The Tasting Panel magazine

November 2015

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50  /  the tasting panel  /  november 2015 LINE EXTENSIONS HORNITOS BLACK BARREL TAKES ON A BOURBON-INFLECTED PERSONALITY by Fred Swan H ornitos Black Barrel Tequila (80 proof) is a new addition to the Hornitos line of award-winning, 100% agave tequilas. Crafted as tequila and aged like bourbon, Hornitos Black Barrel is a new taste in tequila and creates new opportunities for mixologists. To make Hornitos Black Barrel, the distiller starts with their excellent añejo tequila. Aged for 12 months in toasted American oak barrels, the añejo is softer and smoother than more youthful tequilas. Agave aromas and flavors remain prominent though and this power ensures that the essential agave characteristics remain all the way through the Black Barrel production process. Once the añejo aging is complete, Hornitos moves the spirit into a different set of barrels. These 100 percent new, deeply charred American oak barrels are similar to those used in bourbon production. The tequila remains in these barrels for an average of four months. It softens further, gains richness, takes on a golden amber color along with sweet and smoky notes on the nose and palate. Then, the liquor is moved to yet a different set of barrels toasted to proprietary specifications. These casks further build complexity and depth, enhance creaminess on the palate and deliver vanilla flavors. The end result is distinctly tequila, but with a bourbon-inflected personality. Hornitos Black Barrel is best sipped slowly like a fine, brown spirit or in cocktails that would typically contain bourbon or scotch. One cocktail option is the Black Barrel Manhattan. Hornitos Is the New Black Black Barrel Manhattan ◗ 2 oz. Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila ◗ ½ oz. Amara ◗ 1 oz. simple syrup ◗ 2 dashes Angostura Bitters ◗ 2 dashes orange bitters

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