Archive for the ‘New Spirits’ tag
ROOT – First American Liqueur Since Pre-Prohibition
Art in the Age Creates the First Truly American Liqueur Since Pre-Prohibition Era
Announcing ROOT, a 100% USDA Certified Organic Spirit
Philadelphia, PA- The creators of the wildly successful Sailor Jerry Rum and Hendrick’s Gin, have developed a new certified 100% organic spirit, for the Art in the Age brand, dubbed ROOT. This spirit is incomparable to anything on the market today, and is the first true American Liqueur in nearly 100 years.
Lively, and rose gold in color, this rustic spirit has a full, rich smoky flavor, inspired by an 18th century Pennsylvania folk recipe, which eventually evolved into Birch or Root Beer. The recipe stems from Root Tea, which goes back to the 1700s, when Native Americans taught the recipe to settlers. Over generations, Root Tea grew in potency, particularly in Pennsylvania, where the ingredients grew in abundance. During the Temperance Movement, a Philadelphia pharmacist removed the alcohol and ironically rechristened it Root Beer. This is our creation of a genuine potent, Root Tea.
ROOT is a certified organic spirit made with North American herbs and pure cane sugar. All botanicals are painstakingly selected and tested for purity. Using all natural, organic ingredients, like anise, birch bark, cloves and cardamom, with hints of spearmint and citrus, the liquor is distilled in limited batches to ensure maximum quality.
· ROOT cocktail recipes; Rootini, ROOT N’ Ginger & a ROOT Rusty Nail variation on the classic Rusty Nail found here: ROOT organic spirit cocktail recipes
ROOT is very aromatic in the glass, with a delightfully rich bouquet of birch, smoke, baking spices, and vanilla. While incredibly unique in flavor, it is clean on the palate with strong notes of birch, peppery herbaceousness, spices, citrus and vanilla bean. ROOT finishes medium dry and exceptionally full-bodied, with aromatic properties of spices lingering long after the last precious sips.
A truly original spirit with a strong enough backbone to hold up in cocktail, ROOT is a classic, but like nothing else. ROOT is best enjoyed neat, or artfully mixed with white spirits, scotch or a dark beer, to enhance the naturally complex flavors.
Art in the Age’s ROOT signifies a return to creativity and quality in spirits production. Unlike anything else on the market today, ROOT is the first true American liqueur since the Volstead Act.
Art in the Age’s ROOT is a 100% certified organic spirit of 80 proof and available to the conscious consumer for $32.99 per bottle at the Pennsylvania Wine & Spirits Shoppes or at your local esteemed watering hole.
In addition, ROOT is now available for purchase online in 28 states at www.hitimewine.net.
For more information on this audaciously original spirit, visit www.artintheage.com
About Art in the Age
Founded in 2006, Art In The Age of Mechanical Reproduction is an artist collective, based in Philadelphia that takes its name from Walter Benjamin’s landmark 1935 essay.
We firmly believe in empowering artists producing high quality work marked by fine craft and intellectual rigor. We do so by applying the fruits of such labors to the cultural forms of everyday life, granting those who wish to engage the opportunity to do so in his/her own environment. Rather than exist at unnerving distance in the white cube of the gallery space, we weave our offerings into the collective surface of myriad personal contexts.
In this troubling epoch of industrial commoditization, standardization of reproduction, and fomentation of a society of shallow spectacle, Art In The Age issues a challenge and rally cry. We fight fire with fire, subsuming the onslaught of watered down facsimiles and inaccessible displays with thought-provoking products of real cultural capital. Art in the Age is the unity of art, craft, design and contemplation.
The Art in the Age flagship store and gallery is located at 116 N. 3rd Street in Philadelphia. For more information please visit www.artintheage.com.
Seven Tiki Spiced Rum Launches in U.S.
