Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/807384
88 / the tasting panel / april 2017 TEQUILA REPORT Ahead of the Pack with Agave Loco Spice is having a comeback— although for some heat aficiona- dos, it's never left. Nowadays, no cocktail menu is complete without some variation of a spicy Margarita or other chili-based concoction, which explains why specialty pepper consump- tion has risen 32 percent in the past five years. Agave Loco Pepper Cured Tequila ($34.99) has been on the market since 2008, cement- ing its status as a trendsetter in the spirits industry. While housemade infused spicy spirits might seem appealing, the process can lead to inconsistent flavor and spice levels that can affect your cocktails. A base of 100 percent agave reposado tequila combined with the oils of six (secret) varieties of peppers creates a 35 percent ABV spirit that gives bold sweet-heat flavor without being overwhelmingly spicy. Whether you spice up your Margarita or add some to guacamole for extra flavor, Agave Loco is the leader of the pack. —Jesse Hom-Dawson Tasting Notes The sweet red pepper nose is alluring and clean, offering up a perfume of lime, basil and maize. The palate gets tickled and teased by the zingy pepper, but also intrigued by the refined notes of cocoa and baked agave. 93 —Meridith May Stove-Top Success with Vespertino Tequila Cream Liqueur Brand owner Jeff Johnson has long had a penchant for the rich, decadent desserts of Mexico. It was this sweet tooth that spurred the inspiration for his newest offering, Vespertino Tequila Cream Liqueur (SRP $21.99). "For the first iteration on my stove top, I bought Mexican ground cinnamon, raw brown sugar and experimented," says Johnson. Jeff bottled his first batch of Vespertino after two years of experimentation, and it's now ready for the public. "We're launching in ten states immediately," he says, with plans to grow his distribution on the East Coast before branching out west. Packaged in a matte-painted glass bottle, Vespertino's blue-and-yellow logo represents the sun and the agave plant from which the tequila is procured. "One thing that's unique about our prod- uct is that it is 100 percent silver tequila," Johnson says. Its authenticity as a sipper and versatility as a mixer might even inspire more experimentation at home. Johnson smiles, "We've done Vespertino cupcakes and they're incredible." —Matt Jackson Tasting Notes A streamlined cream liqueur with a purring engine of cocoa, powered by sleek notes of nutmeg and cin- namon. The tequila base is the fuel, but at 30 proof, it's a smooth ride. 91 —Meridith May NORTHSTAR WINE AND SPIRITS Jalapeño Margarita (aka LocoRita) ◗ 1½ oz. Agave Loco Pepper Cured Tequila ◗ ½ oz. triple sec ◗ Juice of ½ lime Shake with ice, strain into Margarita glass (no salt required). Guacamole Loco Prepare guacamole with any recipe you prefer. Carefully blend in one tablespoon Agave Loco Pepper Cured Tequila into one cup of guacamole.