Drinks of the Week: Quaterback Sack, Hail Mary, and Touchdown!

By jnherder February 4, 2011 1:34 pm Posted in Drink, Lifestyle, Liquor, Nightlife jnherder g+ page

We’re back again with yet another edition of drinks of the week! This week we’re taking a look at CÎROC ultra premium vodka, Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, and Cruzan Aged Light Rum. And in honor of the Super Bowl this weekend, all of our mixed drinks are football themed! Blue 42! Blue 42! Set! Drink!

CÎROC Vodka

As one of the world’s only vodkas made entirely from “snap frost” grapes, CÎROC Vodka is considered an innovation in French craftsmanship. That’s right, the Frenchies are at it again with another ultra premium vodka and this time P. Diddy, aka Sean Combs is the face of the brand. Or, in his own words – “I’m not just a celebrity endorser, I’m a brand builder. I’m a luxury brand builder.” And who can deny it, CÎROC has become a household name in just 4 years, since bringing Diddy on-board in 2007.

As for how it all comes together for CÎROC, the fermentation process lasts for two weeks before being distilled a total of five times! The fifth and final distillation actually takes place in a beautiful, family owned distillery deep in the Cognac countryside. This is where CÎROC is truly created – in a traditional, custom-made, Armagnac style copper pot.

Proof: 80 (40% ABV)

Age: Unaged

Flavors: Neutral

Taste: A (Excellent)

Mix-ability: A (Excellent)

Buzz Factor: C+ (Above Average)

Price: $29.99 USD (750ml)

Overall: We give CÎROC Vodka a A-. Exceptionally smooth, great mixed or straight-up. You gotta try it!

Mix it up with – “The Quarterback Sack”

Ingredients: 2 oz CÎROC Vodka, 2 oz gin, 1 oz triple sec, 4 oz bloody mary mix, Splash tonic water

Directions: In a mixing glass half filled with ice combine all ingredients except tonic water. Strain into four shot glasses. Top with tonic water. (Makes four 1 1/2-ounce servings.)

Old Forester Bourbon Whisky

Made in the same classic, time-honored style originated by George Garvin Brown way back in 1870, Old Forester is crafted using non-other than mother nature’s finest corn, rye and malted barley before being distilled twice, and then aged in charred oak barrels that are handcrafted at the distillery’s own cooperage. No other Kentucky bourbon company makes its own barrels. This sets Old Forester apart from the rest.

Their motto: “Live life. Sip responsibly.” We couldn’t agree more!

Proof: 86 (43% ABV)

Age: 4 years

Flavors: vanilla, oak, rye, and caramel.

Taste: A- (Very Good)

Mix-ability: B+ (Very Good)

Buzz Factor: A- (Excellent)

Price: $14.99 USD (750ml)

Overall: We give Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky a B+. Excellent mixed, wonderful neat. It packs a taste-filled punch that we highly recommend!

Mix it up with – “Touchdown!”

Ingredients: 2 oz Old Forester, 4 oz lemonade, 4 oz iced tea (unsweetened)

Directions: Combine bourbon with iced tea in a mixing glass filled with ice. Strain into a Hurricane glass filled with ice. Top with lemonade.

Cruzan Aged Light Rum

With a long history dating back to their founding on the island of St. Croix, Cruzan Aged Light Rum is, like the name says “aged.” How? In charred American oak casks for 14 months. The aging process and limited filtration is what supposedly gives this aged rum more body and flavor. Not convinced? At face-value we weren’t either, but as a 2010 Bronze Medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition we knew we had to give this a try.

We decided to put this island dweller to the test. So without further adieu here’s our review…

Proof: 80 (40% ABV)

Age: 14 months

Flavors: Oak and vanilla

Taste: B+ (Very Good)

Mix-ability: A (Excellent)

Buzz Factor: B (Good)

Price: $13.95 USD (750ml)

Overall: We give Cruzan Aged Light Rum a B+. One of few aged light rums on the market. This is a must have if you’re a fan of rum.

Mix it up with – “The Hail Mary”

Ingredients: 1 part Cruzan Black Cherry Rum, 1 part Cruzan Light Rum, Cola, such as Coca-cola or Pepsi, Lime, cut into wedges, Maraschino cherry for garnish.

Directions: Muddle 2 wedges of lime in a rocks glass, add Black Cherry Rum and Light Rum to glass with ice. Top off glass with cola. Garnish with a lime wedge and a cherry.