Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/118688
CATEGORY REPORT Apocalypto Reposado Tequila Flashbang Reposado Tequila A pocalypto Reposado is as fascinating as its dramatic half-man/ half-jaguar ceramic bottle suggests it is. If you're looking for a tequila that will entice the senses and ignite passion within you, look no further than Apocalypto. The tequila is produced at the Destiladora del Valle de Tequila in the Highlands of Jalisco. It is matured for a minimum of six months in American white oak barrels and bottled at 80 proof. The traditionally handcrafted tequila has a velvety textured body and a wafting floral and herbal nose. Its soft, gentle entry quickly fills the mouth with the flavors of coffee, caramel, dried fruit, cinnamon, vanilla and dark chocolate. The slightly spicy finish reveals an added touch of mint and toasted oak. One can only imagine the pleasures in store for us when the Apocalypto Blanco and Añejo are introduced later this year. Importer Iconic Brands, Inc. has also launched Flashbang Reposado Tequila, a vivacious barrel-aged spirit packaged in a 50-ml. replica of the U.S. Army's M84 distractional device. The unusual packaging underscores the brand's sponsorship of Operation Gratitude, a non-profit that supports military members and their families. The 100-proof reposado is remarkably cool on the palate and brimming with the long-lasting flavors of mocha, baking spices and vanilla. Well done! www.apocalyptotequila.com www.flashbangspirits.com Iconic Brands, Inc. Even in a depressed economy, the tequila category grew 3.5% in volume in 2012 to reach 13.3 million 9-liter cases, this according to the 2013 Technomic's Adult Beverage Report. "Sales of mezcal contributed 45,000 cases to that total volume, which is a 7.1% gain over its volume in 2011," notes Donna Hood Crecca, senior director of Technomic's Adult Beverage Resource Group. "Tequila overall continues on a positive trend, although the total tequila's 3.5% gain in 2012 is a slower rate of expansion than the category experienced in 2011 (6.4%)." Paralleling the growth of tequilas is the ongoing renaissance of artisanal mezcals. As the points of distinction between tequila brands diminish, consumers are discovering the profound nuances in flavor and levels of complexity in these traditional agave spirits engaging. Certification offered by the Mexican state of Oaxaca has greatly helped to advance the reputation of mezcal by requiring that it be made from 100% agave and produced under strict quality guidelines. Mezcal is now also protected under Denomination of Origin status. Here then is our roster of hot new agave marvels. New Lottery Picks High on the list of sure-fire prospects is Gran Dovejo Tequila, an artisanal spirit traditionally crafted from single-estate agaves at the Feliciano Vivanco distillery "El Ranchito" in Jalisco. After harvesting, the agaves are slowly roasted in clay ovens and fermented with champagne yeast. The fermenting mash is serenaded with classical music, which is believed to optimize sugar conversion. The Gran Dovejo range includes a Blanco, a six- to nine-month-old Reposado and an Añejo that spends up to three years in oak. Mendez Imports 142 / the tasting panel / april 2013