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Review: 1921 Blanco Tequila

Posted by Arctic Wolf on June 2, 2020

Named to commemorate the final year of the Mexican Revolution 1921 Tequila is made from 100% Agave cultivated in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. The distinction between tequila made from highland agave versus tequila made from lowland agave is important because agave grown in the highlands tends to carry a different flavour profile into the final tequila than lowland tequila. Highland tequila tends to have more sweet fruity citrus flavours and perhaps a touch more hot pepper in the finish.

Although I could not find direct information on the 1921 Tequila website regarding the exact distillery which produces this agave spirit, I did notice that the identified NOM on the bottom of the label is 1535. This NOM identifier is required by the Mexican Government to be placed on the label of each bottle of tequila to verify that it is produced legally from agave sourced in the Tequila region of Mexico. Each distillery has its own NOM, and thus we can trace the distillery of origin. In this case it is Destileria Morales, S.A. de C.V. which is located about 100 km east of Guadalajara in Arandas ( a municipality of the Altos Sur region of the state of Jalisco).

Pineapple Blue

I should note the 1921 Tequila Brand has moved production to Casa Tequilera de Arandas, S.A. de C.V. (NOM 1499) which is located about 7 km east of Arandas ( a municipality of the Altos Sur region of the state of Jalisco). Although the overall character of the tequila should remain consistent, there may be subtle changes in the overall flavour profile due to this move.

Here is a link to my latest review:

Review: 1921 Blanco Tequila

“… The initial aroma is typically highland with a mild, but firm agave scent rising into the air accompanied by a building spiciness of citrus zest and spicy white pepper. The agave is fruity with vegetal impressions of baked squash and grilled pineapple. Its hard to be sure but I seem to notice a touch of cantaloupe in the air as well …

Please enjoy my review which concludes with my cocktail suggestion, Pineapple Blue.

Chimo!

 

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Review: Camarena Reposado Tequila 

Posted by Arctic Wolf on May 26, 2020

Camarena is a relatively new tequila brand launched in 2010 by six generation tequila producer, Familia Camarena. The spirit up until recently was produced at the Tequila Supremo Distillery (Nom 1456 CRT). Recently however, there has been a change and the spirit is currently produced at Casa Tequilera Herencia de Los Altos, S.A. De C.V. (Nom 1596 CRT) located just a little southeast of Arrandas at Jesus Maria, Jalisco. The spirit is distributed in Western Canada by E. & J. Gallo Winery.

The Camarena Reposado Tequila is produced from 100% Blue Weber agaves, grown in the rich red clay and cool climate of the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. As a Highland Tequila, we can expect Camarena to exhibit strong fruity citrus notes and to have a little hot pepper in the delivery and in the finish. (This is as opposed to lowland tequila which has strong earthy flavours of agave and less hot pepper.)

Here is a link to my full review:

Review: Camarena Reposado Tequila 

“… My first impression was one of surprise as the spirit did not carry the firm alcohol and spicy bite I had expected. The fruity agave seemed to take center stage. The agave flavour was punky and vegetal with melon like flavours of squash and zuchinni. As I sipped peppery notes of lime zest and white pepper began to take over …”

Please enjoy my review which concludes with my serving suggestion, Lexi’s Cocktail (a Margarita with Lemon and Lime).

Chimo!

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Review: Cabrito Reposado Tequila

Posted by Arctic Wolf on May 19, 2020

Cabrito is a Tequila Brand owned by the Phillips Distilling Co.. The agave spirit is produced by Tequila Centinela, S.A. de C.V. (Nom 1140). (This is the same distillery which produces Centinela Tequila). The distillery is located in the Arandas, Jalisco which is the main tequila production center in the Los Altos highlands.

Cabrito Tequila is produced from 100 % agave grown in the Los Altos highlands. Tequila produced from highland agave typically exhibits strong fruity citrus notes and has a little squeal of hot pepper in the finish.  In the case of Cabrito, their harvested agave is cooked in a stone oven. The cooked agave is shredded with a roller mill and the extracted juice is double distilled.

The Reposado Spirit was rested for a period of at least two month (but less than a year) in oak barrels and bottled at 40 % alcohol by volume.

Here is a link to my review:

Review: Cabrito Reposado Tequila

“… The tequila enters the mouth with a light butterscotch sweetness combined with punky agave. This is quickly followed by a squeal of peppery highland agave spice. I taste light impressions of almond and vanilla within the mild butterscotch. The fruity agave gives me impressions of grilled zucchini and plantain. There is also a very light smoky quality which seems to hint at tea leaves and leather …”

Please enjoy my review which concludes with my cocktail suggestion, the Picador.

 

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Review: 1800 Reserva Silver Tequila

Posted by Arctic Wolf on May 12, 2020

The 1800 Tequila brand is owned by the Beckmann Family, who also own the Jose Cuervo brand. And indeed, according to the nom identifier upon the bottle (Nom 1122 CRT) the brand is produced at the same facility, the Casa Cuervo, S.A. de C.V. (established in 1758) which is located in the central lowland tequila region of Jalisco Mexico.

According to the company website 1800 Silver Tequila is:

Made from 100% Weber blue agave — aged for 8-12 years and harvested at their peak. The liquid is double distilled, and a special selection of white tequilas is blended together for added complexity and character. The result is a premium tequila with a smoother, more interesting flavor than most on the market.

The name is apparently an homage to the year that premium Tequila (tequila aged in oak) was first produced at Casa Cuervo. Casa Cuervo is of course also the producer of the well know Jose Cuervo Tequila.

Here is a link to my latest review:

Review: 1800 Reserva Silver Tequila

” … The first sips bring soft punky agave flavours full of vegetal fruit and melon flavours. Baked squash, and grilled pineapple are both suggested with hints of vanilla and and light sweetness. Then comes the peppery spice that tequila is known for …”

Please enjoy my review which concludes with my cocktail suggestion, The Toreador.

Chimo!

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Review: Ginebra San Miguel Anejo Dark Rum

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 30, 2020

Tondena Distillers Limited were recently purchased by Ginebra San Miguel,a diversified beverage company majority-owned by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) located in the Philippines. In addition to rum, the company also makes, gin, vodka and light brandy as well as a variety of flavoured spirits.

Ginebra San Miguel Anejo Dark Rum does not appear on the producer’s website and I was unable to find much information regarding the brand. I suspect the rum was originally bottled as Tondena Distiller’s Anejo Dark Rum (the label is similar). The spirit appears to be in the midst of a re-branding and is now sold mainly in Taiwan.

The Ginebra Anejo Dark Rum sample I received was part of the 24 Days of Rum – The Original Rum Tasting Box from 1423 World Class Spirits. It is presented as a 5 Year Old Dark Rum, bottled at 40 % alcohol by volume.

Here is a link to my review with full tasting notes:

Review: Ginebra San Miguel Anejo Dark Rum

“… The breezes above the glass bring a surprising surge of oak with sweet butterscotch almond and vanilla which indicates that the age of the rum may indeed match the 5 Years declaration on the label. Oak spice, a touch of treacle and a welling of baking spices (vanilla, cinnamon and clove) rise into the air with roasted marshmallow, orange peel, marzipan and tobacco …”

Please enjoy my review which includes two cocktail suggestions, the Brooklynite, and the Dark Rum and Cola.

Chimo!

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