Product Review- Veev Acai liqueur

I'll admit, I was a bit skeptical about reviewing a product that bills itself as a replacement for vodka. I'm pretty well known for my aversion to most vodkas, and, other than reviewing vodkas once in a while, its not something I consume. However, I personally find Veev acai (pronounced ah-SIGH-ee from what I understand) more along the lines of a liqueur than a base spirit as it comes in at 60 proof and does have a pleasant sweetness to it.

Part of my aversion to vodka is that it has no character, by definition. Veev acai though, has a very distinct flavor, overall very fruity but cherry leads on my palate and I honestly don't get much acai until the end. Trust me when I tell you that I took one for the team,as I ran down some acai juice to sample for this review (I thought it would be fun to use Veev with acai juice to make a super healthy, anti-oxidant cocktail), sampled it straight and, well, lets just say that its not the most pleasant juice I've come across. It definitely tastes like its good for you, bitter, bitter stuff. I think I'll use the remainder of the juice to spray on my houseplants to keep my cats from eating them. Thank god the Veev people have managed to incorporate only the tastiest part of the acai berry, and by blending it with acerola cherry and prickly pear cactus, have achieved a really unique and tasty flavor profile.

One of the things that impressed me most about receiving this bottle of Veev was the promotional information contained within the package. Printed on recycled paper with soy inks, it explained Veev's commitment to enviromental causes, and I can always admire a company that puts its money where its mouth is. I wish more companies were as socially concious as Veev.

So far, my favorite way to enjoy Veev acai is simply mixed with tonic and lime. Its a refreshing and very different departure from my usual Sapphire and tonics, an original reinterpretation of a cocktail classic.

I'd carry Veev in my bar once its listed in Oregon. Its going to occupy a unique niche in the market, and I think that the level of success Veev achieves is really going to be dependent on bartenders offering this unique product to their patrons. This is a product with a bright future, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for Veev acai.

Old New Orleans visits 50 Plates and More

Tomorrow, I am lucky enough to be doing a special event for the Distillers Trail at 50 Plates, a lead up to the GADF. I can't believe our luck as Ben Gersh from Old New Orleans Rum is coming to hang out and talk about his products while JP and I get to pour some great drinks featuring their rum. I've got a batch of Hazelnut Orgeat that I'm bringing in to make a "Port Orleans", essentially a classic Mai Tai with an Oregon twist (one of the very few tiki drinks that I care for), a Bienville Tea, Old New Orleans rum, Grand Marnier and iced tea, and, of course, JP's Rum Julep plus a few other surprises. Its going to be a blast, and it runs from 5-8 tomorrow, so make sure you get down to 50 Plates in plenty of time.

Last night, I was up to an ungodly hour stuffing the swag bags for the competitors and judges for this weekend's cocktail competition. Honestly, it kind of sucked. Apparently, I'm much better at other things, as stuffing bags is clearly not my forte. The gift bags are cool this year, Imbibe Magazine, our co-presenter of the competition helped immensely in this task. I'd like to let the bags be a surprise, so I won't reveal the contents yet, but they are pretty cool this year.

I've also had the worst case of writers block in my life over the last 2 weeks. Anyone have any advice?

Other news-

- I rately get envious, but I just read Jeff Morgenthaler's post on Old Forester Repeal Bourbon today and I'm lusting after some Old Forester right now. Perhaps a trip to Eugene is in order soon. Damn I like bourbon.

-Shoshanna Cohen, former writer for Imbibe Magazine, avid sock lover and all around cool Portlander has a newish blog going. Its www.socktails.blogspot.com Head on over and check it out. You might learn a thing or two about drinks, or perhaps tube socks. I just added her to my reader.

- In the mail, samples of Veev acai liquor and Sagatiba Pura Cachaca. With my recent interest in all things cachaca, well, color me very interested, and I have yet to taste Veev acai, but I'm open to the experience.

- Sobieski vodka is amazing. Easily worth double the money. I have to get this stuff into the State of Oregon. Imagine something that I can afford to pour as my well giving my top shelf vodkas a run for their money and you've got Sobieski.

- On the shelves, 10 Cane Rum has a mojito kit on the shelves right now retailing for $35. I really like 10 Cane, but I haven't tried the Stirrings Mojito mix. Still, at the price, the mix is basically free.

- Tonight, I'm escorting Ms. Emma Davis of Martin Miller’s gin, one of the great gins of the world, to show her the level of expertise and sophistication in our great cocktail scene here. I figure TearDrop, 50 Plates, Ten01 and Clyde Common make a great start, any thoughts on other destinations? Victory?