Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/807384
84 / the tasting panel / april 2017 TEQUILA REPORT Limited Luxury with Casa Noble Tequila Seven generations of tequila making rest behind Maestro Tequilero Jose "Pepe" Hermosillo, founder of Casa Noble. The triple-distilled, certified organic line of tequilas is born of blue agave grown in the volcanic soils outside of Jalisco, Mexico. Casa Noble has three core offerings: Crystal (SRP $40), Reposado (SRP $50) and Añejo (SRP $60) that have received roaring acclaim from connoisseurs and bartenders alike, earning Hermosillo "Tequila Producer of the Year" at the 2016 International Spirits Challenge. The product, which is always triple-distilled, delivers a lush taste and smooth finish. In addition to its core offerings, Casa Noble also has a Single Barrel signature collection with Añejo and Reposado expressions. Last November, Casa Noble debuted its luxury line of tequilas called "Colección del Fundador." The first of the limited-edition bottles is Casa Noble's Alta Belleza, a Single- Barrel Extra Añejo, distilled in rare wine bar- rels. Finished in barrels used to age Robert Mondavi's To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon, Alta Belleza is priced at $1,200 per bottle, with only 563 of them available worldwide. "At Casa Noble, we are proud to make tequilas that rival the finest spirits available, with a complexity that is unmatched," remarks Hermosillo. Colección del Fundador will add to its volume of rare tequilas every holiday season. Inspired by Hermosillo's own collection of unique tequilas, each of his luxury releases is meant to showcase his passion for exploring new heights in tequila making. —Matt Jackson Tasting Notes Casa Noble Crystal Tequila Lovely pure agave nose; silky and lush with lovely agave flavor with notes of vanilla and spice; clean and long. 92 —Anthony Dias Blue Casa Noble Reposado Tequila Pale amber; smooth and silky with agave, vanilla and toasty oak; lush, spicy and mellow with lovely balance and length. 91 —A. D. B. Casa Noble Añejo Tequila Pale amber color; lovely caramel and vanilla nose; stewed agave with smooth texture and spice with dense, complex, fleshy flavors. 92 —A. D. B. CONSTELLATION BRANDS