SEVEN TIKI(R) Takes Spiced Rum Into Uncharted Waters of Bountiful Flavor and Smoothness
Premium Fijian Rum with Spices and Natural Flavors Launches in United States with roll-out in California and Florida
MIAMI, June 8 /PRNewswire/ – From the South Pacific comes SEVEN TIKI(R) Spiced Rum, a Fijian rum with spices and other natural flavors. This premium spiced rum is made from the molasses of choice Polynesian sugar cane, exotic spices and virgin water drawn from deep beneath the Fiji’s volcanic highlands.
The result is a 35 percent alcohol by volume (70 proof) rum that is remarkably smooth with the robust flavor of fresh sugar cane, Polynesian fruit, coffee and hints of cherry and chocolate accompanied by an aroma of vanilla and light creme caramel with a medium-bodied, well-rounded mouth feel.
The craft and spirit behind SEVEN TIKI is rooted in the tradition and adventure of South Pacific legend, which tells of Polynesian navigators, known as The Great Fleet, who set out from their homeland of Hawaiki in search of the land of the long white cloud, Aotearoa. These brave navigators carved a ‘Tiki’ into the helm of each of seven outrigger canoes (or wakas) so “it should always cast a shadow to the East or West and keep the voyage true.” These Tikis represented seven skills and qualities they would need to complete their journey across the open sea. SEVEN TIKI is crafted in honor of these legendary gods and intrepid navigators.
“SEVEN TIKI is a premium alternative to common, mass-produced spiced rums,” said Brian LePorin, senior brand manager, SEVEN TIKI. “SEVEN TIKI has already won accolades for its outstanding flavor and smoothness derived from superior ingredients: molasses from fine Polynesian sugar cane, sun baked Indonesian nutmeg, Madagascar vanilla beans and untouched Fijian water,” added LePorin. “Spiced rum consumers who want to elevate and enhance their cocktails will find SEVEN TIKI Spiced Rum exceptional.”
SEVEN TIKI has already drawn praise within the industry, earning a Gold Medal among 14 entries in the flavored and spiced rum category at the 2009 Ministry of Rum Tasting Competition held in May in Miami, Fla. It is now available in fine restaurants, nightclubs and wine and spirits stores in California and Florida and sells for a suggested retail price of $19.99 for a 750ml bottle.
Select SEVEN TIKI Cocktails
SEVEN TIKI & Coke
1 part SEVEN TIKI Spiced Rum
3 parts Coca-Cola(R)
Prepare in an ice-filled old fashioned glass. Garnish with orange peel.
SPICY MANGO TIKI
1-1/2 oz SEVEN TIKI
Spiced Rum 2 oz mango nectar
1/2 oz Monin spicy mango syrup
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
Shake with ice. Strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
SEVEN TIKI and Ginger
1 part SEVEN TIKI Spiced Rum
1/2 part Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur
1 part fresh lemon juice
1/2 part honey Ginger ale
In a tall glass add lemon juice and honey and stir. Add ice, SEVEN TIKI and Domaine de Canton and stir. Garnish with piece of crystallized ginger and lemon wedge.
About SEVEN TIKI
SEVEN TIKI is Fijian rum with spices and other natural flavors made from the finest Polynesian sugar cane, mellow spices and pure, untouched water to produce a full-bodied, yet smooth premium rum. SEVEN TIKI is crafted and aged in honor of brave Polynesian travelers who navigated the South Pacific guided on their voyages by seven Tikis carved at the helm of their canoes. For additional information about SEVEN TIKI visit www.SEVENTIKI.com.
SEVEN TIKI Spiced Rum. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY.
(R)2009 Seven Tiki and the Seven Tiki Logo are Trademarks and/or registered trademarks.
Imported by Seven Tiki Imports, Miami, FL.
Fijian Rum with Spices and Other Natural Flavors. 35% Alc by Vol.
