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BRAND PROFILE I f you're an importer looking to successfully penetrate the highly competitive tequila market, you better have developed some seriously great tequila and a unique market- ing proposition. Atlanta-based Double Eagle Imports has done exactly that. While most companies would be content importing one range of 100% agave tequilas and hope for the best, Double Eagle has taken a mark- edly different approach by simultaneously marketing three. The first brand in the trio is the altogether sublime Arrogante Tequila, an elegant, ultra-premium spirit marketed in unique wide-mouth bottles. The 100% agave tequila is handcrafted in the highlands of Jalisco from agaves grown in the red volcanic soil of the Los Altos Mountains. The harvested agaves are first roasted in clay ovens for up to three days and then allowed to slowly and naturally ferment. "Cutting corners and relying on modern technol- ogy isn't how you make world-class tequila," says Double Eagle's CEO, Marina Wilson. "The traditional approach to crafting tequila is labor intensive and more expensive. It's an involved process, more art than a science, but the result is near perfec- tion. This is how we make our tequilas." Arrogante is double-distilled in traditional copper pot stills. The Arrogante Reposado is barrel-aged for six months, while the Añejo rests in oak for 18 months. The ultra- premium brand has hit the ground running and is quickly racking up awards and critical acclaim, including scores of 92 for Arrogante Reposado and 93 for Arrogante Añejo in THE TASTING PANEL. Fans of silver tequila will have an immediate affinity to Arrogante Blanco. Bottled fresh from the still, the tequila is redolent of black pepper and roasted chiles. It has a satiny smooth body and spicy, peppery and herbaceous palate. The Reposado is equally satisfying. It possesses a broader range of spice and delicate fruit notes on the finish. The elder statesman of the range—amber-hued Arrogante Añejo—is a sophisticated gem with a velvety textured body, a caramel, vanilla and spice palate and a long, glorious finish. The trio range in price from $46.99 to $58.99. Double Eagle also imports Tequila Rudo and Tequila Técnico, both 100% agave tequi- las, much to the delight of the legions of fans of Lucha Libre professional wrestling. The sport, much beloved by Latino culture, is a quickly growing phenomenon, the second most popular sporting event in Mexico after soc- cer. As such, Lucha Libre is as Mexican as tequila itself. (Rudo Reposado earned a score of 94 from THE TASTING PANEL; see this month's Publisher's Picks on page 88.) For those not familiar with the sport, wrestlers are traditionally divided into two categories. Rudos are the bad guys who wear red masks and resort to using underhanded tactics, while Técnicos are the sport's noble heroes. They wear blue masks, play by the rules and wrestle in high-flying style. Super-premium Rudo and Técnico tequilas pay homage to Lucha Libre. Their embossed labels feature cartoon- like representations of each wrestler. The lighthearted presentation is carried through to the carved wooden enclosures fashioned after the Rudo and Técnico wres- tling masks. Both range in price from $32.99 to $42.99. Tequila Rudo is robust and thoroughly charming. The Blanco is aromatic and loaded with spice, while the Rudo Añejo features a luxurious mix of toffee, vanilla and peppery spice. In the other corner, Tequila Técnico is suave, savory and refined. The Blanco has a satiny lightweight body and a lingering, lightly peppered finish. The Técnico Reposado and Técnico Añejo are skillfully balanced and possess wafting bouquets and palates laced with the flavors of cocoa, white pepper and toasted oak. Wilson is justifiably proud that Double Eagle's tequilas are artisanal in nature. "All of them are produced with the same idea behind them—to elevate the spirit of blue agave by religiously following the artisanal traditions of tequila manufacture. We want to offer our customers a combination of great quality, exceptional value and unique presentation to make their imbibing experience unforgettable." And that they do. ¡Salud! october 201 1 / the tasting panel / 73