COCKTAIL TA N N I N S
J RILEY CALIFORNIA MULE
8.3% ABV >> J Riley is a Redlands, CA-based
J RILEY CALIFORNIA MULE CANNATIQUE FARMS LEMON CHERRY GELATO ROLL-UPS
distillery founded in 2015 that specializes in small batch American whiskey and bourbon, but also produces vodka and gin products as well. The California Mule is a canned, pre-made Moscow Mule crafted in partnership with Cock-N-Bull energy drink company and was first launched in 2018. The can mimics the classic copper mug the cocktail is historically served in, providing an appealing aesthetic and mobility so you can take your beverage to-go. The drink looks just like the handmade version of the cocktail, with its semi-opaque and hazy, faint yellow hue. While most canned cocktails I’ve sampled are incredibly sweet and have at least some trace of an artificial tasting ingredient, this California Mule is on point and tastes exactly how you would imagine it in your head - with just enough whiskey to make its presence known, but not overwhelm. TERPENES
CANNATIQUE FARMS LEMON CHERRY GELATO ROLL-UPS
22.78% THC / .07% CBD >> Cannatique Farms
is an exotics-focused, indoor cultivator based in Oakland producing ultra premium quality flower for California’s adult-use market. Their creation, Lemon Cherry Gelato, is a cross of Sunset Sherbet, Girl Scout Cookies and an undisclosed genetic. The aroma is gassy and doughy with only a hint of fruit, however when lit, delicate citrus and berry notes become apparent. The effects are swiftly realized and quite heady, a definite departure from the heavy-handed body high effects typically associated with Gelato strains. The smoke is light bodied and easy on the lungs, making for an enjoyable puff you won’t hesitate to repeat.
THE PAIRING
Bringing together a tried-and-true classic and a new school exotic, the Moscow Mule (served pre-made in a can) and the Lemon Cherry Gelato (served in the form of a pre-roll) has a noticeable high-brow, low-brow feel - but in the very best kind of way. The mashup is a complex entanglement of fruity, citrusy, spicy and gassy flavors, taking your palate on a wild rollercoaster ride. As one might expect, the liquor brings a looseness to the tongue and allows hesitation to fall away and be replaced with liquid self-confidence. When paired with a full gram joint of exotic smoke, I was immediately inspired to kick off my shoes, turn my music way up and invite some friends over for a socially distant sip n’ rip session. @jrileydistillery / @cannatique.farms
REVIEWS & PHOTOS by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415/CALIFORNIA LEAF
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