Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/118688
to bottling at 80 proof. Qui has a satiny body and a butterscotch, honey and toasted oak palate. MHW, Ltd. Launched in 2012, Casa Sauza XA Edición Limitada is the distiller's first extra añejo expression. The 80-proof tequila is aged more than three years in small, new and used charred American oak barrels. The limited edition release has a floral bouquet and the prominent flavors of vanilla, chocolate and almonds. Beam Inc. NEW MEZCALS Nolasco's Spirits is a consortium of growers and local residents of San Juan del Rio in Oaxaca that in 2004 began producing handmade organic mezcals. Their first release in the U.S.—Benesin Silver Mezcal—is an engaging spirit that serves as a marvelous entree to the category. The 90-proof mezcal is double-distilled from roasted blue espadin agaves that are crushed with a traditional tahona wheel and naturally fermented with rain water. It has a lively herbal, spice and citrus palate with pronounced smoky notes. Those looking to enjoy an authentic Oaxacan treat need to snag a bottle of Benesin Pechuga Mezcal, which is the silver expression redistilled with a chicken breast suspended in the still. (Yes, you read that right. —Ed.)The rising vapors pass through the meat, which profoundly alters the mezcal's nose and flavor profile in a most extraordinary way. Nolasco's Spirits Corralejo 99,000 Horas Tequila C orralejo is one of the most successful brands of tequila and the release of Corralejo 99,000 Horas Añejo will only serve to further propel its franchise. Founded in 1755, Hacienda Corralejo is located in central Mexico in a town called Pénjamo, Guanajuato. Among the distillery's singular features is its alambic Charentais still—the same type used in the production of cognac. The small, onion-shaped copper pot still is topped with a distinctive, swan-like neck that is designed to help develop subtle flavors and delicate aromas typically lost in high-volume stills. Arguably no other type of still could produce the brilliant aromatics and flavors long associated with this brand's tequilas. Limited-edition Corralejo 99,000 Horas Añejo Tequila is unique— double-distilled in both column and copper stills. The tequila is aged for 18 months in small, charred, American oak barrels no bigger than 200 liters. During its stay in wood, the tequila develops a lustrous golden/amber hue, a velvety textured body and wafting vanilla, mint, honey and black pepper nose. It has a gentle entry that quickly expands filling the mouth with the flavors of plums, citrus, cocoa, caramel and toasted oak. And for this expresssion's unusual name? Corralejo estimates that it takes 99,000 hours to craft the tequila. "Tequila has taken its place as a favorite and favored spirit in this country and this bottling is no exception," says Tom Maruscsak, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. "Corralejo is a collectible that captures the incredible spirit of Mexico, a wonderful bottle and the liquid is outstanding. Not only are collectors buying it for the value, but true tequila connoisseurs are purchasing it because they want to experience it for themselves." www.tequilacorralejo.com Infinium Spirits april 2013 / the tasting panel / 149