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Review: BOTECO Vodka

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Boteco Vodka

Boteco Vodka

This week we’re reviewing BOTECO Vodka, an ULTRA Premium Vodka that’s relatively new to the market, and comes imported from Brazil. I’m sure you’ve heard this story before, boutique vodka pops up, slaps “ultra premium” on their label, charges a boatload, and really isn’t anything special. Then you go back to buying your Ciroc or Grey Goose, or even worse back to Smirnoff. Not so fast. This isn’t your typical vodka. The majority brands on the market today use wheat or potatoes as a base to their vodka which can sometimes be harsh and leave you with regrets. BOTECO is a sugar cane based vodka that uses 100% fresh pressed Brazilian cane sugar to create a unique tasting spirit that honestly made me think and drink twice.

First Impression: When you brand yourself as an Ultra Premium Vodka, you’ve got to back that up with the right packaging.

  • Tasting Notes: You know I was a bit of a skeptic. The words ULTRA PREMIUM are about as over used in the vodka category as the word CRAFT in the beer industry. Boteco vodka actually delivered. Not only did that manage to accomplish a smooth tasting vodka from start to finish, but you get a really refreshing sweet finish on the end.
  • Proof: 40% ABV [80 Proof]
  • Price: $29.99
  • Drink Suggestions: Works well with almost anything, We suggest a citrus based drink though. We mixed it with lemonade and fresh mint for a very refreshing Summer cocktail.
  • Grade: A

Final Word: I’ve never been so quick to recommend a vodka to anyone, mostly because I think a lot of them are a fraud, and taste the same when mixed with anything. At that point it’s just about what’s your budget. With Boteco I can honestly say I haven’t enjoyed a vodka this much neat or otherwise since I first tried Ciroc which makes you think, maybe we’ve gone about vodka all wrong. To date, two of the smoothest brands I’ve ever had are made with Grapes, and now with Sugar Cane. You can keep your wheat and potatoes. If you’re into premium vodka, you’re already spending $30+ on the big boys, give this one a shot and you wont be sorry.

BOTECO Ultra Premium Brazilian Cane Vodka sample was provided courtesy of the brand. For more information visit www.Botecovodka.com

 

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News

New Booze: Tanqueray Bloomsbury, Ruby Red Vodka, and more…

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NewBooze1

We’re back with another edition of New Booze and this week we’ve got some goodies sure to be fun to try this Summer. Typically Summer is when we see an explosion of releases because people are vacationing, hanging out, and having a lot of fun, and that usually means drinking more. This year’s no exception and there are some good ones out there so check em out…

Sauza Cucumber Chili Tequila: This one sounds pretty interesting? Bloody Maria anyone? This is Sauzas first jump into the flavored tequila segment and it combines their premium silver tequila with a natural, garden-fresh cucumber flavor and a chili twist to deliver the perfect drink that’s slightly spicy and refreshing at the same time.It can be enjoyed chilled, on the rocks, or in mixed cocktails and is now available nationwide [$15.99 750 ML | 70 Proof]

Pinnacle Ruby Red Grapefruit: By now no flavor should be a surprise from Pinnacle. In fact, this is one of the more “tame” flavors they’ve released lately. Grapefruit is a popular ingredient in cocktails, especially this time of year so it’s a no brainer to try this one. With the taste of fresh grapefruit and a smooth, tart finish, Pinnacle’s latest innovation delivers a deliciously tangy flavor profile perfect for summer cocktails and cookouts.  It is available nation one. [$12.99 750 ML | 70 Proof]

Heisenberg Limited Edition Blue Ice Vodka: Fans of breaking bad might want to open up their wallets for this one. Sony Pictures Television and 21st Century Spirits have partnered up to launch a limited edition line of “Heisenberg” Blue Ice Vodka – inspired by the hit television series, “Breaking Bad.” Three special edition bottles of Heisenberg by Blue Ice, with distinct graphics and infamous quotes and are hitting shelves this Summer. [$19.99 750 ML | 70 Proof]

Kahlua Salted Caramel: Kahlua flavors are always a hit around here. Kahlúa Salted Caramel blends the tasty combination of salty and sweet – an enticing option for those looking to expand their beverage options in the form of a frozen or iced cocktail to enjoy in warmer temperatures. The decadent and smooth notes of salted caramel balance perfectly with the taste of Kahlúa, allowing for a sweet indulgence that is reminiscent of simple pleasures and good times. [$15.99 750 ML | 40 Proof]

Bluechair Bay Rum Vanilla and Banana: Two new flavors from Kenny Chesney’s brand that’s been getting a lot of buzz lately. New Blue Chair Bay Vanilla Rum delivers a silky melding of exotic natural vanillas and soft, delicate Caribbean rum, with a warm, lingering creamy vanilla finish. Blue Chair Bay Banana Rum Cream ideally blends fresh, ripe banana with surprising caramel and vanilla notes, brought together with Caribbean rum for a gently sweet, warm and distinctive flavor that invites you to kick back and relax, whether beachside or enjoying good times with friends.[$18.99 750 ML | 53 Proof]

