I have always wanted to do it but never made it happen. Until now. While staying at one of my favorite places in the world, One and Only Palmilla in San Jose del Cabo, we met Amath, the sommelier of Agua, a Moroccan and Mexican inspired restaurant on O&O’s property assisted us in some proper tequila tasting.
Just like wine, I have always loved tequila and how it pairs with the flavors of the comforting Mexican food I savor. I have never needed mixers or juices to enjoy tequila and only needed to learn more about it and now have, thanks to Amath.
In between tastings we snacked on homemade empanadas and mini flautas, complementing our sips. We also had a house-made concoction to cleanse the palette between tequilas made of tomato juice, orange juice, lime, tobacco, and lemon. Mmmm.
Our tasting started with George Clooney and Rande Gerber’s award winning Casamigos Blanco (not a bad place to start, right?). The Blanco is crystal clear, having rested for two months, and is crisp and clean with hints of citrus, vanilla, and sweet agave with a long smooth finish. Two thumbs up.
Our second tasting was a tequila Reposado called Atalaje. Aged longer than Blanco, it had notes of soft oaky caramel and cocoa. The texture was silky and had a smooth finish as well. All in all in a great sippng tequila.
The third, and my favorite, was Don Julio’s 1942 Anejo. This is aged for at least a year and has refined notes of caramel and vanilla, compliments of the barrels it’s aged in. Anejo has a perfectly smooth balance that pulls from the 100% agave and barrel flavors making for a lovely finish.
Our last tasting was for the big boys and almost more like scotch to me–however my husband really loved it! It was called Chinaco Negro Extra Anejo and is ultra-aged up to five years in oak barrels. It’s the only tequila producer in Tamaulipas, which is an area authorized outside of the traditional tequila producing region. It has a peppery flavor with vegetal and mineral notes as well. There’s even a little fire in the finish.
Another activity checked off the bucket list (and some knowledge gained too!) Big thanks to Amath and his team for the hospitality. Now get out there and start sippin’!
