Summer 2014 Highball by ABC Fine Wine

Highball S P I R I T S

W HAT ARE

SMALL-BATCH SPIRITS?

CA N E VODKA : Tampa-based distillery F R E S H E N U P YO U R

mixologist SKILLS

M A G A Z I N E

•

S U M M E R

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Welcome to the first ever issue of our spirits-focused magazine, Highball.

A “highball” is a type of mixed drink, usually a liquor base combined with a mixer, that’s served in a tall, or “high,” glass.

Not all products are available in all stores. If the product you’re looking

Mixology, a little lesson in spirits, gift ideas and then some—summer is in full swing and we want to give you the tools to make it through.

for isn’t available, ask us to order it for you!

Hannah Grantz Editor hannahg@abcfws.com

Meghan Guarino

Lorena Streeter Contributing Editor lorenas@abcfws.com

In this issue: Articles from two of our in-store specialists, Nate Palm (Oviedo) and Daniel Eddy (Gainesville).

Are you an at-home mixologist? Find us on Instagram (abcfinewinespirits) and tag your crafty concoctions using #abcmixologist!

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THERE ARE SPECIALTY BEERS, AND THEN THERE ARE SPECIALTY SPIRITS Meghan discusses what makes a spirit “craft” or “small-batch”

A HOT SUMMER FOR FLORIDA MEANS LIGHT, REFRESHING COCKTAILS FOR US Nate concocts an original mixed drink using only the freshest ingredients

Hannah talked with Pat O’Brien, founder of Tampa’s own Cane Vodka

Contributing Editor meghang@abcfws.com

DID YOU KNOW FLORIDA HAS ONE VODKA TASTING ROOM?

CREATE YOUR OWN COCKTAIL USING A SMALL-BATCH GIN Uncle Val’s Botanical Gin is smooth and zesty—just right for a day by the pool

DON DRAPER ISN’T THE ONLY ONE DRINKING SCOTCH Daniel gives a lesson in Scotch 101, and how to choose one for someone other than yourself

Cane tasting room

LOCAL VODKA

So many flavors, so little time…

with local flavor

Premium— Cane Premium

The Florida Distillery’s Cane Vodka

filtered to give it a smooth and

Vodka is made from Florida natural sugar cane and is drip sweet finish. Bronze Medal winner in the 2013 World Spirits Competition.

HANNAH GRANTZ

–Distillery Notes

Cigars, nightlife, beaches, the Rays and…vodka?

oranges from Seminole, blueberries from

That’s right; Tampa is home to Florida’s only vodka

Hernando and grapes from Polk County…

tasting room at The Florida Distillery, where you

just to name a few.

can try their full lineup of Cane Vodka flavors. Not near Tampa? That’s ok, too—because you can pick up their Miami Mango, Orlando Orange, Key West Lemon & Lime, and Premium vodka selections at your local ABC Fine Wine & Spirits.

The only thing about these vodkas that isn’t Florida-native would be the high flint bottles. Those are made in Missouri, though, so Cane Vodkas are 100% American made products. And you won’t find any marshmallow or whipped cream flavors in Cane’s lineup—they’re all fruit flavored so the team at The Florida Distillery can keep sourcing directly from Florida.

Orlando Orange— We use a unique process where we take Florida Hamlin Oranges and flash distill them with the rinds so the oils come through the distillation process and give it a distinct taste you must try for yourself. –Distillery Notes

Supporting local is great—but local vodka that tastes amazing…well, that’s about as good as it gets. During our visit to The Florida Distillery we tried Orlando Orange—and wow, that’s fresh. It tastes just like biting into a ripe, juicy, just peeled

Miami Mango— Miami

orange—but with a little kick. I’d love to try this

Mango Vodka is a tribute to

one mixed with orange and pineapple juices, or

the tropical fruit that flourishes

for a little extra flavor in a mimosa.

in South Florida. This fruit

Want to visit Florida’s The Florida Distillery kicked off in 2012, after

only vodka tasting room?

founder Pat O’Brien says that he “always drank

You can. And here’s even better news: it’s free.

Ketel One, because up until a few years ago

If you’re in or around the Tampa area, sign up

when Tito’s came along, there weren’t options for

on The Florida Distillery’s website (cane-vodka.

