Tequila Tasting and Review

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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 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.

Fiesta Down Under!

COCA-COLA AUSTRALIA ENTERS ALCOHOL MARKET WITH TOPO CHICO® HARD SELTZER

INSPIRED BY THE MEXICAN TOPO CHICO® SPARKLING MINERAL WATER BRAND, POPULAR WITH MIXOLOGISTS AROUND THE WORLD.

Topo Chico® Hard Seltzer, a new beverage that blends sparkling water with alcohol and a splash of natural flavour marks Coco-Cola Australia’s entry into the alcohol market in Australia.

Topo Chico Hard Seltzer is inspired by Topo Chico® mineral water, a brand with a rich heritage that began in Monterey, Mexico, and will be available in three unique, refreshing, and exotic flavours: Tangy Lemon Lime, Pineapple Twist, and Strawberry Guava.

Robert Priest, Coca-Cola South Pacific Vice President, said Topo Chico® will appeal to drinkers who are looking for something new and refreshing to enjoy at entertaining occasions this summer, whether that be virtual or in person.

“We are excited to be entering the hard seltzer category, which has seen incredible growth over the last 12 months. We have a fantastic product in Topo Chico® Hard Seltzer which is backed by fans in Latin America and Europe and we’re confident Australians will love the light, refreshing taste.”

The launch is part of the company’s strategy to develop a diverse portfolio of brands that respond to different consumer expectations and needs, including at-home entertaining, virtual catch-ups or going out with friends.

“At Coca-Cola, we’re developing a beverage portfolio that keeps up with the experiences our consumers want. With the warmer months fast approaching, Topo Chico® Hard Seltzer’s flavours of fiesta are for Australians looking to kick back and enjoy themselves for a summer characterised by balmy afternoons, friends, family, barbecues, and most of all, fun!” said Priest. Globally, The Coca-Cola Company has launched new drinks including tea, grab-and-go coffee and many more.

Topo Chico® Hard Seltzer will be available from September in sleek 355ml cans, each containing 4.7 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), under 104 calories per can and are gluten free with no artificial sweeteners. Topo Chico® Hard Seltzer will be available in packs of four from select Dan Murphy’s, BWS and independent liquor stores.

Topo Chico Hard Seltzer is to be consumed by 18+ only. Always drink responsibly.