Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/818616
may 2017 / the tasting panel / 67 Last but not least, El Tesoro undergoes another slow, but crucial process— double distillation in small copper stills. Most tequilas are quickly single- distilled in stainless steel and attain much higher proofs, requiring dilution down to 80 proof. El Tesoro is the only tequila directly distilled to 80 proof, no dilution necessary. "Copper will cost you ten times more than stainless, but the interaction of copper adds other natural elements." From there, the juice destined to become El Tesoro Reposado, Añejo and Paradiso Extra Añejo goes off to age in oak barrels, while the Blanco heads straight to bottle, bursting with agave freshness. It is a purposeful path from terroir to tequila, and this emphasis on excellence, led by Carlos himself, has made El Tesoro one of the most well-respected brands in market, but you don't have to take our word for it. As the ultimate proof of its premium quality, this year, the brand will celebrate its 80th anniversary, a fact that we think says more than mere words. A two-ton volcanic tahona stone is used to press the juice from the pulp of a cooked piña. PHOTO: JOEL SALCIDO | ALIENTO A TEQUILA PHOTO: JOEL SALCIDO | ALIENTO A TEQUILA A clean super premium tequila like El Tesoro Blanco is the perfect base for a classic Tommy's Margarita. Tommy's Margarita by Julio Bermejo ◗ 1½ oz. El Tesoro Platinum Tequila Blanco ◗ 1 oz. hand-squeezed Persian lime juice ◗ 1 oz. agave fructose that has been diluted 1:1 with purified water ◗ 1 lime wheel Combine El Tesoro Platinum Tequila Blanco with lime juice, agave nectar and ice in a shaker. Shake and strain over ice into a double rocks glass. Optional garnish: lime wheel and salt. El Tesoro de Don Felipe® 100% Agave Tequilas, 40% Alc./Vol. ©2017 Fielding & Jones, Ltd., Deerfield, IL.