If you love spirits with unique flavors and textures this is the place to test drive them first in San Diego. Mark your calendar for next year as you won’t want to miss it.
One product that stood out for just breaking into the market was, ironically, Breakout Rye Whiskey, aged 8 years (www.capital-brands.com). It had a nice texture, firm grip with a true honest character that spoke volumes all the way through the finish.
I also enjoyed all the Art in Age products (www.artinage.com), which could put some more bullets in a mixologist’s shaker. The Snap was made with molasses and fresh ginger – great with just a few drops of your choice of citrus.
The Tequilas offered by Semental (www.tequilasemental.com) were pure, clean, and driven using the heart of the agave plant. The nuances were subtle, with a finesse not often seen in Tequila.
A couple celebrity products of note were the Ron Jeremy Rum’s (www.rondejeremy.com). I especially liked the 7 year Panamanian Rum. It was well balanced, with broad, full flavors – a great sipping rum. Ludacris’ Conjure Cognac (www.conjurecognac.com) could definitely ease customers into the category, with its forward fruit while easily hiding the alcohol.
If you love spirits with unique flavors and textures this is the place to test drive them first in San Diego. Mark your calendar for next year as you won’t want to miss it.
There was also an old favorite of mine in the mix with Martin Miller’s Gin (www.martinmillersgin.com). This white spirit’s well chiseled palate profile makes a great stand alone in a martini or could easily supply the backbone for a highly aromatic cocktail.
Regretfully, as caught up as I was with tasting spirits, I did not see any of the full slate of cooking demonstrations by some of San Diego’s talented chefs or any of the plethora of musical talent that was performing.
I expect with such a well done array of offerings for attendees, San Diego Spirits Festival will be back next year, bigger and better than ever.
Stay tuned to Crave Local for more updates, or you can find out more on their website.