Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/661678
april 2016 / the tasting panel / 1 15 Here's a quick way to turn someone into a long-term customer. Pour them a shot of Avión Silver Tequila, made from estate grown agave, neat. Encourage them to take their time and enjoy the experience of sipping a world- class tequila. Pour the person shots of both the Avión Silver and the Reposado, and you'll make a friend for life. Yup, it's that good. Avión is crafted in the picturesque, remote town of Jesús María, situated at 7,000 feet above sea level, the highest point in Jalisco. The handpicked agaves used in production are estate grown and of high quality. At the distillery, the agaves are slowly roasted at low temperatures and crushed to extract the juice. The fermented juice is then double distilled in pot stills. Only an extremely narrow cut of the distillate run is used, which means that it takes up to 30% more agave to make a bottle of Avión. Prior to bottling at 40% alcohol (80 proof) the tequila is subjected to rigorous filtration. Avión Silver is a thing of beauty. It has a clear, shimmery appearance and a generous bouquet of herbaceous roasted agave, cinnamon, black pepper and fresh citrus aromas. The fresh fruit carries through to the palate where the citrus flavors linger well into its extended fade. "Avión Silver has three significant awards at the presti- gious San Francisco World Spirits Competition," observes Dominic Alcocer, Director of Tequila for Pernod Ricard USA. It earned a Double Gold medal, meaning that all of the judges agreed on the gold medal unanimously. Plus it was named by the judges as the "Best Tasting Tequila" and "Best Unaged White Spirit." The esteemed portfolio also includes Avión Reposado, which is aged for six months; the two-year, extended aged Avión Añejo; a limited-run, Extra-Añejo aged 44 months called Avión Reserva 44; and delicious specialty liqueur, Avión Espresso. PERNOD RICARD USA AVIÓN TEQUILA Elevating Tequila Tequila and chilies are a match made in heaven, evident by the popularity of spicy Margaritas and other tequila- based drinks popping up on menus in the past few years. And Agave Loco brings a nicely-balanced heat to the tequila before it even hits the glass. The 100% agave reposado tequila, distilled in Tequila, Jalisco, is aged for six to eight month in bourbon barrels. The tequila is then infused with the oils of six different varieties of pep- pers—including jalapeños, serranos and habaneros—using a trademarked process called pepper curing that takes the rough edges off the taste of the tequila and leaves the spirit with a rich pepper flavor and aroma. The pepper-cured tequila makes an excellent addition to any cocktail, elevating its character and bring a unique sweet heat to the drink. From a Bloody Maria to a Jalapeño Margarita, the possibilities are endless. It's also an excellent ingredient in the kitchen, added to meat marinades or a splash in zesty salsa or guacamole for an adults-only condiment. No matter how you choose to use it, Agave Loco brings a great flavor that spices up any dish or cocktail. —Jesse Hom-Dawson Bringing the Sweet and Spicy Flavor with AGAVE LOCO PEPPER CURED TEQUILA