American made vodkas.” And that’s the basis of

com/) to make a reservation for you and your

this company—all American. Pat went on to say,

friends to stop in for a tasting. All tastings include

“We wanted to start our production process with

3 flavors (rotating seasonally) plus a sample of

sugar cane, skipping the first step of using potatoes,

their Premium, non-flavored vodka. A member

grains, etc., like most other vodka distillers, and

of the team will also give a little education in how

make this vodka of basically sugar, yeast and water.”

their products are distilled and filtered, as well as

Local, local, local…

a lesson in “how to taste” vodka. Remember, these

In addition to being sugar cane based, Cane Vodka is also made almost entirely of Florida-produced ingredients. From the fruits and sugar cane to the bottle labels—this vodka is as local for Floridians as it gets. We’re talking strawberries from Plant City,

tastings are available by reservation only and just on the weekends. But, if you want to get a small group together for a private tasting, Pat tells us that’s always an option. Not all products are available in all stores. If the product you’re looking for isn’t available, ask us to order it for you!

blended perfectly with our vodka and can be enjoyed neat or mixed with your favorite citrus beverage. –Distillery Notes

Key West Lemon & Lime— Key West Lemon & Lime is made from Florida Key limes and lemons. This sweet and flavorful vodka makes a great mojito. –Distillery Notes

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Small Batch, Big Flavor Basil Hayden’s Bourbon - Artfully

SMALLB ATCH

aged to taste, this golden amber Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey has aromas of spice, tea and a hint of peppermint. Spicy and peppery

May Not Be Craft

on the palate with a touch of honey in its light body. A gentle bite leads to a dry, clean, brief finish. – Distillery Notes 13th Colony Southern Corn

M E G HA N G UA R I N O

Whiskey - A traditional Southern recipe, aged in old oak barrels, it

We’ve arrived at a time when nothing seems

into their own distillery. In the five years since

too far away—you can buy American brews

Balcone’s opened, they have been awarded 40

and Napa wines in almost every country. But

international and national awards, including

while technology spans the globe bringing

the distinction as the 2014 Icons of Whisky

our clinking glasses closer together, a sense

America Craft Distiller of the Year. Balcone’s

of pride bubbles each time a drink from your

Baby Blue Whiskey, Brimstone, Rumble Spirit

hometown is ordered, even more so when it

and True Blue Whiskey are available through

is praised. You’ve seen this in craft beer and

special order at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits.

in local wines, and the idea is spreading to the

has a smooth and complex taste with hints of oak, spice, butter and sweet corn. Not for the faint of heart, this dangerously drinkable whiskey is bottled at 95 proof. – Distillery Notes Hangar 1 Straight Vodka - Vodka from grapes—it’s a little strange.

On the other hand, a small-batch spirit is made

We blend a Viognier eau de vie

from distillery giants who produce national

with spirit made from Midwestern

Gone are the days of simple cocktail orders.

(and sometimes international) brands. The

wheat to make a perfectly balanced,

We live in an era when homemade syrups are

term is regularly used to describe experimental

fruity, “straight” vodka.

ubiquitous and barrel-aged libations are

batches or high-end products—ever heard of

– Distillery Notes

common. A standard Jack and Coke is no

Knob Creek Bourbon Whiskey? It’s made by

longer the standard. Instead, bartenders are

Jim Beam. So are Booker’s, Basil Hayden’s

Grays Peak Vodka - Distilled from

creating their own sodas and using locally

and Baker’s.

American grain and charcoal fil-

world of spirits.

distilled spirits.

Because there are no written rules or regula-

Craft spirits are beginning to gain traction in

tions regarding the size of a small-batch spirit,

bars and restaurants, and now retail stores.

the number of barrels produced depends

These spirits are often considered high quality

entirely on the regular production of the

and sometimes experimental. But here’s the

distillery. For example, if a distillery usually

thing: There is a difference between a craft

generates 5,000 barrels of bourbon, technically

spirit and a small-batch spirit.

they could produce 1,000 barrels of a different

A craft spirit is made by a small, independent company. These distilleries are similar to the

recipe and call it small-batch. The definition at this point is rather fluid.

tered, this vodka has a faint vanilla scent and a subtle sweetness, with a faint gingery twang on the finish. 90 points. – Wine Enthusiast Casamigos Reposado Tequila George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman bring you Casamigos, a small batch, ultra-premi-

craft breweries of the beer world. While they

Until the fine lines are drawn on what defines

um tequila made from the finest,

technically produce smaller quantities, the

a small-batch spirit and how large a craft

hand-selected 100% Blue Weber

distinction lies in the size of their distillery, not

distillery can be (Tito’s Vodka produces over

agaves, grown in the rich red clay

in the quality of their spirits or the knowledge

150,000 cases each year and is considered a craft

soil and cool climate of the High-

and passion behind their product.

