Episode 39: Hpnotiq

Description

Episode 39 features Hpnotiq, the light blue liqueur embraced by hip hop and the New York club scene in the early 2000s. Bottled in 750ml at 17% ABV, or 34 proof and retails for between $20 - $25.

Enjoy this episode with some Hpnotiq, try it in an Incredible Hulk cocktail!

Hpnotiq's official website: http://hpnotiq.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

2001 - A relative outsider and noted college dropout, Raphael Yakoby invents and releases Hpnotiq
2001 - Nick Storm joins with Raphael Yakoby and they begin selling Hpnotiq out of the back of their car in New York city
2002 - The first music video featuring Hpnotiq debuts
2003 - Heaven Hill Brands acquires Hpnotiq for between $20 and $60 Million
2007 - Nick Storm leaves to assist with the launch of Ciroc Vodka
2021 - Hpnotiq turns 20 years old

Key Cocktails:

While Hpnotiq can be consumed on its own, even straight from the bottle, it owes early success to the cocktail below.

The Incredible Hulk (Hpno & Cognac)

2 oz. Hpnotiq

2 oz. Hennessy Cognac

Ice

Pour over ice and stir to see the transformation to green. Enjoy!

References:

Wikipedia article on Hpnotiq

Daily Press article from August 2003

Interview with Raphael Yakoby

Interview with Nick Storm