Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/288975
1 16 / the tasting panel / april 2014 CATEGORY REPORT F or a tequila to be labeled a reposado, the Mexican government mandates that it must be aged in oak for more than two months, but less than a year. To some people's way of thinking that makes reposados the best of both worlds. Most possess some of the exuberance of a blanco and some of the nobility of a well-aged añejo. This duality has made reposados the bestselling type of tequila in Mexico and the fastest growing segment of the tequila category here in the U.S. According to Technomic's 2014 State of the Industry Report, the tequila category grew 4.0%, which amounted to a slight increase over the previous year. Looking specifically at reposados, the aged expression accounts for approximately 12% of total category volume but is grow- ing at twice the rate of the overall category. "The momentum comes from consumers' continued exploration of the category, bartenders going well beyond the Margarita in finding intriguing ways to use tequila, and product innovation," notes Donna Hood Crecca, Technomic Senior Director. "Reposado presents tequila consumers with a step up from blanco in terms of complexity and premium positioning, and provides the bartender or at-home cocktailian with a more nuanced yet still mixable spirit." Audrey Fort, importer of Excellia Tequila and Eurowinegate Portfolio Director at Domaine Select Wine Estates, believes the success reposados are enjoying in the marketplace has everything to do with approachability. "Many consumers do not have palates accustomed to the earthy and peppery taste of the agave typical in a blanco. Barrel-aging softens the lively, spicy character of the agave, as well as reinforces its fruitiness. In addition to that, the vanilla notes extracted from the oak—be it French or American oak—impart luscious and mellow notes that please just about every palate." HOT NEW REPOSADOS Tequila-makers are craftsmen, and like most craftsmen, they are rarely content leaving well enough alone. The result is a steady stream of new reposado tequilas. So which of these recently introduced expressions are intrigu- ing enough to make their way to the bigs? Here's a brief glimpse at a few of our favorites. Azuñia This small, privately owned brand is produced by Empresa Ejidal Tequilera de Amatitán (NOM 1503) using organic agaves and natural, airborne yeast. The reposado is aged for a minimum of three months. During its relatively short stay in wood the golden/amber tequila develops an herbal and black pepper nose and the flavors of lemons, oranges, vanilla, toffee and toasted oak. INTERSECT BEVERAGE Expresiones del Corazón A legitimate game changer, ultra-premium Expresiones de Corazón is a series of five wood finished tequilas from Casa San Matias (NOM 1103) in the Highlands of Los Altos. Lunazul Reposado A great tequila at a value-laden price trumps one that's all about marketing. That's the working philosophy behind Lunazul Tequila, an award- winning spirit that won't blindside your wallet. Small-batch Lunazul is distilled and bottled at state-of-the-art Tierra de Agaves (NOM 1513), a distillery founded near Amatitán by Francisco Beckmann, 7th generation tequila distiller and former co-owner of Jose Cuervo. The agaves used to make the tequila are grown on the 4,000-acre Beckman estate. "The quality and crispness of Lunazul results from using a unique strain of yeast during fermentation and small batch distilla- tion," notes Senior Brand Manager Reid Hafer. "In addition, Lunazul tequilas are made on the Tierra de Agaves plantation. The vertical integration of source materials, distillation and bottling better ensures consistency of taste and quality." Lunazul Reposado is aged in American oak barrels for a minimum of three months. The tequila has a fruit- and–black pepper bouquet and a generous helping of semisweet vanilla, fruit and spice flavors. Fortunately the flavors persist on the palate for an impressively long time. HEAVEN HILL Patrón Reposado The classic artisan tequilas of Patrón are crafted in small batches at Hacienda del Patrón (NOM 1492) located high in the mountains surrounding Jalisco. The master distiller team creates the Patrón range from a blend of tequilas produced by the traditional tahona (stone crushing wheel) process, as well as tequilas made from the more modern roller-mill process. "Patrón Reposado is a unique spirit matured an average of five months in a combination of new and used American, French, and Hungarian bar- rels," says David Rodriguez, Executive Production Director at Tequila Patrón. "As a result, our reposado is clear and bright with a light amber tint. It's characterized by the engaging aromas of oak wood, light fresh agave and a hint of citrus. The taste is smooth and sweet, with an excellent balance of fresh agave and oak wood, with notes of fruit, citrus, honey, and vanilla." For more than a quarter century, Patrón has remained the world's best-selling ultra-premium tequila. A quick sip of Patrón Reposado will underscore why. PATRÓN SPIRITS A great tequila at a value-laden price trumps one that's all about marketing philosophy behind Lunazul Tequila, an award- winning spirit that won't blindside your wallet. TP0414_102-132.indd 116 3/21/14 2:53 PM