That's the Spirit - True Spirit of Mexico, Rooster Rojo

True Spirit of Mexico

Remarkable provenance, tradition, and authenticity tie Rooster Rojo to its Mexican heritage By Michael Tulipan

Looming over the town of Tequila, Mexico, the Volcan de Tequila rises to 9,580 feet above sea level. Around it, the unique landscape offers the ideal growing conditions for blue agave thanks to the volcanic activity of this behemoth thousands of years ago. The lava flow spread across the region, leaving behind the gift of incredibly enriched soils, which allow the blue agave to thrive. While tequila has become one of the world’s favorite spirits, thankfully, the volcano that helped contribute to its acclaim has lain dormant for over 220,000 years. Produced the Volcan de Tequila base, a UNESCOprotected area, Rooster Rojo takes full advantage of the excellent growing environment to create a line of 100% Blue Weber Agave tequilas. Master distiller Arturo Fuentes Cortes created Rooster Rojo to represent the true spirit of Mexico, choosing the rooster for its importance to Mexicans as the unofficial symbol of the country. The branding also emphasizes the provenance of the tequila. “It gives strong emotional ties with traditional, real Mexico and strengthens brand authenticity and the craft feeling,” remarks Fuentes Cortes.

TASTE

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Rooster Rojo offers a traditional blanco, reposado, and añejo, as well as the unique newly released Smoked Pineapple. Each tequila weighs in at 38% abv, making them great options for mixing. The classically made blanco offers a distinctive peppery spice, while the reposado ages for a minimum of two months in French oak casks, and the premium añejo rests for a minimum of one year in exbourbon barrels. By controlling the humidity during the aging process, Rooster Rojo ensures stability and consistency in its tequilas.

Though rooted in tradition, innovation is key to differentiating Rooster Rojo in the competitive premium tequila category. Working out of Fabrica de Tequilas Finos, which parent company Amber Beverage Group purchased in 2016, the Rooster Rojo team utilizes a special secret yeast only available at the distillery. Rooster Rojo is also the first tequila to use a technique that blends its distillate with water filtered through Mexican silver, resulting in a softer, smoother finish. This process creates what Fuentes Cortes calls “an authentic, beautifully crafted range of spirits.”

For the Smoked Pineapple, añejo tequila ages for at least 12 months in ex-bourbon barrels and then gets infused with Red Spanish Pineapple, one of the most cultivated varieties in Latin America. Released to the United States market in 2021, this innovative tequila is the first of its kind in the world. “Our Smoked Pineapple maintains the integrity of a well-balanced añejo tequila with the subtle smoke and pineapple essence perfect for experimenting in cocktails,” says Fuentes Cortes.

Thanks to Rooster Rojo’s use of the best traditional production methods and the rich soil that produces the world’s finest blue agave, its tequilas are now making their mark worldwide as the ultimate expression of Mexican heritage.

Foamie

INGREDIENTS

2 oz. Rooster Rojo Smoked Pineapple 1 oz. fresh lemon juice ½ oz. agave syrup (Timut pepper-infused) ½ oz. pineapple liqueur

PREPARATION

Use egg white, foamee or chickpea water, shake hard and strain into coupe glass. Sprinkle cracked peppercorn on top.