Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/376390
92 / the tasting panel / september 2014 92 / the tasting panel / september 2014 CATEGORY REPORT AVIÓN REPOSADO TEQUILA Reposados are the bestselling expression of tequila in its homeland of Mexico. Not surprisingly, reposados are equally popular in the United States, and Avión Reposado Tequila illustrates why. The award-winning brand is matured for six months in charred American white oak barrels. It has a velvety, medium-weight body and a nose laced with the aromas of cherries, dried herbs, cinnamon, pineapple, flora and toasted oak. The tequila has a warm, peppery entry that quickly bathes the palate with dry, slightly smoky flavors. The spice and fruit return on the lingering finish. "Our reposado offers the perfect option for consumers looking for an aged, high-quality tequila with great flavor," notes Ken Austin, founder and Chairman of Tequila Avión. "At the same time, the reposado is a perfect next step for a silver drinker wanting to graduate into drinking an aged tequila. The growth of Avión Reposado has also been driven by bartenders and mixologists who use it in cocktails and are educating consumers on its versatility. Given the rich flavors in Avión Reposado, it is an excellent choice for use in craft cocktails." As evidence, Austin points to the Avión Watermelon Margarita, a variation of the iconic cocktail made with Avión Reposado Tequila, fresh lime juice, agave nectar and cubes of watermelon. Frankly, watermelon has never tasted so good. PERNOD RICARD USA OLMECA ALTOS PLATA TEQUILA The landscape of Los Altos Highlands is spectacularly beautiful. Situated more than 2,100 feet above sea level, the arid region is a microclimate unto its own. The mineral-rich red volcanic soil is ideal for cultivating agaves. It's this famed growing region to which Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila pays homage. Everything about this tequila screams of tradition. After its estate-grown agaves are harvested, they are brought to Destileria Colonial de Jalisco (NOM 1111) and slowly roasted in brick ovens. To extract the plants' sugar-rich juice, the distillery employs the centuries-old prac- tice of crushing agaves with a volcanic-stone tahona wheel—or millstone—weighing around two tons. The juice is collected and transferred to vats where Maestro Tequilero Jesús Hernández uses a secret strain of yeast to precipitate fermentation. The tequila is twice distilled in a copper pot still. Olmeca Plata is bottled directly from the still. The tequila has a round, lightweight body and a generous helping of fruit and her- baceous aromas. Its entry onto the palate is devoid of excessive heat as it fills the mouth with the flavors of black pepper, orange zest, lemons and baked agaves. The lingering finish is slightly floral and spicy warm. Its aromatics and broad array of flavors make Olmeca Altos Plata a natural for use in cocktails and tall drinks. One of the recipes the brand promotes is Mexico's favorite cocktail, the altogether refreshing Paloma, a tall, iced drink made with Olmeca Altos Plata, pink grapefruit juice and a splash of club soda. PERNOD RICARD USA Paloma ◗ 2 oz. Olmeca Altos Plata ◗ 2 oz. pink grapefruit juice ◗ 1 oz. club soda ◗ Lime wedge ◗ Combine the tequila and pink grapefruit juice in an iced mixing glass. Shake contents vigorously. Strain over fresh ice into a tall (10 oz.) highball glass with a salted rim (optional). Add a splash of club soda. Garnish with a lime wedge. AviO ´ n Watermelon Margarita ◗ 2 oz. Avión Reposado Tequila ◗ ½ oz. fresh lime juice ◗ 1 barspoon agave nectar ◗ 4 one-inch fresh watermelon cubes ◗ Watermelon spear ◗ Combine the tequila, lime juice, agave nectar and watermelon cubes in an iced mixing glass. Shake contents vigorously. Fine-strain over fresh ice in a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with watermelon spear.