Author Archives: Rico DeLeon

Highland Park Draft & Dram

“I love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch. Here it goes down, down into my belly…” This Ron Burgundy quote definitely embodied the day leading up to the delicious #DramAndDraft pairing event at the Meddlesome Moth presented by Highland Park. Some argue that scotch must be served neat … others would argue that scotch should be served on the rocks. But after this wonderful evening, I would suggest pairing it with a great craft beer.

RICOstudios-SDD_HighlandPark-5644

Garrett Youngbloog and US National Highland Park Ambassador, Steph Ridgway made it loud and clear that Highland Park Scotch Whisky goes great with craft beer. I have to say that it’s more than just a fancy boiler maker. The great craft beers they paired with the great scotch whiskies opened up flavors in both beverages that are perfectly complimented by other.

We greeted with a cocktail by Austin Gurley of High and Tight, the Lady of Shalot (Highland Park 12, Four Corners Local Buzz Honey Rye Ale, citrus bitters, Cardamaro). Then the tasting began …

Imagine drinking your favorite drink, then having someone offer you the same drink, but better. That’s what happened.

I definitely urge you scotch fans out there to pick up some craft beer the next time you pick up your favorite bottle of scotch. Not only should it compliment your scotch … but you might even find yourself not wanting one without the other!

RICOstudios-SDD_HighlandPark-5639

 

Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia

Earlier this week, Jose Cuervo held a launch party for their Reserva de la Familia at Javier’s Cigar Room. The evening included neat pours of the delicious tequila, hand rolled cigars, tasty bites and bit of education about this incredibly unique tequila.

From the packing to the bottle to the tequila itself, Jose Cuervo’s Reserva de la Familia is truly a piece of art. Every bottle comes inside of a wooden box with artwork by Enrique Rosas, who was chosen by the Jose Cuervo family. The unique label on the bottle is accentuated with red wax deal with the Jose Cuervo family crest stamped into it. To top it off, the entire packaging is made by hand.

Being a seasoned whiskey drinker, I found very nice rich and mellow flavors of oak, nuts, vanilla and cinnamon which reminded me of a fine scotch or cognac. La Familia is aged three times longer than typical anejos, giving it a complex flavor. I would prefer enjoying it over rocks, but having neat gave us all the true flavors, aromas and visible colors.

I definitely suggest trying a bottle. Both tequila lovers and lovers of darker spirits will find attributes in Jose Cuervo’s Reserva de la Familia that you will fall in love with.

Jose Cuervo’s Reserva de la Familia is bottled at 40% ABV, and is available in the US at the suggested retail price of $125 for 750mL.

Woodford Reserve Launch Event

At the beginning of the month, Woodford Reserve Kentucky bourbon invited me to an exclusive, salon dinner to see firsthand what the brand is stirring up next. Master Distiller Chris Morris hosted the event. He led through a guided introduction and tasting of the brand’s latest addition, Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. With the help of Henry’s Majestic in the kitchen, the event was quite the success.

Look for Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey to release this March at your favorite spirits store. Even if you’re not a rye whiskey fan, Morris promises that this is one you won’t want to miss.

Try out one of my favorite cocktails from the evening, the Vieux Carre:

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Bénédictine
Cognac
Sesame Vermouth
Bitters

Bowl & Barrel’s New Menu Items

Last week, Bowl & Barrel, a boutique bowling alley and modern American tavern, invited me to an evening of new food and fun at The Shops at Park Lane. The pictures below showcase some of their new food items, tasty beverages and the lovely evening it turned into thanks to the B&B staff. From the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes to the Wagyu Steak & Blue Cheese Sandwich and everything in between, the handcrafted execution of everything that came our way left us all with a good impression.

Be sure to pop in the next time you’re in the mood for some great food to match up with good times!


Bowl & Barrel
Shops at Park Lane
8084 Park Lane Suite 145
Dallas, TX 75231
214-363-2695

Hours of Operation
SU – TH » 11am to 12am
FR – SA » 11am to 2am

Sailor Jerry’s Pins & Pin-Ups

Earlier this month, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum threw fun bowling competition amongst some of your favorite bar staffs from around the DFW area called “Pins & Pin-Ups”.  The evening at Bowlounge in the Design District included free Sailor Jerry cocktails, an open taco bar, raffle prizes, pin-up models and, of course, bowling! It was a great event packed full of fun, tasty rum cocktails and good times by all in attendance. Thanks, Sailor Jerry!

Try out one of my favorite cocktails from the evening:

Jerry & Ginger
2 parts Sailor JerryGinger beer
2/3 lime wedgesGlass: highball / beer glass
Build in glass over cubed ice & garnish with squeezed lime wedges.

 

Event Recap: Blue Nectar Tequila Tasting

We were invited to meet  the co-founder of Blue Nectar® tequila, Nikhil Bahadur at a VIP evening at Meso Maya last night.  Take a look at the amazing shots that Rico captured!

Stay tuned for a complete review of Blue Nectar tequila later this month!

THE SOCIAL HOUSE’S SUMMER SIPS & BITES

Summer is upon us, and we all know what that means, Dallas … patio season is now in full swing! With that said, The Social House recently had us come in to try out some fresh bites and Summer cocktails on the patio of their Addison location.

Everything we tried at the tasting was great. It may just be that I love mangos, but my favorite beverage was the Frozen Mango Margarita. The thickness of the fruit itself makes this frozen margarita taste more like a smoothie. It’s pretty awesome. If it’s food you’re after, check out the Irish Pork Nachos. They’re made with house-cut chips, topped with Ancho pulled pork, avocado mousse and pickled jalapeños …yes, it was as good as it sounds.

Whether you are looking for a great patio to lounge on a beautiful day, a tasty beverage after a long day or some delicious food for a grumbling stomach, The Social House is your one-stop shop!

PROTIP: Check out their amazing happy hour specials! For example, the cocktails shown above (or below) are all served at half-price during happy hour… Talk about the happiest of hours!

Social House Addison
5100 Belt Line Rd. #410
Addison, TX 75254
TEL: (972) 392-4300
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday from 4PM till 7PM

Event Recap: Mount Gay Rum Dinner at Sissy’s Souther Kitchen & Bar


Not a big rum fan? I can understand where you come from… From my earlier drinking days in high school…er… college, rum has always seemed like this girly liquor that was infused with fruity flavors like pineapple then mixed with even sweeter mixers and topped off with a paper umbrella. (Really?!) I am here to help change this bad rep rum has received from said rum experiences we’ve all had.

Mount Gay Rum recently invited me in for an evening of gorgeous cocktails and delicious food at Sissy’s Southern Kitchen & Bar. Having gone to the event with an open mind about rum, I was more than enthused to be persuaded to join rum’s team. After receiving the first delicious cocktail from Sissy’s amazing bar staff using Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, fresh herb-infused ice, veggies and juices (shown being made in the video above), I was sold! It was extremely refreshing to enjoy rum without the excess amount of sweet or sour flavors.

Throughout the evening, I was honored to try more cocktails of various styles paired with some amazing dishes. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, so much so, Sissy’s offered to make an old fashioned-inspired cocktail using it! And yes, it was pretty amazing.

Next time you’re in the market for a new beverage, have your bartender whip something up using Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum. You have this bourbon-lover’s word that you won’t be sorry!