Joe Gerbino for SEVEN TIKI
+1-305-573-8600 x.1421,
Jim Beam & Kid Rock Partner as Red Stag by Jim Beam Launches
JIM BEAM™ PARTNERS WITH KID ROCK AND HIS 2009 ROCK N’ REBELS TOUR TO LAUNCH RED STAG BY JIM BEAM
“A Different Breed of Bourbon” Joins Forces With a Different Breed of Rock Star to Support America’s Military
Deerfield, Ill. – May 27, 2009 – Red Stag by Jim Beam™, the all-new cherry-infused offspring of the world’s No. 1 selling Bourbon announced today that it will partner with multi-platinum superstar, Kid Rock, as the headline sponsor of Kid Rock’s 2009 Rock N’ Rebels Tour, which will hit 25 cities across North America this Summer. Fifty cents from every ticket sold for Kid Rock’s upcoming concert tour will be donated to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization that provides assistance to America’s military veterans returning home to their families
Kid Rock will kick off the Red Stag by Jim Beam™ partnership on June 14, when the Detroit native will serve as Grand Marshal of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ LifeLock 400 race at Michigan International Speedway. Through their support of Operation Homefront, Red Stag and Kid Rock will help fund emergency aid, moving assistance, computer programs and care packages in local chapters throughout the country.
Red Stag by Jim Beam is scheduled to launch in June and is the latest innovation from Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc. [Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO)]. “Kid Rock’s unique style and music set him apart from other artists,” said Kelly Doss, senior director of Bourbon and Whiskeys, Beam Global. “He’s a longtime Jim Beam fan who puts on an amazing show. And like Jim Beam, he’s an avid supporter of the U.S. military. A different breed of Bourbon and a different breed of rock star – there’s no better match.”
The Rock N’ Rebels Tour is scheduled to kick off June 26 in West Palm Beach, FL. Throughout the summer (and where legal), Red Stag by Jim Beam™ will be offering legal purchase age consumers in select markets access to download a free, exclusive Kid Rock download, as well as opportunities for VIP passes, access to post-show meet-and-greets, and Red Stag by Jim Beam™ merchandise.
“I’ve been drinking Jim Beam and singing about it my whole career, so when they approached us it was a no-brainer,” said Kid Rock. “Add the support we’ll be giving to Operation Homefront and everybody wins.”
“Call of the Wild” Sweepstakes
Red Stag By Jim Beam will also give consumers a chance to enter the “Call of the Wild” sweepstakes, which will grant one winner and three friends an all-access weekend to see Kid Rock perform live in Las Vegas, among other prizes. The sweepstakes runs from July 6, 2009 to August 31, 2009 and will be available through mobile text messaging (SMS) as well as online at www.TheRedStag.com. Entry into the sweepstakes can also be found at www.jimbeam.com, as well as on Facebook through the Red Stag and Jim Beam fan pages. Additional sweepstakes details are below.
Red Stag by Jim Beam™
Red Stag by Jim Beam™ uses an artisanal infusion process to combine four-year-old Jim Beam® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with natural black cherry flavors. Those who are new to Bourbon will welcome the superior mixing potential and subtle sweetness, while experienced Bourbon drinkers will appreciate the distinctive aroma, smooth taste and warm finish they’ve come to expect from Jim Beam® Bourbon.
Available in 50mL, 750mL and 1L bottles, Red Stag by Jim Beam™ will hit shelves in June. More information is available at www.TheRedStag.com.
About Kid Rock
Kid Rock is an American rock star who has sold over 25 million albums around the world. His current album, “Rock ‘N Roll Jesus” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and has reached multi-platinum status, selling in excess of 4 million copies Worldwide, and is being accompanied by sold-out worldwide touring. In addition to his musical activities, Kid Rock has become one of the countries most vocal supporters of US Military personnel serving overseas, making countless trips to provide entertainment and support. More information on Kid Rock can be found at www.kidrock.com.
About Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront® provides emergency and morale assistance for our troops, the families they leave behind and to wounded warriors when they return home. A nonprofit 501(c)(3), Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers in 30 chapters nationwide, and has provided critical assistance to more than 45,000 military families in need. Operation Homefront also hosts the Web community Operation Homefront Online. For more information, please visit www.operationhomefront.net and www.homefrontonline.com.
