| DARK SPIRITS |
Sometimes colouration can be manipulated in other ways too. Take for example The Kraken Black Spice Rum featured in the Fruit & Nut cocktail. This mythical beast of a spiced rum has been infused with a secret blend of 11 spices and a little concentration of molasses, adding to the dark, rich colour and flavour profile. Distinctive notes of caramel, toffee, cinnamon, clove, vanilla, ginger and nutmeg lead to deep and complex flavours. Although all oak barrels will provide similar influences on a spirit, the spirit itself has its own characteristics that will develop through the maturation process. The Hornitos Black Barrel tequila spends time in three different casks, starting in ex‑bourbon casks that impart some whisky‑like notes of vanilla and caramel before moving to brand new, heavily charred American oak casks, adding a strong oak character and deep colour, and then finishing in lightly toasted casks that impart a little spicy character. This is a tequila that will often excite a whisky enthusiast and open up a world of flavour exploration with similar traits of whisky, yet still with the clear presence of agave, leading to a smooth finish. The Triple Barrel cocktail is a great example of letting the spirit shine as the star of the cocktail with few additional ingredients involved. Generally speaking, dark spirits have more flavour than clear spirits; they are influenced during the post-distillation process that provides deeper, richer flavours with many layers of complexity. While this is often true, we should resist assumptions about a spirit’s character and quality based on its appearance or colour, and let the perception of aroma and flavour reign supreme. From the various ingredients used to make a spirit, to the method of production and post- distillation manipulation, dark spirits will continue to evolve because of the unquenched thirst of what might be possible in this never-ending exploration. So, mix up a cocktail or sip them on their own to open a world of flavour.
TRIPLE BARREL 2 oz (60 ml) Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila 1 tsp (5 ml) maple syrup 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
HORNITOS BLACK BARREL TEQUILA Mexico $46.99 425728 Aging for one year in ex-bourbon casks, then four months in heavily charred American oak casks and finishing in a toasted American oak cask creates a distinctive tequila with a whisky‑like character.
large cubed ice, to serve orange peel, for garnish
In a mixing glass with cubed ice, add tequila, maple syrup and bitters. Stir to combine. Strain into a chilled old-fashioned glass over large cubed ice. Garnish with an orange peel.
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