Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/807384
86 / the tasting panel / april 2017 TEQUILA REPORT Happy Hour at Home with the Tequilas of Don Sebastiani & Sons "Every product is born from inspiration," says Donny Sebastiani, founder of not one, but three new tequila brands: Contigo (SRP $34.99), El Fumador (SRP $39.99), and El Macho (SRP $59.99). His neighborhood "Happy Hour at Home," a traditional gathering in the middle of the week between subur- ban families and friends, was the inspiration behind the company's journey with tequila. "The target customer is my wife," he laughs. "An average day that's made special because of a little extra effort" became the foundation for his spirits. The Sebastiani family, known for their winemaking, have been in Sonoma for 120 years. Donny has grown the company expo- nentially with expansion into the organic sparkling water, seasoned nuts and spirits markets. "There are striking parallels between wine-growing and agave-growing," Sebastiani says of his entrée into tequila-making. All three Don Sebastiani & Sons tequilas are twice-distilled in pot stills using blue Weber agaves and are both rustic and rooted in deep tradition. "Our tequilas are distinct enough from one another as well as from the rest of the market," Sebastiani says of the strengths his tequilas bring to an already solid tequila category. "I'm in the tequila business because I enjoy drinking tequila," Sebastiani conveys. It's a passion project that's growing legs; all three of his tequilas have already found distribution in 19 states and counting. "We're very, very proud of the final products and how they taste," he smiles, but is quick to follow up, "We're not looking to drive volume; we're looking to build the brand." —Matt Jackson "Every product is born from inspiration," says Donny Sebastiani, founder of not one, but three new tequila brands: Contigo (SRP $34.99), El Fumador (SRP $39.99), and El Macho (SRP $59.99). His neighborhood "Happy Hour at Home," a traditional gathering in the middle of the week between subur- ban families and friends, was the inspiration behind the company's journey with tequila. "The target customer is my wife," he laughs. "An average day that's made special because of a little extra effort" became the foundation for that's made special because of a little extra effort" became the foundation for The Sebastiani family, known for their winemaking, have been in seasoned nuts and spirits markets. "There are striking parallels Sebastiani conveys. It's a passion project that's growing legs; all three of his tequilas Sebastiani conveys. It's a passion project that's growing legs; all three of his tequilas Tasting Notes El Macho Añejo Tequila One of a trio of tequilas from Sonoma-based négociants Don Sebastiani & Sons. Soft agave nose; luscious and clean with bright smoky-silky style. 93 —A.D.B. Contigo Tequila Plata: The clarity is crystal clear in the glass, and scents of lemon blossom, sweet agave, pineapple and honeysuckle come through. Spiced mango, lime and grapefruit and distinct earth-laden agave flavors come through on a lemon-oil textured wave. Sage, black pep- per and mocha linger on the finish. 95 —M. M. El Fumador Tequila Reposado: Pungent aromas of agave and cedar, marzipan and nutmeg are soothing. The mouthfeel shows a paradigm of cream and mild astringency, permeated by black pepper and spice nuts. Lemon zest is perked up by toasted caramel; Honeyed cashew butter interplays with earthy agave and coffee bean. A complex tequila. 96 —M. M. DON SEBASTIANI & SONS