Cheers Winter 2024 | Page 22

adds elegance and complexity to cocktails , Rivas explains .

“ Its versatility shines in both refreshing classics like the Pisco Sour and in innovative concoctions that highlight seasonal ingredients .”

Calvados , with its orchard fruit base , offers apple-forward flavors balanced by oak and spice , making it ideal for autumnal cocktails and nuanced twists on classics . “ Guests appreciate how Calvados enhances body and adds complexity to drinks , whether served in a simple highball or a reimagined Old Fashioned ,” says Rivas .

When it comes to brandy , it ’ s all about the quality of the fruit , says Draga Culic , founder / CEO of Blacklisted Brandy . The line of brandies from Serbia launched in the U . S . this past February with four expressions : Heirloom Apricot , Heirloom Pear , Heirloom Quince and Aged Heirloom Plum .

“ You want to use the best fruit possible , because if the fruit is not being used at peak harvest or ripeness , it shows in the end product ,” Culic says . “ Peak ripeness makes the natural sugars shine through .”

Those complex fruit flavors on the palate help make a delicious cocktail , she adds . “ This is why fruit forwardness is key for making a brandy stand out , because the beauty of the spirit doesn ’ t need to be covered up with a bunch of other ingredients .”

MIXING IT UP

Depending on the brandy , it may show more fruit or have more influence from aging , Joly says . That affects how you use it in cocktails . “ I ’ ve always loved to split base spirits , allowing each to contribute different attributes to a cocktail . Even something as simple as a classic Sazerac ; I enjoy this with a split base of higher-proof rye with spice and tannins along with a Cognac that introduces baked fruit and roundness .” Joly created the 1912 cocktail as an homage to the great drinks that were born in New Orleans . It ’ s made

– Joy Rivas , lead mixologist at Travelle Bar in Chicago

with rye whiskey , Pierre Ferrand slightly overproof 1840 Cognac , Cherry Heering , absinthe , coffee and cherry bitters . The Riff Raff Room also offers a Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned using Copper & King ’ s Brandy .

The Brandy Wisconsin Old Fashioned is still an iconic cocktail , says Mike Bugalski , president of Avenue Wine and

Cognac house Maison Courvoisier has emerged from a multi-year restoration project . The revamp , completed in collaboration with French architecture and interior design agency Gilles & Boissier , as well as local and international artists and artisans , underscores Courvoisier ’ s commitment to reignite Cognac on the global stage ; a reflection of the brand ’ s “ Joie de Vivre ”; and a warm and welcoming destination for guests .

Maison Courvoisier , originally built in 1857 along the Charente River in Jarnac , France , now boasts a stylish red bar lounge , curated by historian Isabelle Vignon , and a Cognac tasting room with artwork by François Houtin .

The dining room , with a palissandro marble table and carved wood panels by Zoé Ouvrier , serves as the centerpiece for exclusive pairing dinners . Gilles & Boissier ’ s design subtly reflects Cognac ’ s aging process , with hand-painted walls transitioning from bright hues to deep amber tones . That ’ s key to the brand .

“ Our legacy is built on rare , exceptional Cognacs maturing in our cellars ,” said Maison

Courvoisier ’ s Master Blender Thibaut Hontanx . “ The recent restoration provides a perfect backdrop that complements the distinctive character of our blends , much like the Maison itself .”

22 Cheers • Winter 2024 www . cheersonline . com