About Beam Global Spirits & Wine
Inspiring conversations around the world, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. is building brands people want to talk about. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Cruzan® Rum, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, Teacher’s® Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs and Knob Creek® Bourbon. Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company recently named one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune magazine. For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com
About “Call of the Wild” Sweepstakes
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be a legal resident of the 50 United States or D.C. (except CA) and 21 years of age or older to participate. Void where prohibited. Subject to complete official rules, available at www.theredstag.com. Sweepstakes begins on July 6, 2009 at 12:00:01 a.m. EDT and ends on August 31, 2009 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT. Text RS and your email address to short code 73637 or go to www.theredstag.com to enter online. Standard text messaging rates apply.
Red Stag by Jim BeamTM Bourbon 40% Alc./Vol.
©2009 James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, Ky.
· The Intoxicologist Review: Red Stag by Jim Beam: Bourbon for the Playful Spirit
· Media Release: Red Stag by Jim Beam Brings Flavor to Bourbon Category
Notable Spirits: KAI Original & KAI Lychee Vodkas
KAI Original Vodka: The aroma carries a faint hint of – dare I say it – vodka with its usual alcohol smell. Yes, I was expecting something a little more refined, sophisticated, less vodka-ish perhaps since this one appears to play to the upscale consumer with discriminating taste. KAI Vodka describes itself as “one of the sexiest” new spirits and that the “exotic, curvaceous bottles of KAI Original and KAI Lychee signal a unique sensory experience.” To be perfectly honest, the bottle and press kit box the two minis arrived in are much more alluring than the aroma KAI Original gives away.
However tasted neat, there is a bit of roundness featured in the overlay body of KAI Original with floral notes and possibly a hint of peach. There is plenty of flavor in this one, but still quite a bit of alcohol burn on the backside. There is a tinge of sake or beer flavor in the middle ground that diminishes just as quickly as it arrives. Then the alcohol warmth overtakes the esophagus and one forgets the flavor of KAI Original overall.
KAI Lychee on the other hand amazes as it certainly lives up to the description of “exotic” and “sexiest” with its immediate wonderful aroma. KAI Lychee’s aroma is fruity, floral, lush and deep. Since I have never consumed fresh lychee I have nothing to compare this to in that regard. Nevertheless, there is a bit of citrus and juicy sweetness within that urges one on to take a sip.
The flavor still carries a bit of alcohol at first taste, but the KAI Lychee has more consistency than the Original KAI . The floral is a tad flower petal reminiscent on the tongue without coming off as potpourri or perfume-ish. The richness is present in a lush, harmonious balance of gentle sweetness played well with an intimation of fruit. This leads me to believe lychee fruit must be something similar to mango in substance; often perfumed to the senses while still delicate when rendered correctly in liqueurs and simple syrups.
KAI Original and KAI Lychee Vodkas both retail for approximately $30. This rounds out in the premium spirits category with ease. KAI’s niche being that it is distilled from Vietnam rice gives this spirit something intriguing and atypical of what towers above the mid-priced vodka range. This unusual spirit deserves something more striking than the common updated twist on the ever popular Cosmopolitan. For that reason I passed on the Ms. KAI cocktail, but I hear it is a must try. The lightness of the spirit needs something equally as delicate rather than cloying to work in harmony with it and maximize its potential.
· KAI Vodka: Discover the Secret… - Official Tasting Notes & Cocktails
· KAI Vodka Recipes - PDF format
· Kai Vodka - Media Releases & Management Bios
· KAI Vodka - www.kaivodka.com
Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
Red Stag by Jim Beam: Bourbon for the Playful Spirit
Imagine the extreme pleasure and surprise that occurs when one opens a plain brown box to find a bottle of unreleased to the open market Jim Beam Red Stag. Undeniably my name did appear on the box and envelope contained within. I double checked. The goose bumps spreading across my torso and arms revealed the significance new spirits take on in the cocktail world in which I taste, experiment and create. Ridiculous? Possibly. For some the same rush of excitement occurs with chocolate, shoes, purses, NASCAR or the return of football season. Each of us has our own tidal wave of enthusiasm that runs parallel to some deep rooted interest. Mine happens to be the spirits industry and the multi-faceted aspects of cocktail culture. Jim Beam infused my senses with the flavor of Red Stag Black Cherry on a Thursday afternoon, invigorating my imagination with the possibilities lying in store for bourbon enthusiasts and those who may have never picked up a bottle of Jim Beam before the flavor infusion.
