear spirits to make their staple appearance in summertime cocktails. With plenty of items already on the shelves claiming similar statements (organic, small batch, vegan friendly..) I was curious as to what exactly would make American Harvest a stand out product...
The package is bold and eye-catching: a tall, pronounced bottle with sky-blue accents on the shoulders draw your eye to the text of the bottle which is simplistic and well placed, making it easy to spot, and easy to remember. The nose is elegant and clean with mild tones of crisp grain and bready yeast with no overwhelming presence of alcohol. Leading the drink is a silky mouth feel that glides across your palate leaving hints of mineral and straw while the finish is clean with unique flavors ranging from toasted oat to lemon zest/cracked pepper.
Attributing to the quality of the spirit is the nature of production: 100% Organic wheat married with pure, crisp water from the Snake River creates characteristics in American Harvest that are not found in any other product on the market. Not stopping at just a quality product, American Harvest Also utilizes local Wind Generators to support sustainable agriculture, using spent materials from distillation for cattle feed, and by using 100% recyclable bottles designed with organic inks and a water-soluble varnish. A clean, unique spirit on its own but when mixed into some signature cocktails, the flavors are outstanding.
Harvest on the rocks- American Harvest on the rocks with a lemon garnish
S southern Harvest- 2oz American Harvest
1.5oz grapefruit juice
splash of grenadine
Local Harvest- 2oz American Harvest
4 fresh Basil leaves
3 lime wedges
3 cucumber slices
1/2 oz of agave nectar
cheers,
Casey Capper
Posted by Mark Fetter on May 3rd, 2011 | Permalink
