Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/807384
82 / the tasting panel / april 2017 TEQUILA REPORT It's no secret that bartenders and consumers are looking at tequila and mezcal in a whole new light. These spirits have officially come out of the dark ages of being seen as a drink needed to be consumed as fast as humanly possible and have transformed into a libation to be sipped slowly and mixed into high-end cocktails. Here are some of the expres- sions on our radar; you don't want to miss them! Fierce Warriors with Pasote Tequila When you think about courageous warriors throughout history, the Aztecs should come to mind. Inspired by these fierce fighters, Pasote Tequila takes that same uncompromising approach to its Blanco (SRP $49), Reposado (SRP $59) and Añejo (SRP $69) expressions, which respectively feature the Aztec sun god Tonatiuh, an Aztec jaguar warrior and an Aztec eagle warrior on their bottles. Made with natural spring water and pure rainwater, the tequilas begin with blue agaves from Jesús MarÍa in the Highlands, cooked in traditional stone ovens, then fermented in stainless steel tanks for four to five days using natural yeasts before being double-distilled in 100 percent copper pot stills. The Reposado rests in American oak barrels for six months, and Añejo ages for 18 months. No glycerin or flavoring makes its way into the bottle; the guardian Aztec warriors make sure of that. —Emily Coleman Tasting Notes Pasote Blanco Tequila An aromatic adventure of celery root, salt and lime—which perks up the nose immediately. Slick on the palate, the salinity morphs to more of a savory white pepper, with clean ripe tones of agave, jicama, taro and citrus. The prickly finish on the tongue is sense-sational. 93 —Meridith May Pasote Reposado Tequila Ooooh, the delicate, fragrant, nature of honey-kissed white flowers is a seductive lead-in to the pinch of white-peppered pine- apple and pink grapefruit on first sip. The finish is silky and the perfume lingers. 92 —M. M. Pasote Añejo Tequila The common thread of salty-peppery aromas combines with sandal- wood and cigar leaf for a heady experience before you even taste the spirit. The flavor profile is deep, unctuous and texturally billows with a lightness on the palate. The agave is pungent and unmasked, and shines with a slightly austere edge to the finish. 94 —M. M. México! ¡Viva The Agave Spirits at Belong On Every Account's Shelves 3 BADGE MIXOLOGY