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Espolon Premium Tequila Celebrates the Best of Mexico

By Doug Singer

Espolón, a tequila brand from the Jalisco Highlands, is making waves amongst tequila connoisseurs from New York to California. Packaged with wild, "Dance of the Dead" inspired imagery, these 100% agave tequilas are offered in both blanco and reposado expressions and lay claim to a longer agave roasting process and a longer distilling time than other manufacturers. Both “Gold Medal” and “Best Spirit” award winners, these tequilas are worthy of a try and are sure to become a favorite of the tequila enthusiast, as well as the connoisseur. 

Master distiller, Cirilo Oropeza has an unbridled spirit, an obsession with producing a world-class product and decades of expertise ensuring he is walking the walk. The results, speak for themselves.

Espolón’s Reposado selection has been aged six months in American white-oak barrels, giving it a careful balance of roasted agave and mild wood flavors. Rounded out with hints of vanilla and butterscotch and characterized by its deep, golden color, it would be a shame to do anything with this masterpiece short of running it over your palette and closing your eyes as the warmth spreads across your chest. 

The Espolón Blanco tequila offering delivers an exquisite bouquet that taps the characteristic agave aromas from which the spirit was born. Peppery, with a smooth, silky body, it is filtered before bottling so that the clean, clear taste is conveyed to aficionados who crave the true original taste of the premium agave.

Both very mixable, as well  as standing strongly on their own, are a solid addition to any liquor cabinet and sure to be enjoyed by all who partake.

www.tequilaespolon.com 
By Michael Hepworth

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What exactly is GRAND BRULOT I thought to myself as I opened the bottle for the first time just around the time this lockdown took effect. Well, Grand Brulot is listed as a VSOP Cognac Café and it can be used in Bloody Mary’s, Manhattans, Negronis, Martinis, spritzes and sidecars , just for starters. It is a blend of Ugni Blanc & Colombard that is crafted into 80 proof VSOP. Then 100% Robusta Ecuadorian coffee bean essence is extracted and blended with brandy to meld for a few months and finally, it is blended with the VSOP Cognac. There is also a whiff of peppermint, nutmeg and hot cocoa in the drink. The retail price is $42.99.

The idea for the drink was instigated in 2015 by John Bernbach who asked for the help of industry veteran Francisco Tonarely to investigate the potential of a cognac/brandy drink blended with coffee. Three year later in August 2018 Grand Brulot was launched. This cognac comes from the Tardy Cognac Group and the grapes come from its single estate. Grand Brulot also plays homage to a New Orleans specialty of the same name that is still served around town.  The name Grand Brulot was inspired by the famous French pirate Jean Lafite who helped New Orleans repel the British invaders in 1812. He would order coffee, pour cognac in the saucer, set it alight and mix it with the coffee.
Recipes:

THE RISE AND SHINE
2 oz Grand Brulot
Orange Twist

Just pour Grand Brulot over ice and the orange will highlight the flavors
of the spirit.

BRULOT BLACK MANHATTAN
1 oz Grand Brulot
1 oz Bourbon
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
3 dashes Orange Bitters

Bartender Todd Smith created this one. Stir all the ingredients together in
a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass with ice and garnish

with orange wheel.

FRENCH NEGRONI
1 oz Grand Brulot
1 oz  Sweet Vermouth
1 oz Campari

Build in a rocks glass over ice and garnish w/orange wheel.

GRAND BRULOT CAFÉ HOLIDAY
1 oz Grand Brulot
0.5 oz Crème de Cacao
3 oz Porter Beer or Stout
3 dashes of bitters

Throw cocktail ingredients between two cups a couple of times to mix
And ignite the foam from the beer. Pour into a highball glass over ice
And garnish with nutmeg.



www.grandbrulot.com
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