Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/61075
A TEQUILA TEAM CAPTAIN: MILAGRO REPOSADO (SRP $28.99–33.99) M ilagro Reposado tequila has its roots in estate-grown 100% blue agave, giving the brand proprietary control over the entire production process from fi eld to bottle. Slow- roasted piñas are lovingly fermented and triple-distilled under close supervision. The tequila is aged for six months in American oak bourbon casks—four months longer than most reposados—before bottling in unique hand-painted artisan bottles. No wonder the Milagro Reposado just won the 2011 IWSC Tequila Trophy. With a classic product that channels the best of Mexican tradition, West Coast Brand Ambassador Gaston Martinez offered up a classic service of the two-ounce pour: El Vocho. Essentially a riff on a Sangrita, El Vocho pays homage to Mexico's historic green-and-white Volkswagen Beetle taxis, and, Martinez explained, is the "proper" way to drink tequila in Mexico. "El Vocho is more than a cocktail—it's a celebra- tion," said Martinez. "Milagro is bringing Mexico back, bringing tequila back to its roots!" Naomi Schimek agreed, hailing El Vocho as "A lovely tribute to Mexico's recent past; no avant-garde plotting here, but none needed! All the art is inside the glass and on your tongue." The Panel's Scorecard Milagro Tequila West Coast Brand Ambassador and panelist Naomi Schimek demonstrate the way El Vocho should be enjoyed—with friends! EL VOCHO "Nice, rich and round with great agave fl avor. This is a beautiful tequila that is worthy of a snifter!"—Blake Donaldson "Good red pepper spice with a fabulous long fi nish. Gaston is a true tequila docent!"—Aidan Demarest serves four ◗ 4 two-ounce pours of Milagro Reposado ◗ 4 parts Dole pineapple juice ◗ 10 cilantro leaves ◗ 10 mint leaves ◗ 1 small slice of jalapeño ◗ Pour tequila neat; blend all other ingredients together. Strain and pour into four separate shooter glasses. NEW ON THE CIRCUIT: TEQUILA ALDERETE REPOSADO (SRP $55) T he Alderete family has been growing agave plants for over 50 years, but did not launch its small, boutique-production until last July. In less than a year, the brand has become an industry darling, thanks, in part, to its small-batch production and meticulousness. "Our attention to detail is what really makes us stand apart," explains Ronnie Alderete, Vice President of Tequila Alderete. "From harvesting only the most mature agaves, to copper pot distillation and playing Mozart during the fermentation process, we believe there is more to the process in which sugar turns to alcohol—it's when a spiritual change occurs too." Alderete Reposado is aged for six months in white oak barrels and is the brand's signature mixing tequila. Mixologist Fabian Osorino, of Lalla Grill in Monterey, CA, whipped up a round of Alderete's Mirage for our panelists, explaining that the composed drink is the ultimate in respect for Mexico's native spirit. Our panel couldn't agree more: "Fantastic! Delicious!" remarked Blake Donaldson. "A great cocktail worthy of the Jalisco spirits." Fabian Osorino and Ronnie Alderete. The Panelists Scorecard "Perfect amount of wood fi nish; lean and smooth."—Cole Apodaca "That is defi nitely my style of tequila! You can taste the artisan love and gorgeous, subtle elegance. I'm offi cially in love."— Naomi Schimek "A perfect Reposado."—Aidan Demarest ALDERETE'S MIRAGE ◗ 2 oz. Alderete Reposado ◗ ½ oz. peach schnapps ◗ ¼ oz. agave nectar ◗ One whole lime, freshly squeezed ◗ Fresh vanilla bean ◗ 1 tsp. rosemary leaves ◗ 2–3 cucumber slices ◗ Scoop out vanilla, muddle with rosemary. Add lime juice, agave nectar, tequila and peach schnapps. Shake and strain over ice in a Collins glass. Garnish with cucumber slices. april 2012 / the tasting panel / 109