Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/488317
tequila report april 2015 / the tasting panel / 125 TASTING NOTES PAIRING BEYOND THE TACO Sangre de Vida Blanco: The texture and new leather notes would work well with halibut dusted with macadamia nuts accompanied by saffron rice with basil. Sangre de Vida Reposado: Match the notes in this spirit and enjoy it with Devil's Food cake and poached pears. Sangre de Vida Añejo: This complex spirit deserves a place next to an interesting dish like duck à l'orange and grilled shrimp with curry sauce. ICONIC BRANDS, INC. www.SDVTequila.com A New Legend Is Born . . . Coming to the U.S. at the end of last month, Sangre de Vida Mezcal Reposado show- cases the customary flavors of Oaxaca; both smoky and light, oaky notes round out on the palate. The bottle references the tale of Mayalt, a goddess who had a worm burrow into her heart, leading her to fall in love with a mortal. To entice him, she gave him a sip of an elixir that did the trick—much like this new offering from Sangre de Vida is sure to do! Sangre de Vida Tequila Though one can't always judge the quality of a spirit by its bottle, it is no accident that some of the world's best-loved spirits come in bottles that achieve iconic status. To those of you who might think to yourself: "Ornate packaging is just used to cover up flaws in the tequila," Sangre de Vida will strike that notion. Just like its façade, the spirit itself embraces tradition—utilizing the same processes that have been used by tequileros for the past 500 years: Harvesting agave plants with a sugar content of 23–28 degrees Brix, slow cooking the agave piñas for 36 to 54 hours in brick ovens and allowing for a medium-slow fermentation are just a few of the ways that it honors its heritage. One drop of this tequila and it's evident Sangre de Vida speaks for itself, loud and clear. Sangre de Vida translates to the "blood of life" and cap- tures the essence of a truly traditional tequila. The newest artist series from spirits creator Kim Brandi is a defiant spirit that applauses individuality, while also compelling people to unite in the ongoing celebration of life's vitality. These beautiful art pieces pay homage to the rich history of Mexico's culture and the legacy of crafting excellent tequila. Calaveras, or sugar skulls, are part of the Day of the Dead festivities (a cultural holiday that spans back to ancient civilization), but the appreciation of life is just as, if not more, culturally relevant today. Sangre de Vida, accept no imitations. Sangre de Vida Blanco Nose: Sage, basil, cocoa powder, banana bread Palate: Unctuous texture, glides on the tongue; rich notes of chocolate, new leather, brine Finish: Tingles with spice and agave-cocoa 94 —Meridith May Sangre de Vida Reposado Nose: Buttered toffee, chalky terroir, orange liqueur, brass Palate: Silky entry that singes the tip of the tongue with cayenne; complex layers of Devil's Food cake and hot cinnamon; baked pears Finish: The hot effect mellows into a pleasurable cinnamon toast softness 94 —M. M. Sangre de Vida Añejo Nose: Antique oak closet, burnt orange peel, clove and copper pennies Palate: New leather, curry, peach tart, orange liqueur Finish: Slightly peppered but luxuriously satiny 94 — M.M.