distillery), we’re left to rely on the terms used to

lands of Jalisco Mexico. Our refined

describe the spirits by the distillers themselves.

process ensures a smooth mouth

In the case of Texas-based Balcone’s Distillery, the founders transformed an old welding shop

feel with no unnecessary additives and is gluten-free. – Distillery Notes

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At-home Mixology

F RESH ST R AW B ER RY FIZZ

N AT E PA L M , O V I E D O A B C F I N E W I N E & S P I R I T S

Waking up to see the sun shining with a nice

Flavors aren’t the only thing that makes a drink

breeze passing through the trees, the overwhelming

perfect for the season—it’s also how it makes you

need to go outside grabs hold. Last Saturday was

feel, and this one needs a little more refreshment.

one of those kinds of days. On Saturdays, there is

Upon adding some fresh squeezed lemonade and

a nice little farmer’s market in Oviedo that I have

tonic water, I got what I was looking for. Now to

2. Shake with ice until all ingredients are

never had a chance to go to. I’ve been trying to

put it together so all of you can take a step towards

completely blended

come up with a new, fresher, healthier, seasonal

becoming your own at-home mixologist:

drink and going to a farmers market was a perfect place to find inspiration. Using fresh, local ingredients to make a cocktail helps in more ways than just providing a delightfully fresh flavor. For example, one of the ingredients I decided to use for my Fresh Strawberry Fizz was a wild flower honey from Honey Bee Mine. Using a fresh, local, seasonal honey not only adds the sweetness I was looking for, but helps in fighting off seasonal allergies. The honey is made with some of the same pollen that is causing allergies to flare up, immunizing you in a way. The other ingredient I found that really called out to me was a strawberry jam from Orange City Jam. The jam is made of fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice, making it a perfect “mixer” for the libation that had been forming in my head. Using local ingredients when making a seasonal drink is always a great way to grasp the flavor that is surrounding you. If I was living in another region there is a very good chance that these ingredients would change, but for where I am, the honey and strawberry jam flavors grasp the area perfectly. Since my flavors are fresh, I wanted to try and keep with the trend in my choice of spirit. I decided to go with Grays Peak Small Batch Vodka as my base. Grays Peak uses small batches of spring water that go through reverse osmosis before being distilled five times. This gives the vodka a very clean, pure taste. A perfect balance to my already fresh ingredients.

Fresh Strawberry Fizz • 1 teaspoon wildflower honey • 1 tablespoon strawberry jam

Directions: 1. Mix all ingredients (except tonic water) together in a cocktail shaker

3. Pour into glass over ice 4. Top with tonic water and give a light stir 5. Enjoy! So the next time you see the sun shining and the

• 2 ounces Grays Peak Small Batch Vodka

breeze blowing, take a moment, sit back, and

• 2 ounces fresh squeezed lemonade

indulge in a Fresh Strawberry Fizz.

• 2 ounces tonic water

Have fun. Stay safe. And enjoy.

Everything You Need to Know to Give the

G I F T O F SCOTC H D A N I E L E D D Y, G A I N E S V I L L E A B C F I N E W I N E & S P I R I T S

Because of the complex and even intense flavors,

spirits as a more pure source of life, and Scotch

As you can see, finding the right Scotch as a gift

Scotch is a spirit to sip and savor, not binge

whisky goes back to the 15th century. There

can be a little tricky, so it’s good to know what they

consume— so it leads us to a comfortable place

are currently five recognized Scotch-producing

like before—though a Speyside or a Highland are

of moderation. “Scotch and water,” “Scotch on the

regions: Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Islay and

always pretty safe bets. I only go to Islay if I know

rocks” and “Scotch neat” (or “Scotch straight”) are

Campbeltown. Speyside, which was an offshoot of

they like a smoky style. The geography defines

the most popular ways to imbibe Scotch. Notice

Highland, has the largest number of distilleries.

much of the single malt style and with Islay (and

that in all three there is very little mixing, letting

Another sub-region of the Highlands is called

other Islands to a slightly lesser degree) the use of

the special flavors of Scotch come forward.

