Most of us know that Tequila is produced in the area surrounding the city of Tequila, Mexico, 40 miles northwest of Guadalajara, Mexico. It is a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant which grows in the well suited red volcanic soil in the surrounding region.
Tequila is most often made at a 40% alcohol content (80 proof), but can be produced between 35–55% alcohol content (70–110 proof). Though most tequilas are 80 proof, many distillers will distill to 100 proof and then dilute it with water to reduce its harshness.
Though we have had a mild winter and spring this year in America, tequila consumption does not really begin in the States until Cinco de Mayo and runs through the summer and consumed in margaritas or straight with a cigar. With that in mind, here are four “must try, craft tequila brands” for the tequila season.
Tequila is most often made at a 40% alcohol content (80 proof), but can be produced between 35–55% alcohol content (70–110 proof). Though most tequilas are 80 proof, many distillers will distill to 100 proof and then dilute it with water to reduce its harshness.
Though we have had a mild winter and spring this year in America, tequila consumption does not really begin in the States until Cinco de Mayo and runs through the summer and consumed in margaritas or straight with a cigar. With that in mind, here are four “must try, craft tequila brands” for the tequila season.
KAH – Day of the Dead Tequila
I am starting to see these brightly colored skulls in many locations. That’s right – KAH tequilas come in skull bottles – each symbolizing the different stages or elements of the Day of the Dead – a November 1st celebration of the dead in Mexico. These smooth tequilas are perfect for sipping or mixing in cocktails.
Blanco – The “White Skull”
This tequila has notes of white pepper even with sweet notes from the cooked, blue agave. It is smooth, but leaves the zest of spices on the palate.
Anejo – The “Black Skull”
A two year aging process brings forth heavy notes of tobacco, chocolate and coffee while the American white oak casks used during aging bring spicy vanilla notes on the finish.
Reposado – (110 Proof) – The “Devil (Yellow) Skull”
A ten month aging process in French oak creates this smooth-sipping, high octane tequila with notes of vanilla and caramel on the finish and full agave flavor throughout.
Extra Anejo – The “Crystal Skull”
This flavor-bomb tequila seemingly goes through the gauntlet of flavor profiles from smoky wood and pepper to vanilla, honey, and sweet spices. This skull is covered in 700 crystals.
Blanco – The “White Skull”
This tequila has notes of white pepper even with sweet notes from the cooked, blue agave. It is smooth, but leaves the zest of spices on the palate.
Anejo – The “Black Skull”
A two year aging process brings forth heavy notes of tobacco, chocolate and coffee while the American white oak casks used during aging bring spicy vanilla notes on the finish.
Reposado – (110 Proof) – The “Devil (Yellow) Skull”
A ten month aging process in French oak creates this smooth-sipping, high octane tequila with notes of vanilla and caramel on the finish and full agave flavor throughout.
Extra Anejo – The “Crystal Skull”
This flavor-bomb tequila seemingly goes through the gauntlet of flavor profiles from smoky wood and pepper to vanilla, honey, and sweet spices. This skull is covered in 700 crystals.
Kinky Friedman’s “Man in Black” Tequila
Kinky Friedman is a writer, singer and song writer from Texas though born in Chicago. In 2011 he released a book called Drinker With A Writing Problem (a collection of Kinky’s columns for the Texas Monthly) which has gained some success. “Drinker with a writing problem” – what an intriguing idea!
Plata
Like all of Kinky’s tequilas, Plata is filtered only once in the distillation process – a process that does not “water down” the tequila by over distilling. Plata is aged in charred American white oak casks which creates a hint of white pepper.
Reposado
This Mexican classic is aged in American White Oak casks and provides a warm peppery finish as well.
Anejo (Noir)
Aged in charred French oak barrels, this tequila provides sweet caramel with spice throughout and finishes long. It goes well with a great cigar just as Kinky would want it to!
Man in Black Extra
This dark, smoky tequila is aged for eight years in charred French oak casks. In limited release, it is a classic sipping tequila.
Plata
Like all of Kinky’s tequilas, Plata is filtered only once in the distillation process – a process that does not “water down” the tequila by over distilling. Plata is aged in charred American white oak casks which creates a hint of white pepper.
Reposado
This Mexican classic is aged in American White Oak casks and provides a warm peppery finish as well.
Anejo (Noir)
Aged in charred French oak barrels, this tequila provides sweet caramel with spice throughout and finishes long. It goes well with a great cigar just as Kinky would want it to!
Man in Black Extra
This dark, smoky tequila is aged for eight years in charred French oak casks. In limited release, it is a classic sipping tequila.
AsomBroso Fine Tequilas
These bottles are truly colorful works of art. Unlike books, you can judge them by their cover as what’s inside is just as beautiful as what's on the outside.
El Platino
The nose has dried herbs and the palate is peppery with an offset of sweet pepper and ripe agave. The finish is mellow and toasty.
La Rosa Reposado – 3 months
Sweetness and floral scents cover the nose. There are seemingly characteristics of vintage Bordeaux wine. The taste is quite spicy and peppery with a smooth, vanilla finish.
La Rosa Reposado – 11 months
This reposado is 100% Agave silver (or “blanco”) tequila and is aged for two months in oak barrels and then placed in new French oak casks that were used to make a vintage Bordeaux wine to take on a reddish hue. After several months, the tequila is soft on the palate and has a hint of sweetness.