Red Stag by Jim Beam extends the flavor of the original Jim Beam Whiskey through an exclusive, artisanal, natural infusion process in which black cherry flavors are gradually and expertly infused into the four year old Bourbon. The selection of black cherry flavor was not random, but rather chosen due to its complementary nature to highlight the flavors already present within Jim Beam Bourbon. This well thought out combination was two-fold in purpose:
· To produce a sophisticated, well rounded taste.
· The pursuit of fun.
Red Stag by Jim Beam Official Tasting Notes:
Aroma – Distinctively fruity, without disguising the familiar, rich nose of Jim Beam Bourbon
Taste – Corn sweetness and mellow oak accented by a hint of black cherry for smoothness and balance
Finish – Satiny and judiciously sweet, with a true bourbon warmth
My bourbon introduction began with the Small Batch bourbons which taste quite different than the original Jim Beam Bourbon. Jim Beam Bourbon is best described in comparison as a base from which the others begin. It is the foundation spirit. Jim Beam Bourbon comes across more raucous and rowdy than the rest, but then again Jim Beam Bourbon is the brand’s driving force. It paves the way; leads tradition.
Perhaps it is the spirit which surrounds Jim Beam as a brand and the loyalty of its followers that caused a bit of a stir when news of Red Stag by Jim Beam first leaked to the public months ago. Chuck Cowdery’s review began with, “This is either brilliant or insane, I can’t decide which.” But ultimately he gives his assessment of whether he enjoys the Red Stag or not. One online site went so far with their thoughts about the news of Red Stag by Jim Beam’s impending release that they had this to say:
“With the announcement of Red Stag, a black cherry flavor infused bourbon, Jim Beam has done something that really should not have been done…This marketing ploy needs to stop before we have as many different flavored bourbons as we do vodkas.” – My Wine Education
What came up as a repeated theme in many circles is this new product would be perfect as an ice cream topper, but many saw it as a far stretch from traditional bourbon. But that really is the point isn’t it?
Red Stag by Jim Beam is created using the base traditional bourbon, but it is another way of expanding the brand while enhancing one’s experience with Jim Beam. It is also another way to include nontraditional bourbon consumers into the fold, so they too can become introduced to the brown spirits with ease. Almost everyone dips their toe into the water before they dive directly into the pool. Quite a few people 
wade in first to warm up before going all the way under. Red Stag by Jim Beam gives consumers the opportunity to get acquainted with bourbon products in a way that has been extremely limited in the past.
Since feelings on the Red Stag have been a bit mixed it makes since to compare it to Original Jim Beam even though it is a bit like comparing, well, corn to cherries. The color is quite different. Original Jim Beam is straw color to golden. Red Stag contains a deeper hue with specific amber red tints. Original Jim Beam is thinner in viscosity by comparison and contains the deep bourbon warmth that could make your eyes water if you breathe incorrectly with that first swallow. The aroma of Red Stag gives this one away. It is candied cordial cherries with a chocolate element to it. The taste is significantly different from traditional Jim Beam. Red Stag is very sweet with vanilla, cherry cordial sweetness, cocoa hints and creamy smoothness. It contains the viscosity one would relate to thick liqueur. There is only the faint characteristic of original Jim Beam in the lingering finish of the Red Stag. The color, sweetness and flavor of black cherry are a dead giveaway that Red Stag plays more to cocktail culture rather than straight bourbon fans.
