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The Heart of a Champion - Mariano Rivera

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By Doug Singer

Mariano Rivera is considered by many to be “the greatest closer of all time.”  There is one thing for certain about “Mo”, or “Sandman”, whichever moniker you wish to place on him; this Panamanian pitcher, who bleeds blue, has a heart of gold. Spending the entire 16 years of his illustrious career with the boys in pinstripes, this is one Yankee whose ambition goes well beyond diamonds. 

Involved with philanthropic causes in his native Panama as well as the US, The Mariano Rivera Foundation generously distributes funds to underprivileged children through church-based institutions.  His efforts include building an elementary school and a church, providing Christmas gifts to the underprivileged and developing a program that provides computer access and adult mentors to at-risk youth. 

I was fortunate enough to attend a very intimate meet-and-greet at Steiner Sports with some of his greatest fans. After observing and interacting with him, what resonated with me is how remarkably genuine, non-ego based and generous this man is. A true gentleman, he is humble and is certainly a man of faith. He takes no responsibility for his extraordinary talent, simply defers the credit to a higher power. A true man of the people, it was inspiring to watch the way he proactively interacted with children and adults alike. He has a gift for putting people at ease, making it impossible to not only to like the man, but to admire the soulfulness with which he lives his life.

In this day and age, we are in need of more role models like Mariano Rivera. When he retires, the Yankees number 42 will retire with him, a serious honor reserved for only the greatest of players. As brilliant an athlete as he is, he is an even better human being. We can only hope his legacy of honor and sportsmanship will echo through many generations of players to come. 

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.



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