Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/19027
TEQUILA agave plants are grown on volcanic slopes where they must struggle for water; the result: stronger, more flavorful varieties. Attention to detail is key for this triple-distilled tequila, from the $1,200 barrels, to treated natural-resin cork from Portugal for the bottles. Casa Noble’s got legs; you can see the line of essential CASA NOBLE T oils glide down the glass. The higher Brix level (close to 30, while other agave usually ranges 24 to 25) shows off a sweetness on the already rich, dense palate. Our Panel Votes: Casa Noble Añejo, aged for two years in lightly charred new French oak barrels, got our panel’s attention. “Honeycomb, perfume aromat- ics, mango with balanced flavors; great!” (KB) “Macadamia and chocolate in a viscous, unctuous and intense texture.” (MM) “Baby powder and cinnamon on the nose, with a creamy, silk coating on the tongue—elegant and luxurious.” (NR) Infinium Spirits Enrico Caruso, Director of On-Premise National Accounts for Infinium Spirits. his high-end brand, made from estate-grown 100% blue agave, is certified organic by the USDA. The MAR AZUL I t took Susana Sutton a decade to come up with the flavor and taste profile for Mar Azul. The former Spanish teacher worked with her chemist uncle to devise the recipe. “I have a sensitive stomach,” she admitted to the Panel. “That’s how we came up with a coconut-flavored tequila. We actually cook and prepare the coconut and mix it with the spirit.” Mar Azul also has a banana flavor and a chocolate tequila expression that took 12 years to perfect. There’s no sugar added and the product is 100% natural. Our Panel Votes: “Mar Azul Coconut is light and fragrant. Mar Azul Banana has a wonderful dessert The unusual bottle design for Mar Azul’s 50-proof flavored tequilas was created by brand owner Susana Sutton. quality.” (MM) “The coconut flavor has hints of toasted coconut—great for Coladas!” (NR) “Mar Azul Coconut is smooth and would offer many mixing opportunities.” (KB) “Authentic flavor profiles. Mar Azul Banana is great for cocktails: its bold personality would come through nicely.” (LL) 86 / the tasting panel / november 2010