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CATEGORY REPORT Arrogante Blanco Tequila ($40) Double Eagle Import's newly intro- duced Arrogante tequila is made at a family-run distillery with an attentive eye to quality. Arrogante is made in the traditional method that utilizes brick ovens called "hornos" where blue agaves, grown in Los Altos area, are slow-cooked for 72 to 96 hours. "While time-consuming and more expensive than using stainless steel autoclaves, the difference in the quality of the product shines through", says Marina Siete Leguas Tequila Blanco ($40) For his fall cocktail, Tommy Klus of Kask in Portland, Oregon, turned to one of the great classic blanco tequilas, Siete Leguas. A distinctively highland tequila, Siete Leguas has the earthy notes that Klus was looking for in his fall tequila drink, the Autumn Flip. Klus is really into the fall flavors and, like Lydia Reissmueller, likes to pair a tequila such as Siete Leguas with honey. "I love the earthy flavors from tequila. With agave growing in the ground for ten years, you pick up some amazing earthy undertones," explains Klus. But Klus credits the pairing of Siete Leguas Blanco with Carpano Antica Vermouth to "really bring out the comfort tones in the drink." Tommy Klus adds more minerality and smoky tones with a quarter ounce of Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal. Mezcal often originates from agave plants of a different variety from those used to make tequila, but their flavor profiles are extremely compatible and complement each other. Tommy's drink, the Autumn Flip, is one of the most convincing arguments we've seen that great tequila drinks aren't just limited to warm weather months, and that tequila can have a starring role in the spicy, flavorful and comforting drinks that help get us through the cold winter months. AUTUMN FLIP by Tommy Klus of Kask, Portland, OR ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 1¼ oz. Siete Leguas Tequila Blanco ¾ oz. Carpano Antica Vermouth ¼ oz. Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice ¾ oz. fall spiced honey 1 whole egg Dry-shake the ingredients, then shake with ice; double-strain with fine strainer into a chilled cup. Grind cinnamon and nutmeg on the top. Tommy Klus of Portland's Kask. 102 / the tasting panel / september 201 1 Wilson, of Double Eagle Imports, the brand's parent company. They also do not use commercial yeast to start the fermentation. As an importer of dis- tilled spirits, Double Eagle takes pride in its brand development, as shown by the quality ratings they have received, including scores of 92 for Arrogante Reposado and 93 for Arrogante Añejo in THE TASTING PANEL (see this month's "Blue Reviews," page 61). "We work closely with our suppliers to bring forth the best product and pre- sentation," says Wilson. When it came time to putting the brand together, Wilson wanted to highlight the tequila's artisanal roots. "We went with a wide mouth jar versus fancy glass from France to show off the roots of the drink and reflect the way it was made," she explains. Arrogante comes in a hand-painted frosted milk jug shaped bottle with an intricate laser-etched top. This unique bottle is then placed inside a tall tin and shipped to retail. "The market for tequila is so competitive, there are so many tequilas, if you don't PHOTO: GEOFF KLEINMAN PHOTO: GEOFF KLEINMAN PHOTO: GEOFF KLEINMAN