Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/8594
OUR PANEL TASTeS Cazadores: The Total Knockout Born from larger demand for Señor Jose Maria’s top-secret recipe, Cazadores, in its famed signature reposado expression, has quickly become one of the hottest brands on the market, and consumers have picked up on this slow-cooked tequila’s commitment to qual- ity, making “the one with the deer on it” one of the most popular calls. Aged in new, small American white oak casks, Cazadores’ reposado and añejo expressions are among the best out there, while the blanco’s clean, easy-going palate is the epitome of user- friendly. These days, Cazadores is a knockout in the ring as well as off the backbar, and is the official spirit sponsor of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Our Panel Votes: Pot stills are used to produce the weighty and creamy Cazadores Añejo (SRP $44–$49). Clay soil notes blend well with masculine tones of coffee and tobacco for a heady profile that slides in a hint of mint on the back palate. www.cazadores.com; imported by Bacardi USA Diana Jimenez is Brand Ambassador for Cazadores and Corzo. Corzo: The Modern Marvel Corzo, in its sleek, über-modern packaging, is the perfect accoutrement to any stylish backbar. Of course, tradition talks in tequila, and Corzo is no different, sourced from 100% blue agave from Jalisco. Corzo’s commitment to purity requires twice the number of piñas per batch as other super-premium tequilas on the market, leaving only the choicest remnants and slowly cooking them in state-of-the-art modern stainless steel steam- ers. A natural double filtration creates a rich, complex flavor profile. Rounding out this modern spirit’s twist on tradition is the practice of mellowing the reposado and añejo between dis- tillation cycles, resulting in rich oak and vanilla flavors without sacrificing the brand’s signature clean, smooth finish. Our Panel Votes: “Freshly washed linen,” “brightness,” “apple and blueberry notes” and “delicate” are just a few of the whimsical yet serious descriptors from our group regard- ing three-times distilled Corzo Blanco (SRP $40–$50). www.corzo.com; imported by Bacardi USA In a modern, architectural enclosure that resembles a perfume bottle, Corzo is the “evolution of tequila.” april 2010 / the tasting panel / 93