Del Porto
This tequila is aged in Port Wine barrels which gives it a higher sugar content and creates a slightly sweeter tequila which takes on the color of Port.
El Carbozado
Tennessee whiskey barrels are used to further age (11 years) and influence the base AsomBroso tequila. You will find hints of charcoal from these barrels which gives off a sweetness of butterscotch and caramel on the nose and a smooth oakiness with a sweet finish.
11 Year Anejo (Vintage)
This extra special aged anejo is only available in extremely limited quantities. It is aged for eleven years in French oak casks and is a true a homage to “sipping tequilas” for the season.
El Platino
The nose has dried herbs and the palate is peppery with an offset of sweet pepper and ripe agave. The finish is mellow and toasty.
La Rosa Reposado – 3 months
Sweetness and floral scents cover the nose. There are seemingly characteristics of vintage Bordeaux wine. The taste is quite spicy and peppery with a smooth, vanilla finish.
La Rosa Reposado – 11 months
This reposado is 100% Agave silver (or “blanco”) tequila and is aged for two months in oak barrels and then placed in new French oak casks that were used to make a vintage Bordeaux wine to take on a reddish hue. After several months, the tequila is soft on the palate and has a hint of sweetness.
Del Porto
This tequila is aged in Port Wine barrels which gives it a higher sugar content and creates a slightly sweeter tequila which takes on the color of Port.
El Carbozado
Tennessee whiskey barrels are used to further age (11 years) and influence the base AsomBroso tequila. You will find hints of charcoal from these barrels which gives off a sweetness of butterscotch and caramel on the nose and a smooth oakiness with a sweet finish.
11 Year Anejo (Vintage)
This extra special aged anejo is only available in extremely limited quantities. It is aged for eleven years in French oak casks and is a true a homage to “sipping tequilas” for the season.
Clase Azul Tequila
In keeping with the beautiful bottle theme of craft tequilas, Clase Azul’s packaging is distinctive and bottled in handcrafted, hand-painted Mexican ceramic bottles. Produced in Jalisco from 100% blue weber agave, the tequila is twice distilled and aged in fine oak barrels which gives off a smooth flavor and aromas.
Plata
Plata is produced from organic Agave that has matured for at least nine years. It is then cooked in traditional ovens and ferment using a combination of yeasts. Clase Azul uses refined water, a five steps distillation process and triple tequila filtration to ensure superior quality. Its exceptional smoothness makes it ideal for sipping.
Reposado
This tequila is aged for a minimum of eight months in oak barrels which were previously used for Bourbon, Cognac, and Sherry aging. This beautiful bottle is called "Talavera", which was introduced to Mexico by Spanish artisans of the Colonial period.
Ultra
This ultra-premium tequila is aged a minimum of three years in heavily charred, Sherry oak casks. This first edition was limited to 100 bottles, 50 for Mexico and 50 for the United States. The packaging is a decanter which takes 40 days to produce. The medallion is hand-made pure Silver with hand painted Platinum paint and a label of 24K Gold.
La Pinta
La Pinta is an infusion of Pomegranate juice and 80 proof Clase Azul Tequila. The aging process takes 12 months to ensure the tequila takes on the sweet pomegranate characteristics. It is a perfect sipping tequila for a hot summer day.
As always, thank you for reading and I hope you find that these tequila truly represent the art and spirit of tequila – both in style and taste and flair in the packaging. They are all perfect for sipping or paired with spicy dishes and cigars.
What is your favourite tequila for the season?
Remember to “Like” Swig Knowledge on Facebook by CLICKING HERE!
Plata
Plata is produced from organic Agave that has matured for at least nine years. It is then cooked in traditional ovens and ferment using a combination of yeasts. Clase Azul uses refined water, a five steps distillation process and triple tequila filtration to ensure superior quality. Its exceptional smoothness makes it ideal for sipping.
Reposado
This tequila is aged for a minimum of eight months in oak barrels which were previously used for Bourbon, Cognac, and Sherry aging. This beautiful bottle is called "Talavera", which was introduced to Mexico by Spanish artisans of the Colonial period.
Ultra
This ultra-premium tequila is aged a minimum of three years in heavily charred, Sherry oak casks. This first edition was limited to 100 bottles, 50 for Mexico and 50 for the United States. The packaging is a decanter which takes 40 days to produce. The medallion is hand-made pure Silver with hand painted Platinum paint and a label of 24K Gold.
La Pinta
La Pinta is an infusion of Pomegranate juice and 80 proof Clase Azul Tequila. The aging process takes 12 months to ensure the tequila takes on the sweet pomegranate characteristics. It is a perfect sipping tequila for a hot summer day.
As always, thank you for reading and I hope you find that these tequila truly represent the art and spirit of tequila – both in style and taste and flair in the packaging. They are all perfect for sipping or paired with spicy dishes and cigars.
What is your favourite tequila for the season?
Remember to “Like” Swig Knowledge on Facebook by CLICKING HERE!
Hey! You found some of the most artisan and traditional tequila bottles! I wonder why you missed tequila amor mío, that also comes in handmade and also hand-painted bottles!
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