Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/91577
Jaime and fashion designer friend Lady Soule stylishly arrive in a 1962 Ford Falcon. Closer to home, Jaime manages education and outreach on the East and Central Coast for Milagro, spending about 75 percent of his time on the road. A California native, he frequently returns to his familial roots in Jalisco, Mexico, a place he credits for starting his interest—no, make that obsession— with tequila. He started collecting tequila on trips to the homeland and soon had to find a way to share his love. When friend suggested he apply for a Brand Ambassador position, he jumped at it, not believing he could actually get paid for doing what he loved. "I've only ever known tequila, and it's not by accident but by design that I'm a Brand Ambassador," he said. "It's something I shied away from at first; maybe I was too geeky about it. But the more I talked about it, the more natural it came to me." Aside from taking fans of silver tequila down the path of añejo and reposado, Jaime sees his job as debunking the myth of tequila as the awkward date you bring to the party and ditch. "Historically, you had folks consuming tequila shooter-fashion, which connotes it doesn't taste good and they want to get it over with. Then they began consuming it in cocktails. But now spirits fans are coming around to appreciating tequila as premium craft-focused spirit." Jaime continues, "It's a traditional Mexican sprit that has found a good middle ground between innovation and traditional craftsmanship. I feel that everything about it speaks to a new generation of tequila drinkers." Favorite neighborhood: Clinton Hill. "I love places where there's a mix of people coming together. Meet Jaime Salas, Shoe Lover and Milagro Man " Fashion statement: Shoes. "I have a big shoe fetish: I have probably about 96 pairs in use." Travel wish list: "My real obsession right now is Southeast Asia." Fave foodie fad: "Georgian food; it reminds me of Mexican—they do all sorts of things with spices and chilies." Fave thing about Milagro: It appeals to someone who's really more like me—a little bit progressive, someone who has an appreciation of the classics, of history but who lives in the now. It's hip to what's going on. 100 / the tasting panel / november 2012 Milagro: A Tequila for a New Generation of Drinkers The 100% estate-grown blue agave for Milagro, grown in the Highlands of Jalisco, is slow-roasted in clay ovens and triple-distilled. Six expressions put this small but mighty brand on the map: Milagro Silver ($24.99–$29.99) This flagship expression forms the backbone for many cocktails. Milagro Reposado ($28.99– $33.99) Aged for six months in oak barrels with a "front-and-center agave taste." Milagro Añejo ($33.99–$43.99) Aged in oak for 18 months, six months longer than most añejos: smooth, refined and agave-forward. Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Silver ($52.99) Aged in French white oak barrels for approximately 35 days; a 2011 Gold "Best in Class" winner at the 2011 International Wine and Spirits Competition. Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Reposado ($56.99) A "Best in Show" winner of all white spirits (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2007), distilled in French white oak barrels and aged ten months. Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Añejo ($98.99) Three years aging in French white oak barrels, yield- ing a full-bodied sweetness and structure.