In High Spirits
by Linda Kissam
Spirit review line up
Tasting spirits formally is quite an experience. For this review I am referring to Vita Frute pre mixed cocktails, Ocean Vodka Maui, VDKA6100 vodka and Villa Massa Limoncello served in some really nice glassware compliments of Todd and Sue Montgomery.
Reviewing spirits is a bit different in nature and practice than doing the same for wine or beer. A high alcohol content automatically makes spirits significantly more complex than their fermented counterparts. Add in the desire to pair food with each spirit and you make things even more interesting. That being said, our Occasional Spirits Council met on a warmish SoCal evening in Temecula wine Country to take on the task of reviewing the assigned spirits and to find the perfect pairing of those spirits with appetizers. There were six of us sitting around a dining room table. There were six products to judge. Each judge had been assigned a spirit. Their mission was to pair a complementary food item with their assigned spirit.
OSC member roger Paige
There is no magic to becoming a judge of spirits. It starts with the will to explore beyond wine and beer, jumps into utilizing one’s senses and lands quite nicely when a tasting format that works for the group is finalized. Sense of smell and sight are big players in the process, as are memories tied to sense of place and taste.
Much of our tasting was centered on talking through each round of product and its pairing. Personal preference and appreciation through a round table discussion helped each of us consider different aspects of the spirits we might not have noticed had we done this tasting alone. This tasting was all about heightened personal enjoyment, sharing, and communication. What could be better than that? Here’s the lineup, reviews and pairings for your own evaluation.
Vita Frute Lemonade and duck tacos
1. Vita Frute Cocktails – Lemonade $12/Linda S. paired with duck street tacos with hoisin, prickly pear and Asian slaw. This pre-mixed cocktail is actually very good. It’s not your young adults swill drink. It does not taste like a packaged mix thrown in with some spirits. It is the first in a line of organic and all-natural ready-to-drink cocktails. Just shake, pour over ice and enjoy! You are going to love this organic VEEV Acai Spirit with all-natural lemon juice and agave nectar. Makes a perfect unexpected hostess gift. Under 125 calories per serving and 15% ALC/VOL (30 Proof). It’s a natural Jacuzzi, patio, spcae-saving summer camping kind of beverage. It was high on the list of group favorites.
Vita Frute Magarita, guacamole and chips
2. Vita Frute Cocktails – Margarita/ $12. Linda K paired this drink with spicy guacamole & organic corn chips. Expect a crisp snappy cocktail. Add some salt around the rim of your glass and it is easy-breezy party time. Also organic and all-natural ready-to-drink. Again, just shake, pour over ice and enjoy. Made with organic VEEV Acai Spirit. Blended with premium tequila, all-natural lemon and lime juices, and agave nectar. Under 125 calories per serving and 15% ALC/VOL (30 Proof). I sense some eye rolling, but this is a tasty surprise. I know most pre-made margaritas can be cloying or tart, but somehow this one is great and comes with a group thumbs up.
Cosmopolitan and shrimp appetizer
3. Vita Frute Cocktails – Cosmopolitan/ $12. Todd paired with a yummy shrimp cocktail. If you like a sweet fruit punch kind of drink, this would might be the one for you. In general it did not receive a warm reception from the group. Under 125 calories per serving and 15% ALC/VOL (30 Proof).
Ocean Vodka and Sue’s caviar potatoes
4. Ocean Vodka, Maui/ $34: Sue paired small roasted red potatoes topped with creme fraiche and caviar to go with this vodka. This vodka is 100% certified organic handcrafted in small batches on Maui with MaHaLo Hawaii Water blended with organic American spirits. Free from blending and flavor additives this vodka has a pure smooth taste. Taste slowly and focus on the slight flavors of vanilla and for me, a hint of sea salt. The creamy texture was a big plus. I originally tasted this vodka in Maui at a writer’s conference. It will forever help me recall warm breezes, pungent island flowers and beach side scents. A keeper for me.
VDKA6100 and elegant caviar
5. VDKA 6100/ 1-liter bottle for $44.99. Roger paired with simple elegance … caviar and crackers. Launched in February 2014, VDKA 6100 is a new premium vodka brand co-created by Hollywood’s notable tastemaker Robert De Niro and Artisan Spirit Merchants (ASM). Crafted in Australia, sculpted in France, distilled in New Zealand and designed in New York, VDKA 6100 takes pride in its global sensibilities, sourcing the finest materials from around the world to deliver tomorrow’s vodka. Using the freshest seasonal whey from only grass-fed New Zealand cows and natural spring water from the Wharepapa spring in Rotorua, NZ, VDKA 6100 is triple distilled to its purest form and charcoal filtered to eliminate all impurities. The result is a clean, light, exceptionally smooth taste with hints of floral and citrus notes and a silky taste free of gluten, sugar and lactose for a true luxury drinking experience. This was by far the group’s favorite.
Villa Massa Limoncello
6. Villa Massa Limoncello $27: Carmen paired with her exquisite Lemon Thyme bars. This little lovely is one of the most famous and popular products of the Campania region and is considered to be an excellent digestive if served cold. It is also wonderful served at room temperature. Try mixing with tonic water or champagne for a Sunday Bruch luxe treat. Could also be poured sparingly over ice cream and fruit salads. In Campania, where it is mainly produced,
Lemon thyme lemon bars
Limoncello is usually served at the end of lunch or dinner, almost like the social ritual of drinking coffee. It was an OMG experience with Carmen’s bars. Serve in elegant Grappa glasses. It’s sweet, but not cloying: a little bit goes a long way. With Limoncello’s it’s truly the brand that drives the taste, so be picky and buy this one.
