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Juan Simon

Juan Simon

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Leblon Cachaça
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2 Comments
Mookie

any cachaça you'd recommend that might be broadly available in the US?

Juan Simon

I heard from good sources that Avuá Cachaça and Novo Fogo are the best available in the US broadly. Novo Fogo is easier to find in Liquor Stores, but you can buy both from Curiada or Astor Wines and ship it to your house anywhere in the US. The ones I mentioned above our cousins. Hope this helps!

Leblon Cachaça
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2 Comments
Juan Simon

As a Brazilian, I have to say this is NOT Cachaça. The flavor profile leans heavily toward vodka, with only a faint hint of what makes Cachaça unique. It feels like the spirit has been overly refined or diluted, stripping away the bold, earthy character that defines traditional Cachaça. While it might appeal to those unfamiliar with the authentic taste, it misses the mark for anyone seeking a genuine Brazilian experience. You are better off trying a good Rhum Agricole or Paranubes for smt close.

Bigallet Thym
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4 Comments
Juan Simon

I had some friends bring this bottle from France and even there it was not easy to find! This is really interesting liquor. You get the thyme for sure on the nose but when you drink it smoothes it out and very unique and interesting. You canuse this in culinary as well!

Parasol
3 Comments
Juan Simon

I recommend using an interesting Rum here to make it less cut and dry and more interesting. I bit too dry for my taste but that can be adapted with a funky rum and maybe including 1/4 of simple syrup.

Ultima Palabra
40 Comments
Alex Cutler

I make a ‘mezcal last word’ at least once a week and love drinks that combine the smokiness of mezcal with pineapple, so I assumed I would love this.. but it just doesn’t work.

Juan Simon

I feel like you need a good smoky Mezcal to have a chance against the Chartreuse, otherwise it disappears in the background and it feels unbalanced, albeit still good. Montelobos Mezcal works for me.

Juan Simon

I found it too sweet with Plantaion 3 stars with the above doses. Still delicious, but next time dial back on the Elderflower for my taste. This could also work with a bit of Green/Yellow Chartreuse.

Ancient Mariner
13 Comments
Juan Simon

Good classic Tiki drink! I used Coruba + El Dorado 12 and The Bitter Truth. In the future want to try with Hamilton Pimento Dram or St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram Liquer to see if there is any difference.

Ultima Palabra
40 Comments
Juan Simon

You should try this as your third drink of the afternoon or evening. Once you get past the ABV, you'll appreciate its complexity. No other drink combines Mezcal and Green Chartreuse quite like this one. If there’s one cocktail I see myself enjoying ten years from now, it's this one. It's complex and delicious when experienced properly.

Sunshine No. 3
5 Comments
Juan Simon

Try this with a light Mezcal (in terms of smokeness) and it can be interesting riff on the Paper Plane. Still don't know if I prefer this one over the original. Need to try this again.

Maximilian Affair
5 Comments
Juan Simon

This is a good drink!
I also tried this template and it was not either:

30 ml Del Maguey Vida Clásico mezcal
30 ml Elderflower liqueur
15 ml Antico Vermouth
15 ml Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)