Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/807384
april 2017 / the tasting panel / 87 Making His Mark with Tattoo Tequila In a world rampant with market choice overload, one man set out to make a brand as unique as the person enjoying it. John Atanasio, or "Tequila John" as he's more commonly known, created Tattoo Tequila with a simple goal in mind: to make the best-tasting and smoothest tequila in the world. An expressive and artistic brand, Tattoo Tequila is made with 100 percent USDA- certified organic blue Weber agave. The Blanco (SRP $39.99) is a crystal silver expression with the rare ability to be enjoyed neat, while Tequila John's Reposado (SRP $42.99) rests in American oak casks for up to six months; the Añejo (SRP $46.99) spends 14 months in American whiskey barrels, creating a smooth, Cognac-style sipper. Tattoo Tequila is fermented with organic wine yeast, giving it a round, rich mouthfeel and complex, floral nose. Tattoo Tequila has already made a splash in the market, garnering a Gold Medal at the 2015 WSWA Expo Competition and a Silver at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It has distribution in 14 states and counting after its initial launch in Maui in the spring of 2015 and sells online in 34 states via www.tattootequila.com. Appealing to a specific type of drinker has given it a unique niche in the market. As the official tequila of the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Concert Series last year, Tattoo has secured a very special relationship with Harley-Davidson. In collaboration with Red Rock Harley-Davidson in Las Vegas, Tequila John has created a limited-edition Tattoo Tequila Street Glide Special motorcycle complete with the Tattoo Tequila logo on the saddle bags and gas tank. If you prefer a more creative way to purchase the custom Harley, you can always order their "$40K Margarita" made with Tattoo Tequila, blood orange, lime and Hawaiian sea salt. The glass is lined with shaved blood orange and garnished with the keys to the Tattoo Tequila Custom Harley-Davidson motorcycle. One sip of and a glance over at your new Harley, you're going to #lovetheskull. —Matt Jackson Tasting Notes Tattoo Blanco Tequila Spiced melon has an alluring perfume, with mellow white flowers and earth tones. The taste profile offers up lavender, summer peaches and white pepper. A touch of oregano and other Italian herbs adds depth to the layers of savoriness. 94 —M. M. Tattoo Reposado Tequila The nose has a creamy sensation: cooked agave and tropi- cal fruit—guava and papaya—lend an exotic touch. Oak is very well integrated, caramel softening the tartness of orange peel while the heady texture of stone minerality is lightened by melon sweetness. 93 —M. M. TATTOO TEQUILA INC.