The Tasting Panel magazine

September 2012

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Evil Moon Rising Luna Malvada Reposado 100% Agave Tequila From a terroir perspective, Luna Malvada is a ground-breaking, one- of-a-kind spirit. That's the only way to describe a tequila made from agave not grown in Jalisco's Highlands or Lowlands. Instead, the agaves used to make Luna Malvada are from the natural, ancestral growing region of the original wild strains of agave in the bio-diverse tropical dry forests near the Colima Foothills in Southern Jalisco. Nearly 12 years in development, the range of Luna Malvada tequilas is crafted at Destiladora de Agave El Mentidero (NOM 1572) in Jalisco. After the agaves are harvested during the full moon cycle, they are shredded, baked in stainless steel autoclaves and allowed to slowly cool to most effectively convert the high sugar content extracted from the plants. The fermented juice is then double-distilled in pot stills before being bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof). Luna Malvada Reposado 100% Agave Tequila is aged for a minimum of eight months in American oak red wine barrels. Its unique production features embue the tequila with singular char- acteristics: a deep amber hue, a satiny textured, medium-weight body and the tantalizing aromas of chocolate, honey and butterscotch. It has a dry, smooth entry that bathes the palate with spicy, herbal flavors. The medium-length finish features the added flavors of caramel and hazelnut with light smoky notes. Other expressions . . . Small-batch Luna Malvada Plata is equally captivating. Bottled fresh from the still, the tequila has a shimmery, crystal clear appearance, a medium-weight, oily-textured body and an herbaceous bouquet. Its palate is a complex affair of roasted chiles, peppermint, white pepper and zesty citrus. Luna Malvada Añejo is aged 16 months in French oak red wine barrels and will be released later this year. Evil Moon Spirits Tequila REVOLUCION Tequila REVOLUCION bursts onto any bar scene with panache, its dual pistol logo symbolizing the spirit of pure revolution. REVOLUCION Reposado was the first expression launched—a spirit that combines traditional production techniques with the unparalleled perfectionism of founder Juan Carlos Arav. The brand plants and cares for its own agave plants and only uses barrels that have contained tequila for at least 20 years. Delicate on the nose, sweet cherry and subtly spiced cedar add to what is already a cognac-like perfume. Honeyed agave drips on the palate in a broth of chamo- mile and white pepper. While the alcohol dis- sipates quickly, it leaves a pleasing finish of caramel and honey tea. 92 points. —Meridith May Passion Spirits t1 Tequila Uno This range of limited edition tequi- las is the creation of master distiller Germán González Gorrochotegui of Chinaco fame. Produced at La Tequileña (NOM 1146) in the Lowlands of Jalisco, the appropriately named t1 Excepcional Reposado is barrel- aged six months in ex-scotch oak. The pale straw–colored tequila has a satiny textured body, a generous herbal and spice bouquet and a long, vanilla and baking spice finish. The award-winning tequila is skill- fully balanced and remarkably elegant. Spirit of Hartford 94 / the tasting panel / september 2012

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