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TEQUILA is possibly the most notorious of all spirits. Tequila is pronounced TA’KI LA or TO-KILL-YA, which ever you prefer. Seldom can the subject be raised without rolling eyes, gasps of painful memories, and competing claims of horror at the prospect of ever drinking tequila a second time. Can you say HANGOVER? Tequila, like rum, can have very sophisticated flavors and appeal to highly refined palates if care is taken. Because it's made from the Blue Weber agave plant, it has a highly specialized aroma and flavor that has broad appeal.
Where it's fromThe beginning of tequila was actually close to 1000 AD when someone figured out that the juice from the metl plant would ferment if left around for a little while. This made pulque, which figured prominently in Native American cultures in the modern-day Mexico region of pre-Columbus North America. The Spanish ended up taking this pulque - which had an evil reputation among the Spanish who called it vino mescal - in a fit of desperation when brandy supplies ran low and began drinking pulquerias until it became distilled beginning in 1530. Eventually, this became mescal or mezcal and ultimately "tequila" after the province where the mezcal was made. How it's made All tequila must be made from the Blue Weber agave - a particular kind of agave - and made only in Mexico in the state of Tequila. The agave takes about 8-9 years to mature. Then the heart or pina is cut out by jimadors (field workers) and cooked - this pulls out the sweet nectar or miel, which is collected in the bottom of the oven. The pinas are often milled and pulped to get as much of the juice out of it as possible. The miel is fermented and then, just like any other spirit, becomes the concentrated alcohol we all know and love. 100% agave tequilas will use only Blue Weber agave spirits. The consumer will often see three types of tequila sitting on the shelf under the same label: Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo. "Blanco" tequilas are immediately bottled and sold - these will have the most intense agave flavor. "Reposado" tequilas are the same blanco tequila given a brief aging or "resting" in oak barrels (more than 2 months but less than 12 months), which impart a little color and softening of the flavor. These are often preferred as the best representation of tequila but are slightly more expensive due to the extra process. "Anejo" or "aged" tequilas are aged for at least one year (and sometimes longer) in oak. These are the most expensive tequilas and are preferred by those who like highly complex aged elements in their spirits. Purists will complain that anejo tequilas taste too much like whiskey. The tequilas herbal qualities are blended with the wood characteristics resulting in smooth caramel, vanilla and spice flavor. Occasionally, one will see an "Extra-Anejo" tequila, which generally means more than 2 years in a barrel. Who should drink it? Blanco tequila like rum or vodka - is an excellent candidate for mixing in cocktails. The agave gives a great, new characteristic to many tropical cocktails. Indeed, the only thing separating a classic Margarita from a classic Daiquiri is whether you use rum or tequila. Fruit juice, sugar, and tequila mixed in just about any proportion makes for an instant party. For those who like to sip their spirits with only a little addition - and sometimes just a dash of water. Anejo tequilas can surprise with their sophistication. Mexico is rightfully very proud of its premium tequilas and there is an entire community devoted to understanding and appreciating these subtle flavors. Reposado tequilas, happily, can go in either direction: cocktail mixer or sipper. |
A little info behind our tequilas:SENOR RIO
Matta’s proudly pours Senor Rio as our house Tequila.
Senor Rio begins with only 100% Blue Weber Agaves cultivated in the ideal conditions of the arid red clay soil of Jalisco, Mexico. The Pinas (the hearts of the agave plants) are harvested by hand when reaching maturity and fermented after the art of slow cooking in traditional stone ovens. Finally, they are double distilled by our master distiller to create the smooth stimulating flavor of our premium tequila. Senor Rio is a taste of Pure Elegance for anyone who shares a passion for one of life’s greatest pleasures. Explore all your senses in a sensual, yet sophisticated bottle filled with liquid gold. Our Añejo is aged in white oak casks for over one year, enhancing its distinguished elegance and marked aroma of the wood casks. Tequila.net rating - 92 Our Reposado rests in white oak casks for six months, giving Senor Rio Reposado a mellowed taste. Tequila.net rating - 91 Our Blanco is fresh from the still with a flavored bouquet of the Blue Agave.Tequila.net rating - 89 |
DON CAMILO
Don Camilo 100% de Agave Reposado has been aged for just less than a year in new white oak barrels. The oak barrels give Reposado a mellowed taste, pleasing bouquet, and its pale color. Reposado keeps the blue agave taste and is gentler to the palate. It has a distinct taste that acquires a sophisticated nuance without losing its great heritage. The Reposado barrels, called pipon, are usually made of white oak and accommodate Tequila batches of up to 10,000 liters.
Don Camilo 100% de Agave has been aged very slowly for up to three years in brand new white oal barrels to obtain the most special flavor and natural color. The amber color and woody flavor are picked up from the oak, and the oxidation that takes place through the porous wood develops the unique bouquet and taste. From your first sip to your last taste, Don Camilo Anejo portrays the image of tremendous sophistication. More coming soon! |
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