Spirits
Premium Tequila Tequila’s coming of age as a ‘spirit to be sipped’ rather than ‘shot’ comes at a time when the consumer is thirsty for more drinks knowledge; and few have a more interesting back story than the Mexican agave spirit. A perfect time to bring the consumer on a journey of discovery through distillation methods and types of tequila; from blanco aged 0-2 months, reposado 2-11 months, añejo 1-3 years, and extra añejo 3-plus years. We’ve picked six of the tastiest tequila’s on the market; initially planned to be tasted as a panel, lockdown scuppered that, but we persisted, and here are the results. BATANGA BLANCO Made by the Orendain family, who have been producing tequila since 1926 with highly awarded brands such as Arette and Orendain, Batanga Tequila Blanco is true to the vegetal agave from Tequila. Black pepper spice and hints of menthol, cooked in one of two brick ovens and produced in small batches. The name comes from the traditional drink: tequila, cola and lime juice. Distributor: Vanguard Luxury Brands FORTALEZA AÑEJO We loved the whole range, sipping while reading the interview with Guillermo Sauza (page 12 and 13). Made in the traditional method; stone ground, slow cooked and estate bottled at the Fortaleza Distillery and family estate overlooking the town of Tequila. The añejo is generous with caramel and vanilla, rich and complex. The aging brings out butterscotch and hazelnut. Distributor: Vanguard Luxury Brands
20 drinks trade
SESIÓN MOCHA LIQUEUR MADE WITH SESIÓN BLANCO TEQUILA Chocolate and dark roasted coffee beans. Two of our favourite aromas and tastes on the palate. Try the blanco first, and you’ll see the Mocha is well blended, allowing the original flavours to not be overpowered. Suggestion is to have this as a dessert liqueur by itself or a cracking Mexican Espresso Martini. Distributor: Swift + Moore
CALLE 23 REPOSADO French-born biochemist Sophie Decobecq, a trail-blazer in the tequila world, makes Calle 23 in the Highlands of Jalisco (Los Altos). The style she chooses uses the fruitier characteristics you get from Highlands agave, and this is evident in both the blanco and the reposado tequilas she makes. Decobecq, however, is clear that she uses a unique recipe in each along with maturation in ex-bourbon barrels which gives her Tequila a light spice, roasted peppers and fresh figs. Calle 23 is an industry favourite, and represents a craft spirit that rewards the adventurous consumer. Distributor: Vanguard Luxury Brands TEQUILA OCHO Highly acclaimed Tequila Ocho is a partnership with third generation Tequilero, Carlos Camarena, and the late Tomas Estes. Simply put, this is tequila with
character. We chose the Tequila Plata, a numbered bottle that is signed by Camarena and displaying the single estate location of the agave: in this case La Loma. The liquid is treated like a ‘fine-wine’, and opens up with cooked agave, black pepper, earth and grass. On the palate you get a variety of characteristics including mint and tropical fruits. Estes was instrumental in promoting tequila as a craft and ‘fine’ spirit, via his chain of Café Pacifico restaurants, from Amsterdam to right here in Sydney, Australia. Distributor: Vanguard Luxury Brands GRAND PATRÓN BURDEOS – EXTRA AÑEJO Top line super premium tequila aged for 3 years, and finished in Bordeaux wine barrels. For any doubters of the qualities that artisanal tequila can possess look no further. The price tag may keep the punters at bay, but for those that want to discover how ageing, and finishing can be expressed in the agave spirit, the Grand Patrón Burdeos will oblige. The ageing delivers a dark amber colour and a velvety smooth mouthfeel. Still true to the Patrón Silver style, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re tasting a Cognac with a fully developed palate; raisins, vanilla, and dried fruits. Distributor:Bacardi-Martini Australia The range of premium tequilas now available in Australia herald an exciting period of interest in the spirit. Margaritas will no doubt remain the bedrock of tequila’s volume but there is so much to explore in the magnificent spirit that the Mexicans have known for centuries—time for us to catch up.
