The Tasting Panel magazine

September 2010

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Among the Nobility Those in the market for an authentic slice of life that will gently seduce their senses need look no further than certified organic tequilas from Casa Noble. In order to produce a lighter- style spirit, Casa Noble tequilas are triple-distilled in alembic stills. The aged marques are matured exclusively in French Limousin white oak casks rather than ex-bourbon barrels. The crown jewel of the range is an exquisite single-barrel añejo matured for five years in French white oak barrels. INFINIUM SPIRITS Napa Heads South Having already achieved renown with their vodkas and rum, Napa Valley–based father- and-son master distillers Miles and Marko Karakasevic spent three years in Arandas at Tequilaera Los Alambiques creating an Olympic- caliber tequila. That they succeeded is immediately evident in Charbay Tequila Blanco. The small-batch spirit is double- distilled using agaves from the high altitudes of Los Altos and is lightly filtered prior to bottling. The blanco has a lushly textured body with a brilliant palate and a long elegant finish. CHARBAY A fixture, Enhanced For the better part of the last two decades, 1800 Reposado Tequila has been a fixture on American backbars and garnered legions of fans. The popular brand now includes 1800 Añejo, a sultry spirit aged more than two years in French oak casks and charred American barrels. Enthusiasts will appreci- ate its enticing bouquet, herba- ceous, vanilla and cocoa palate and lightly peppered finish. The 1800 Silver is aged in oak for 15 days; it’s a versatile spirit with a lightweight body, floral and fruit bouquet and a clean finish. PROXIMO SPIRITS Eco-Conscious Vibe Recently intro- duced Artá Tequila has set out on the path less trav- eled. Produced in the town of Arenal, the brand is committed to making tequila in an eco-friendly manner and with a green- conscious approach to business. The tequila is made from single-estate agaves, and the range includes a triple-distilled silver, an 11-month old reposado and a two-year-old añejo aged in both French and American oak. The small-batch spirits illustrate that a company can do well while doing good. ARTÁ HOLDINGS Spirit of family Also new on the market is Señor Rio, a family-owned tequila from the Lowlands of Jalisco. The blanco is a vivacious spirit bottled fresh from the still, while the reposado is barrel- aged for six months in French oak. The two-year old Señor Rio Añejo sports a rich amber hue and the warm flavors of caramel, baking spices and intriguing smoky notes. Factor in its great looking package and you’ve got the mak- ings of a top-shelf contender. JALISCO INTERNATIONAL IMPORT Back in the Saddle After several years on hiatus, Espolón is again available in the States. The range is made on the 600-acre Plascencia family estate located high in the Los Altos Mountains. Espolón Reposado is aged six months in small French white oak barrels, which because of its wide grain pattern, allows the tequila to extract more flavorants from the wood. Unaged Espolón Silver is a lively spirit loaded with spice, pepper and fruit SKYY SPIRITS september 2010 / the tasting panel / 77

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