the Islands, and includes all the Scotch-produc-

peat (much more readily available than wood) to

ing Islands except Islay, so includes Arran, Jura,

stoke the distiller’s fires brings that peaty character

Mull, Orkney and Skye. Lowland has the fewest

to the whisky. My favorite Islay is from Bunna-

distilleries, with just Auchentoshan, Bladnoch and

habhain, and they use water from a fast-flowing

Glenkinchie. Campbeltown was one of the original

river, rather than an artisanal well below a peat

four (with The Highlands, Lowland and Islay) and

bog, so it’s the most elegant of the Islays. If you like

was removed as a region a few years ago, though it

a little more smoke, then try Ledaig from The Isle

was recently reinstated as a recognized production

of Mull, which, like true Islays, Ardbeg, Bowmore

region and includes Glen Scotia, Glengyle and

and Laphroaig, really tastes like you are sipping

Springbank as distilleries. Already you can see

the essence of a peat bog. The Spey River, Scot-

some of the complexity in Scotch whisky, and

land’s second longest and fastest flowing river (and

each region has very noticeable flavor profiles

known for its salmon), helps give Speyside a softer

and distinct characteristics.

flavor with a hint of sea air. Speyside has almost

Though we can’t help but think of Scotch in a classical, Mad Men kinda way—as a businessman’s drink—more and more women drink Scotch today because there are so many styles. Yes, it’s still the archetype for a Father’s Day gift, but I know many mothers who love a good Highland Single Malt, with its subtler flavors of caramel and spice. Not to be reductive, or sexist, but it seems that more of my male guests love the smoky peatiness of an Islay. A few years ago, there was a line of new Scotches (which already sounds like an oxymoron, since Scotch is so steeped in history) that called

half of all Scotch distilleries, including Aberlour,

themselves by their style. They were blended single

Blended Scotch is exactly that, taking single malts

malts, but closer in style to a single malt than to

from different regions and blending them for a

a true blend, and used names like “The Smokey

smoother, perhaps more homogenized flavor,

Peaty One” and the “Rich and Spicy One.” Though

though different blends are distinct. Most Scotch

they were excellent products, they went against the

drinkers start with the more affordable blends and

classical nomenclature of terroir and didn’t seem as

then graduate to the singles. If your father likes a

historically classy, so are no longer on the market.

Dewar’s or Johnnie Walker Red, then I’d try him

As you can imagine, it can be nice to talk to an

Scotch drinkers like that they are drinking history,

on a Highland or Speyside this Father’s Day. If he

expert when you are selecting a Scotch gift—and

and that you have to do a little work to find the

prefers Johnnie Walker Black or Black Grouse, then

most of ABC’s wine consultants moonlight as

right Scotch.

I’d give him an Islay or Lowland. More and more

Scotch consultants, so feel free to go to your local

blends are being produced in more varied styles

ABC and ask lots of questions. If you are new to

like the Black Grouse, which is an Islay-heavy

Scotch, then hosting a Scotch tasting can be a great

blend from well known blended Scotch producer

way to try many different styles, as well as different

Famous Grouse, which is more of a Highland style.

ages. How long the Scotch ages impacts the flavor

“Whisky” comes from old Gaelic for “Water of Life” (like “Eau de Vie” in French), seeing distilled

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Cragganmore, Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet and The Macallan. The Highlands includes my personal favorite, Dalwhinnie with its softer and more elegant flavors, as well as Dalmore, Glenmorangie and Oban.

as well as in what kind of barrel, two more criteria

chocolate can work very well, since they also have a

with Highland. Of course, there are many options

that can drastically impact the flavor of your single

diversity of flavors and origins. Look to harder and

available online but these four recipes worked

malt. Age brings complexity and subtlety and

saltier cheeses rather than creamy ones. I prefer

particularly well with these four distinct locales.

the barrel choice can bring a whole new range of

darker chocolates with Scotch rather than milk

Here are the Scotches I paired: Bunnahabhain 12

flavors, whether using old Porto casks, or Sherry

chocolates, and try geographically sourced choco-

year Islay with its elegant smokiness and a hint of

or Sauterne or even American Bourbon barrels.