Tanqueray Bloomsbury:F or the newest limited edition release of Tanqueray, the juniper-forward Tanqueray Bloomsbury gin, Master Distiller Tom Nichol drew inspiration from a recipe created by Charles Tanqueray’s son, Charles Waugh Tanqueray. His original recipe on which  was based dates back to around 1880, when the distillery was located in Bloomsbury, England. Featuring prominent notes of Tuscan juniper along with additional botanicals including coriander, angelica, winter savory and cassia bark, the new Tanqueray Bloomsbury gin will launch limited availability at specialty retailers similar to Tanqueray Old Tom in 2014 and Tanqueray Malacca in 2013. [$32.99 750 ML | 94 Proof]

Pearl Vodka: Pearl Vodka is releasing 3 new flavors this Summer and with so many crazy flavors out there you would wonder what else is there? Pearl’s got you covered:

  • Strawberry Basil is a refreshing mix of red, ripe juicy strawberries with a subtle touch of gardenfresh basil for a taste that celebrates the season. Try it over ice with lemonade, club soda and a splash of fresh lime.
  • Lime Basil brings together the zest of a lime and the alluring aroma of fresh basil, the perfect combination of citrus and herbs for a refreshing spirit. Try it over ice with lemon-lime soda, grapefruit juice and a splash of sweet and sour mix.
  • Vanilla Bean combines the smooth delicate vanilla bean flavors found in ice cream with hints of butterscotch and chocolate for a delicious flavor. Mixes well with coffee, cream, ginger beer and cola. [$10.99 750 ML | 80 Proof]

That’s all for now,

Cheers!

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Liqueur | Cordials

Fernet Branca & Ginger Beer Challenge

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Fernet & Ginger beer

One of my favorite things about running intoxicology is the ability to collaborate with brands. Sure we have fun with the reviews, but what I really love is making cocktails and experimenting with flavors when brands send us their products. Last Summer we collaborated with Fernet Branca for the first time in a challenge we accepted to create our own cocktail using Branca Menta, a mint liqueur that’s sort of gateway to Fernet, and that’s definitely an “acquired” taste but one we loved. We’re teaming up with the brand again and this time it’s a Ginger Beer challenge using Ginger Beer and Fernet. Cocktails using ginger beer are a big trend right now, and we just happened to catch a 4 pack of the newly released ginger beer from Q Drinks on the shelf at Target so it must have been fate.

I decided to make something using my favorite fruit, pineapple which goes really nicely with the spice of the ginger beer, and the bitter of the Fernet. I chose a white rum to because I wanted that island feel to the drink but didn’t want the flavors to be too overshadowed by a more flavorful dark rum. What we came up with was a tropical drink that draws inspiration from a dark n stormy, with a pineapple and Fernet twist. Check out the recipe below:

Combine your rum, pineapple juice and lime juice and sugar in a shaker. Shake, and pour into a highball glass filled with ice. Add your Ginger beer and float your Fernet on top. Enjoy

Cheers

 

 

 Sample of Fernet Branca provided courtesy of representatives of the brand. 

 

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Recipes

Super Bowl Sangria? Why Not

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pavan sangria

pavan sangriaOk, before I get all the strange looks let me explain. The Superbowl is around the corner and I get it, that’s ultimate man’s day. Beer, cocktails, wings, burgers, all sorts of cooked animal flesh being tossed around, and then someone shows up with Sangria. Not cool right? Hear me out though. Have you actually looked around at the  Superbowl parties you attend every year? It isn’t just Joe Football fan anymore, it’s their mom, dad, wife, wife’s friends, kids, neighbors etc. and they aren’t all die-hard football lovers, some only love their team and some don’t even watch other than the big games. But for Superbowl Sunday it’s not about whether you like football or not, it’s about joining in on the country’s largest (in my opinion) non holiday celebration. I’ve had people over that don’t drink, I’ve been to parties where there are vegans floating around, so if that can happen, someone can bring over Sangria and we’ve got a great one we tasted this past Summer and wanted to share. It’s not your momma’s sangria. It’s got wine in it but then we kick it up a notch using a funky liqueur we sampled at Tales Of The Cocktail last year and it’s AMAZING. It’s also super easy so check it out, see if it’s available in your area and let us know what you think.

  • 1 Parts Pavan Liqueur de France
  • 2 Parts Red OR 1 Part White OR 1 1/2 Parts Rose Wine (Your preference)
  • Seasonal fresh fruits

Pour all ingredients into a pitcher or punch bowl. Garnish with fresh fruits. Pour over ice and top off with sparkling water. 

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