Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/17414
about tequila. This year’s panel also included spirits and drinks authorities Charlotte Voisey of William Grant & Sons and Junior Merino of The Liquid Chef, Tequilier Ambassadeur Mario Marquez and Master Tequilier Richard Cisneros Beltran. The spirits were evalu- ated on a 100-point system for appearance, aromatics, flavor, mouthfeel and finish. “One thing that has impressed me after four years of judging at this competition is how much a particular tequila can change year to year,” states Jack Robertiello, industry writer and spirits authority. “We tend to think of tequila brands as static entities. But there are many variables that affect the character of artisanal tequila. Between microclimate issues that impact the agaves while they’re in the ground and the complexities of managing tequilas as they’re aging in oak, it’s exceed- ingly difficult to produce a consistent product.” Robertiello contends it’s the changing Author Robert Plotkin at work during the judging. nature of these spirits that makes this and other high-profile tasting events so meaningful to retailers and on-premise professionals. Best of Show Ten brands stole the spotlight at this year’s competition by racking up 11 gold medals, 22 silvers and three of the four Best of Category distinctions. Topping the list of elite brands were two familiar names in 100% agave tequila. Chicano earned gold and Best of Show honors for its Reposado and silver medals for Chinaco Blanco, Añejo and Extra Añejo. The judges were equally impressed with the Milagro portfolio, which earned a gold for Milagro Silver and silver medals for their Reposado and Añejo and for Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Silver and Reposado. Recent arrival Don Diego Santa looks to have a brilliant future after earning gold medals for each of its three expressions. Made at Destileria Rio de Plata (NOM 1124), Don Diego Santa Reposado is aged six months and blended with tequilas aged just under a year, while the reserve Añejo is matured a minimum of 18 months. Newcomer El Abandonado distinguished itself at the head-to-head competi- tion. It received a gold medal and Best of Category honors for its 40-month Extra Añejo, a gold medal for its Blanco and silver for the Reposado. In the hotly contested blanco tequila segment, the Best of Category decision and a gold medal went to Regional, a brand that also walked away with gold for its Añejo and silver for the Reposado. La Regional Distillery [NOM 1503] in Amatitán also produces Azunia, which received a gold medal for its Blanco and bronze for the Reposado and Añejo. Based on the results, two other recent arrivals are on the charts with a bullet. Estate-made Nobleza Azul from the Highlands of Jalisco was awarded two golds and a silver medal. The highest-rated mezcal in the competition—El Zacatecano—also earned a gold and two silvers. Rounding out the Top 10 are three 100% agave tequilas made in the Highlands—Cazadores, Sol de Mexíco and Aha Toro. Each had the distinction of receiving silver medals for their Blanco, Reposado and Añejo. Standout Performers Several spirits earned top marks and deserve recognition. Four brands fin- ished the competition with two gold medals. Included in that group are Kah “Day of the Dead” which also earned the Best of Category caption for its Añejo, 4 Copas (Reposado and Añejo), Herradura (Reposado and Selección Suprema Extra Añejo) and agave spirit Don Cuco Sotol Suave (Blanco and Reposado). A complete list of the results from this year’s Spirits of Mexico Competition is available at www.polishedpalate.com. are available through the following agents: Brands mentioned 4 Copas SALO WINE & SPIRITS Aha Toro WILLIAM RYAN SELECT LTD. Azunia INTERSECT BEVERAGE/DOMAINE SELECT WINE ESTATES Cazadores BACARDI USA Chinaco PREISS IMPORTS Don Cuco Sotol Suave INTERNATIONAL TASTING GROUP Don Diego Santa FRANK-LIN DISTILLERS PRODUCTS LTD El Abandonado AGAVE INC. Herradura BROWN-FORMAN Kah “Day of the Dead” ELEMENTS SPIRITS Milagro WILLIAM GRANT & SONS Nobleza Azul PALE HORSE IMPORT INC. Regional INTERSECT BEVERAGE/DOMAINE SELECT WINE ESTATES Sol de Mexíco UA IMPORTS october 2010 / the tasting panel / 83