Thinking of the straight bourbon drinkers though I did want to sample a traditional Jim Beam Manhattan versus one made with Red Stag. The Jim Beam Manhattan is an inoffensive almost watery cocktail when 
consumed on the rocks. The sweetness is so faint it is barely there. The flavor of cherry is so indistinct it is decidedly non-existent with the exception of the one bite of maraschino garnish should one choose to actually eat it. It is easy to see why bourbon lovers consume this particular cocktail; to taste the bourbon rather than a flavored liqueur or something heavily soaked in sugar.
Manhattan
1-3/4 ounce Jim Beam Bourbon
3/4 ounce Sweet Vermouth
Dash Bitters
Cherry Garnish
Build over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with cherry.
A Manhattan built along the same guidelines with Red Stag does not match up to a traditionalist’s standards. A traditionalist will typically reach for Jim Beam Bourbon and possibly use Red Stag as the cherry flavor accent…maybe. Red Stag is powerful and its flavor rings predominant in the Manhattan cocktail at different ratios. For bourbon purists the Manhattan will never be slighted with the likes of Red Stag. However, the beauty is in exploration and transformation. Cocktail culture is a beautiful thing built for fun, much like the Red Stag, and Red Stag by Jim Beam is not about following the herd, but forming new tracks.
Red Italian – created by The Intoxicologist
1-1/2 ounce Averna
1/2 ounce Red Stag by Jim Beam
Brut Champagne
Lemon Twist (zested into the glass)
Combine Averna and Red Stag in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a champagne flute. Zest a lemon twist over the champagne flute so the essential oils spray into the mixture. Place the Lemon twist as garnish on the champagne flute. Top off with champagne.
Red Italian updates the bourbon cherry cola from corner beer bar status to cocktail couture. This creates an elegant cocktail that brings bourbon to the flute, the girl to the bourbon and the traditionalist to their knees wondering ‘what just happened to my bourbon and cola?”
Black Cherry Truffle – created by The Intoxicologist
3/4 ounce Red Stag by Jim Beam (chilled)
3/4 ounce Godiva Original Liqueur (chilled)
Layer chilled Godiva and Red Stag in a shot glass. Shoot.
If you love smooth as silk chocolate covered cherries, you will love the Black Cherry Truffle even more. More of the bourbon shines through with the Red Stag in this as the chocolate seems to bring out the flavor by playing off the cherry notes. I tried this with Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur as well. The flavor was creamy, rich and decadent and extremely sweet, but not nearly as wonderful as the Godiva Original Liqueur turned out in the Black Cherry Truffle recipe.
Red Truffle Silk – created by The Intoxicologist
1 ounce Red Stag by Jim Beam
1 ounce Godiva Original Liqueur
1 ounce Half & Half
1/4 teaspoon Valrhona Cacao Nibs Garnish (found at Whole Foods)
Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a martini glass. Sprinkle cacao nibs on top as garnish.
Please, try to sip rather than gulp…it’s so much more attractive! What can I say?! Not only have I become a bourbon fan in the last year, but this cocktail could just possibly make me a chocolate convert, too. I’m not sure what the world is coming to. Usually I can’t really finish a chocolate cocktail due to its sweetness and well, the chocolate factor. However, I’m writing as I sip and this one is half gone already. Crunching the cacao nibs that act as garnish contributes to the ‘awe’ factor of this cocktail. Cacao is bittersweet rather than sugary. The texture is also a nice addition sort of like the crunchy toffee bits in a candy bar. The Red Truffle Silk truly is silky smooth with that added bourbon warmth that reaches the toes after a few minutes. This makes a great dessert cocktail or before dinner warm up. Heck, have one for the sheer pleasure of it. It just works.
Speaking of ‘just works’ – Red Stag by Jim Beam definitely paves the way to expand the horizons of consumers that until now may have been reluctant to venture into the realm of bourbon. Jim Beam carefully chose the flavor to complement traditional bourbon, but as the bottle says Red Stag by Jim Beam is writing its own exciting chapter in the story of Jim Beam. The Original Jim Beam will never be left behind. Red Stag is the continuing saga.
Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
