Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/271567
100 / the tasting panel / march 2014 FULLY MATURED, THEN FULLY CRAFTED Awarded a Gold Medal from the San Francisco International Wine Competition, estate-grown Santoyo Grand Leyenda silver tequila is produced in a certified Organic distillery. Carefully selected 10- to 12-year-old agave espadin, tobasiche and mexicano is the base for this small batch 80-proof joven spirit crafted by Master Mezcalier Pedro Hernández. "The Champagne-style bottle is a tribute to my father," explained founder Jesus Santoyo, CEO of Grand Leyenda. Pointing to the family shield and crest, he adds, "He is the grand legend in our family." Notes from Our Panel: "The Grand Leyenda silver is naturally sweet, yet the raw agave notes come through with hints of minerals, tobacco and basil. The cock- tail is well balanced and a good example of a modern Margarita." —Kiowa Bryan "Grass, earth and minerality: a nice combination of notes from this silver. The simple cocktail allows the citrus sweet- ness of the tequila to shine through." —Brent Falco Jesus Santoyo, founder/CEO of Grand Leyenda tequila. CRAFTED FOR MEZCAL LOVERS Los Amantes translates as "The Lovers" and it is named for the ancient Aztec legend of Mayahuel, which describes the origins of mezcal. This artisanal spirit is made from 100% agave grown in Oaxaca, Mexico's premium mezcal region. Traditional underground pit-smoking and Old World yet innovative distillation give it a smoothness and complexity. Los Amantes Joven and Los Amantes Reposado are the result of Guillermo Olguín and Ignacio Carballido's exhaustive search for unique mezcals from small villages around the Oaxaca region. It carries the COMERCAM certification, which guarantees a commitment to quality and flavor through the use of traditional production methods and 100% agave. Palm Bay International Notes from Our Panel: "Los Amantes reposado has an inviting lime zest/ mango-smoky character. Its grassy/but- terscotch nose makes it pleasurable and approachable." —Erick Castro "The mezcal is smoke and spice—with an 'everything nice' sweet side of cocoa and citrus. The cocktail adds more of the 'everything nice' that builds a spicy flavor profile." —Jason Schiffer Diana Novak, National Director of Crafts Spirits Education for Palm Bay. Smoke & Spice & Everything Nice Z 2 oz. Los Amantes Reposado Mezcal Z ¾ oz. lime juice Z ½ bar spoon agave nectar Z ¼ fresh jalapeño Z 5 sprigs cilantro (approx. 10 leaves) Z 4 drops Tabasco The Organic Margarita Z 2 oz. Santoyo Grand Leyenda Silver Tequila Z 3 oz. fresh squeezed lime Z 2 oz. organic nectar Z Shake and pour into a glass rimmed with black salt.