April Spirits - Tequila Time!
Well, it’s likely that most Canadians that haven’t been living under a rock have been buffeted by all sorts of the off again/on again news about various impediments to free trade both internationally and within Canada.
And we felt we needed a break, if not in body, then in mind, and we cast our thoughts to the neighbour next door – Mexico! At the very least, a welcome treat to think about at the end of a long winter - maybe some time spent on a beach somewhere if you were lucky, thinking ahead to Cinco de Mayo, maybe having a margherita or two, and supporting a neighbour swept up in world events.
This month, we are all about tequila and we do have to say that some of these offerings were pretty stupendous and a delight to recommend.
Siempre Supremo Tahona Blanco Tequila, Mexico
When I think about all the improvements and developments in premium tequila, and shaking off the reputation of old, I often think about the Siempre tequila line up – as I’ve yet to have one that didn’t blow my mind! The agave here is baked in the old-style ovens and crushed by a volcanic “tahona” stone wheel, and bottled at a whopping 55 percent ABV. Spicy and fiery with citrus, olive, leafy vegetable, and earthy salinity. A sipper, or a starter for a big night to come– great either way!
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CSPC 878952 $125-135
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Lost Lore Reposado Tequila, Mexico
Tight and saline, with abundant pepper spice and green pepper or capsicum notes with fine herbal notes and a slightly pickled or briny aroma. Very similar on the palate with lifted alcohols, more of that saltiness, and a smoky, wood fired bread finish. A serious spirit and approach to reposado, and quite honestly, it was surprising how much fun it was to taste it, and watch it continue to grow in my appreciation of it. Smooth, flavourful, and tasty.
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CSPC 108660 $92-98
Los Arango Tequila Reposado, Mexico
Chockablock with all the right sorts of aromas and flavours, especially a crisp, pepper/cinnamon and almost caramel aroma. In the mouth, the 35 percent ABV makes things a little softer, but there is still a fair bit of alcohol heat. Made and aged in smaller batches, the liquid is a smooth sipper from start to finish, and is easy to enjoy, but can be mixed into cocktails as an alternative to whisky or brandy too.
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CSPC 896455 About $60-65
Nobleza 33 Blanco Tequila, Mexico
Distllled by legendary tequila master, Felipe Camarena, at El Pandillo in the Higlands of Jalisco, and made in the traditional way from well water deep beneath the distillery, five percent of this tequila is fermented with agave fibre. This ultra premium tequila is crystal clear with glints of silver, and sweet citrus aromas followed by deliciously fruity, bright agave flavours. You might regularly mix blanco tequilas in your favourite cocktail, but you might not want to hide these bright flavours!
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CSPC 104276 $83-90
Milagro Reposado Tequila, Mexico
One word to describe this one. Smooth…. Easy to enjoy with a herbal, brine note on the nose supported by cracked black pepper spice and a touch of dried mushroom. Good weight in the mouth, and a great example of very well-priced resposado, suitable for sipping neat and mixing in your favourite beach-style or umbrellas drink.
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CSPC 733112 $45-49
El Tequileño Still Strength Tequila, Mexico
From La Guarreña distillery in the heart of the old town of Tequila (tip: if you’re planning to visit Tequila, include a stay, or at least a lunch or dinner, at the beautiful Casa Salles in the grounds) this first still strength tequila from El Tequileño has a wonderfully intense, tropical fruit nose, and is a powerhouse. Bottled at 100 proof (50 percent ABV) straight from the still, it’s remarkably smooth – and what joy - there’s no burn. You could make an impressive cocktail with it, or you could just appreciate it, like us.
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CSPC 111597 $90-100
Siempre Exclusivo Vivo Blanco Tequila, Mexico
A small batch, limited run tequila, that most definitely we’d love to see more of on our shores, and there is some pretty cool – and unique processes used to make this. Too much to share here, but if interested something to look into. In the glass, it’s pretty amazing. Certainly still tequila, but remarkably soft and subtle with a strong mineral flintiness, a bit of herb and smoke, and a very smooth, almost buttery – but not vanilla character. Sleek, spicy, and yes, sexy on the palate, it’s a game-changer.
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878955 $185-195
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Cascahuin Blanco Tequila, Mexico
Love it. Plata or white tequilas are often pretty simple or even pretty rough, but a brisk and spicy nose with dried vegetable and herb aromas and an intense spiciness of pepper and salinity. Nice and smooth on the palate, but still distinctly tequila with some of those toasty agave notes. While good on its own, it makes a killer margarita and other classic cocktails. Trust us!
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CSPC 843705 $65-70
Nobleza 33 Tequila Reposado, Mexico
A very delicate pale yellow colour, Nobleza 33 Reposado has matured for six months in oak bourbon barrels, which come through on the nose in the form of a hint of vanilla alongside aromas of mandarin peel and cooked agave. It’s so full of flavour on the palate - each sip brings out different notes (so take it slowly!) – very definitely reminiscent of caramel on the tip of your tongue and then red apples on the mid palate. Don’t do anything except sip, sit back, and enjoy!
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CSPC 104277 $89-113
El Tequileño 65 Aniversario Extra Añejo, Mexico
Wow! A limited edition of just 1,000 bottles to celebrate El Tequileño’s 65th anniversary, this extra anejo is a blend of aged tequilas from five of the distillery’s best barrels. Complex, deep, and creamy, and bottled in a crystal decanter inside a beautiful box. You’re met with the most fascinating aromas when you lift the glass to your mouth: citrus zest, chocolate, tropical fruit, brown sugar… and on the palate - banana bread, sweet spice, more tropical fruit, a little salinity, and a long, silky finish. Beautiful.
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CSPC 897726 $850-900