Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/113109
Javier���s Las Vegas Azu��ia boasts three expressions: Platinum Blanco, Reposado and A��ejo. Sosa, the son of founder Javier Sosa, only has wonderful things to say about Riley. ���He is just a really classy, nice guy who backs up his words with fantastic tequila that tastes great in Margaritas,��� he says. It was exactly those qualities that scored Azu��ia not one, but two drinks on Javier���s cocktail menu. ���After the second menu addition, I spoke with Javier to thank him and he replied, ���As long as your keep making the tequila the way you are, we���ll keep it on the menu,������ says Riley. ���This has always been our goal as a brand: focus on having great, strong relationships with a few people. Spending the time to really invest in those partnerships always pays off.��� It is this commitment to sincerity and authenticity that really drives Azu��ia as a brand. Well before Azu��ia ever made its way to the States, the brand���s foundation was built in Jalisco, Mexico, with the Sergio Zu��iga Family, one of the oldest agave growing families in the region. And if there are any doubts as to whether Azu��ia actually has the ���Spirit of Adventure��� that the brand lays claim to, Riley���s stories of spontaneously taking the whole company down to the distillery in Mexico on a whim should put those right to rest. This sincerity extends to the way Riley talks about his goals for the company: ���We don���t want to be the brand that just says things. We really live and breathe the Azu��ia lifestyle. We don���t just drop the product off and let it get dusty. We���re not out there to make a sale; we���re out there to build a relationship. We want to have fun while practicing good ole��� fashioned business.��� We���re not out there to make a sale; we���re out there to build a relationship.��� ���Jim Riley, CEO, Azu��ia Tequila Azu��ia Tequila: Artisanal Craftsmanship That Shows Made from Weber blue agave cultivated in Jalisco���s fertile volcanic ields, Azu��ia's Platinum Blanco, Reposado and A��ejo tequilas are distilled by slow-roasting the pi��as (agave hearts) in traditional clay ovens for 36 hours, followed by entirely natural fermentation. The Reposado and A��ejo expressions receive additional aging in American oak barrels. Azu��ia's expert, artisanal craftsmanship results in bold lavors and rich textures that are not found in other tequilas. Located in the midst of the contagious energy of the casino at Aria Resort on the Las Vegas Strip, Javier���s is a stunning hideaway cantina. Founded in Orange County, CA, in 1995 by Mark Post and Javier Sosa, Javier���s quickly grew due to its authentic Baja-inspired cuisine and innovative cocktails. Javier���s now has four locations under the original ownership, with the thrilling Vegas edition having opened in October of last year. The walls aren���t the only beautiful thing about Javier���s Las Vegas���the mixing program is pretty handsome too. GM and family member Omar Sosa explains: ���We try to use the freshest ingredients to complement the excellent spirits we have chosen. For example, to highlight the Azu��ia in the ���Pepino,��� the cucumbers are cut three times a day, and the lime juice is squeezed twice a day. Then they are all handshaken, of course. ��� Azu��ia Pepino Margarita as served at Javier���s Las Vegas ��� 2 oz. Azu��ia Organic Platinum Tequila ��� 1 oz. Azu��ia Organic Agave Nectar ��� 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice ��� 1 tablespoon freshly chopped cucumber ��� 1 oz. still water (to add volume) ��� Combine all ingredients, including chopped cucumber, in an ice-illed cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 5 seconds and pour into a sea salt���rimmed glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice. march 2013 / the tasting panel / 89