Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/960891
Inspired by Divine Love: Los Amantes Mezcal Mezcal company Los Amantes harbors dual meaning in its name: Translating to "the lovers," the moniker also honors the goddess Mayahuel, who ancient Mexican cultures—predominantly the Aztecs—associated with the maguey plant. As the folklore goes, Mayahuel infamously sacrificed herself after falling in love with the supreme god Quetzalcoatl against the wishes of her grandmother. Los Amantes uses espadín, a variety of the maguey plant grown in the state of Oaxaca, in its mezcal production. In accordance with tradition, the distillery cooks the espadín in stone and wood ovens before grinding it in a stone mill powered by a horse; natural fermentation, meanwhile, occurs in wooden tubs. Los Amantes Mezcal Joven is distilled three times, enabling more nuanced layers of flavors to shine through on the palate. Round and full of character, Los Amantes Mezcal Reposado ages in French oak barrels for six to eight months, while Los Amantes Mezcal Añejo rests for two years in French oak barrels and small American oak casks— adding a touch of smoke and deep complexity to the spirit. Your customers will quickly fall head over heels for this portfolio—no sacrifice necessary. Tasting Notes Los Amantes Joven Mezcal ($53) This spirit offers up a sturdy nose of lime, smoked spearmint, and brine. The palate is frisky with dots of white pepper, clean agave, and slate. Warm notes of mocha, oregano, and licorice lead to the creamy finish. 94 —M.M. Los Amantes Reposado Mezcal ($65) This has an inviting perfume of agave, blueberry, and smoked lime. The delicate, gentle flavors and creamy texture earmark an elegant spirit. Sandalwood and buttercream meld with an echo of minerality. 96 —M.M. Los Amantes Añejo Mezcal ($80) Integrates the wood aging gracefully and the aromas of cedar plank, lightly-smoked caramel-lime, and sweet agave are ethereal. Despite an opening curtain of black pepper and singed orange peel, the delicate nature of this spirit is immediately apparent. 95 —M.M. PALM BAY INTERNATIONAL Sophisticated Spirits: Tequila Bribón and Tequila Chamucos With three generations of experience behind its tequilas, Casa Don Roberto has distinguished itself as one of the top producers in Mexico. Developed in partnership with Palm Bay International, the company's Tequila Bribón expres- sion was developed using a proprietary yeast strain and seven- to ten-year-old fully-matured agave. The spirit undergoes double distillation in a process that combines pot-still distillation with column distillation. Bribón shines as a Margarita base, especially when combined with Bauchant Orange Liqueur (SRP $23), made from a base of VS and VSOP Cognac infused with bitter and sweet orange varieties. Another high-quality tequila available from Palm Bay, Tequila Chamucos, launched in 1994 and sources organic Los Altos agave from the highlands for use in its production. After it's slow cooked in brick ovens, the agave naturally ferments in open vats with its signature yeast strain. Distilled in stainless steel, the Tequila Chamucos portfolio consists of Blanco (SRP $45), Reposado, and Añejo (SRP $60) expressions, with the latter two releases aging in virgin American and French white oak. Tasting Notes Bribón Blanco Tequila ($20) Indulges the senses, first with its charming aromas of bright, clean, fresh lime-kissed agave, then with another high note of blueberries and wild flowers. The stark purity on the palate is dotted with salted grapefruit peel, vanilla, and summer melon. 94 —M.M. Tequila Chamucos Reposado ($50) This salts the olfactory senses while edging out fra- grances of wild flowers and apricot. Fruit, flower, and earth combine on the palate for a complex layered effect, brushed by white pepper and a creaminess that works with the mineral-acidity on the finish. 95 —M.M. PALM BAY INTERNATIONAL 98 / the tasting panel / april 2018