Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/960891
94 / the tasting panel / april 2018 Worth the Wait: Casa Noble Tequila Well known for making remarkable tequilas since 1996, Casa Noble launched when Founder and Maestro Tequilero Jose "Pepe" Hermosillo decided to introduce his family's traditions—developed from seven generations of tequila production—to the modern drinking experience. Casa Noble's portfolio of outstanding tequila aged in French white oak includes Crystal, made from 100 percent Blue Weber agave; Reposado, which ages for 364 days; Añejo (SRP $60), which rests for two years; and Joven (SRP $45), a smooth tequila aged for six weeks. The brand also boasts two limited-edition single barrel expressions: Single Barrel Reposado (SRP $60) and Extra Añejo (SRP $150), which show off the pure beauty of agave. In late 2017, Casa Noble launched Selección del Fundador Volume II; the Certified Organic and kosher expression is produced from 100 percent Blue Weber agave planted in 1997 to commemorate the opening of the distillery. Also aged in French white oak barrels, the spirit's elegance and warmth pave the way for complex layers of dried fruit and sweet flowers. Twenty years in the making with only 300 bottles available, this spirit gives your guests a truly covet- able experience. Tasting Notes Casa Noble Crystal ($40) This tequila is a smooth operator. The aromas are crisp and clear with scents of just-squeezed lime, pineapple, and a hint of clay. On the palate, orange rind and lemon- grass are seasoned by white pepper. The maturity of the plants shows through the sweetness of the tropical fruit notes, while cashews play around a salty mineral finish. 95 —Meridith May Casa Noble Reposado ($50) Aged 364 days in new French oak, this tequila is perfumed with maple-cocoa and oak. Peppered mango works with cinnamon, which is a common thread through- out the tequila's many marques. If passion itself was a flavor, this spirit is its liquid expression. 96 —M.M. Casa Noble Tequila Selección Del Fundador Volume II ($1,500) Named for the brand's founder, this Extra Añejo is aged eight years in new French white oak barrels. Only 300 bottles were made, so let me share these notes: Peaches, orange liqueur, and cinnamon waft from the glass. The mouthfeel is slightly spiced, but ultimately silky. Flavors of cooked agave, hazelnut, cedar, dark chocolate, butter, and sandalwood are just some of the savory and floral tones that emanate from this luxurious spirit. 98 —M.M. CONSTELLATION BRANDS Turning Up the Sweet Heat: Agave Loco A product of Jalisco, Agave Loco begins with a 100 percent agave reposado spirit that becomes the base for an infusion of sweet heat. To build this flavor profile, several types of peppers steep in the spirit before the oils are extracted to produce a cured tequila (the hot peppers, specifically jalapeño, habanero, and serrano, are blended with three varieties of sweet peppers). Too often when a spicy pepper is introduced to a drink, the heat overpowers all other components. Agave Loco deftly avoids this pervasive problem and instead creates the perfect base for a wide variety of cocktails, including a Jalapeño Bloody Maria, a Jalapeño Sunrise, or a Paloma. It also shines as a secret ingredient in guacamole with a unique kick. Tasting Notes Agave Loco ($35) The sweet red pepper nose is alluring and clean, offering up a perfume of lime, basil, and maize. The palate gets tickled and teased by the zingy pepper, but is also intrigued by the refined notes of cocoa and baked agave. 93 —M.M. AGAVE LOCO LLC Jalapeño Sunrise ◗ 1½ oz. Agave Loco Pepper Cured Tequila ◗ ½ lime, juiced ◗ ½ cup frozen strawberries ◗ 1 ⁄8 tsp. sugar ◗ 3 oz. orange juice