At the Louis Royer “Force 53” VSOP Cocktail Competition, Hobnob got to witness mixology in action. Savor this special spirit in these six special cognac cocktails, and pick a winner for yourself.
It’s fabulous when a brand hosts a cocktail competition and to experience all the creativity that goes with it. Louis Royer and their high-proof cognac sponsored one at Porchlight, NYC in November. The featured spirit, Louis Royer “Force 53” VSOP Cognac was the key ingredient in all the cocktails, and at 106 proof, did add a potent kick.
“Force 53” mixed nicely in these cocktails adding a powerful caramel apple flavor, plus notes of fresh citrus. Bartenders took these flavors into account and matched them with notes of fig, chocolate, tiki, cardamom, and more. This spirit received the Gold Medal at the San Francisco Wine & Spirits Competition. Here are the results and details for each cocktail, where six bartenders competed, much to our sipping pleasure:
—Dave Nurmi of Porchlight created the Brother Mon Frère with LR Force 53, Cappelletti, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Peychaud’s Bitter, and Salt.
—Dustin Olson of Holiday Cocktail Lounge offered the Forced Holiday with LR Force 53, Santa Teresa 1796 Rum, Amaro Ramazzotti, Giffard Banane du Bresil, and Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters.
—Gregory Buda of The Dead Rabbit, the winner of the competition came up with Book of Matthew. His cocktail was a combination of LR Force 53, Lemon Juice, Fig Cordial, Pineau des Charentes, and Dale DeGroff Pimento Bitters.
—Jeremy Hawn of Seamstress used a cute red umbrella blown inside out to adorn his cocktail. The Peach Me a Lesson was a mix of LR Force 53, Combier Creme de Peche, Creme de Violette, Lemon Juice, and Bittermens Tiki Bitters.
—Jim Palumbo of The Up and Up made the Vinyl Record with LR Force 53, Wolffer Estate Verjus, Meletti Amaro, Creme de Cacao, and Tawny Port.
—Kirsten Holloway of Pink Magnolia, the only female and bartender from Texas. She created An Isle Away, a combination of LR Force 53, Amaor Nonino, simple syrup, Scrappy’s Cardamom Bitters, and Fee Brothers West Indian Orange Bitters.