lates with geographically distinct Scotches. Smoky

malty nuttiness; Glen Moray 12 year Speyside with

Recently, I tried the Balvenie 14 year in Caribbean

whisky needs a smoky chocolate, like those from

its toffee, ginger marmalade and subtle saltiness;

rum casks, which brought a tropical sweetness to

Java, Indonesia and Sao Tome. Highland and Spey-

Auchentoshan Classic Lowland with honeysuckle

this Speyside that shocked me, and it’s become

side would go with more elegant Belgian choc-

and vanilla, saltwater taffy and rich nutty flavors;

one of our most popular styles. So not only do you

olates, sourced from the Ivory Coast or Ghana.

and Deanston Virgin Oak Highland with softer

have to look at the region, but the barrel-aging and

Remember a selection of nuts or even coated nuts;

caramel and charcoal notes, and hints of apple and

the number of years to hone in on the right style

I love a Highland Scotch with peanut brickle or

nutmeg. These are all under $50 per bottle, with

for you. Remember, the older the Scotch the more

fiddlefaddle (not very pretentious at all). Assorted

the 12 year Bunnahabhain as the most expensive,

expensive it will be.

dried fruit (figs and apricots work best) are always

while the other three are all around $30 per bottle.

There are lots of foods that can pair with Scotch,

a good standby at a Scotch tasting.

You can upgrade this by choosing the Deanston

but for a basic tasting, think about a range of palate

Here are some items I paired with distinct regional

12 year or the Glen Moray 16 year (a GREAT gift

cleansers, or palate enhancers, depending on the

Scotches: smoked asiago on sourdough French

for dad this year since it’s a only $60 per bottle, and

food. Consider the inherent flavors within the

bread with Islay; Scottish smoked salmon on

in a neat historical canister), but a Scotch tasting

varying Scotches, and looking to Scotland’s own

pumpernickel points with dill and crème fraiche

doesn’t have to break the bank to be a whole lot of

specialty foods can give us some insight. Let’s bag

with Speyside; smoked almonds stuffed in

fun! There is always more to learn about Scotch;

the haggis (Scotland’s offal specialty) and look to

dates wrapped in prosciutto with Lowland; and

this is just the beginning.

other quick and easy pairings. Both cheese and

Scottish-style lemon bars with a shortbread base Highball 7

8989 South Orange Ave. Orlando, Florida 32824

UNCLE VAL’S BOTANICAL GIN LORENA STREETER

Uncle Val’s is a small-batch botanical gin inspired

LAVENDER: Historically used for its calming

The perfect recipe:

by Zio Valerio’s (Valerio Cecchetti, an uncle of

effect, lavender provides the finishing note.

Uncle Val’s Botanical

Lava

Gin Fizz – 2 oz Uncle Val’s

August Sebastiani) love of gardening and native Tuscan cuisine. The botanicals are not only Uncle Val’s favorite cooking ingredients, but also happen to make an exceptionally unique and smoothly delicious gin. The botanicals JUNIPER: The prototypical gin ingredient, juniper is what gives gin its piney flavor.

Uncle Val’s is filtered using carbon and lava rock or pumice, which has a porous density that’s perfect for gin, removing impurities that might otherwise mar the flavor. Full immersion Immersion bags (think big tea bags) which steep in the liquid for several hours. Some botanicals

Botanical Gin, juice of ½ lemon, ½ oz Chambord, 1 egg white, ½ oz simple syrup. Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously, and strain into a chilled

CUCUMBER: Adds a cooling effect to the taste,

stay in longer than others to impart a heavier

along with subtle freshness cues. In Uncle Val’s,

flavor and aroma.

it softens the lavender.

The taste (from the website)

Perfectly simple syrup

Uncle Val’s presents a complex and subtly pleasing

Simple syrup is, well, simple! Combine equal

sensation of flavors. Raise your glass and you’ll

parts sugar and water (say, 1 cup sugar to 1 cup

notice crisp aromas of sage and juniper. Your first

water); bring to a boil in a saucepan, and boil,

LEMON: The citrus zing provides balance amongst the botanicals, along with the added benefit of crispness. It’s the first flavor you get in Uncle Val’s.

martini glass.

sip will bring out a bright lemon taste, which gives

stirring, until sugar is completely dissolved. Cool.

SAGE: Sage has been held in high regard through-

way to a warm, spicy, lavender finish, softened by

Use in cocktail recipes when called for.

out history both for its culinary and medicinal

the coolness of cucumber. Each sip bolsters the

properties. With the juniper, it’s the first scent

botanical flavors, along with a continuous

you’ll notice (breathe deep!).

presence of piney juniper.

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Not all products are available in all stores. If the product you’re looking for isn’t available, ask us to order it for you!