At its simplest, there are two types of tequila, 100% Agave and ‘Mixto’. 100% Agave Tequila is made from a very specific type of agave grown in Mexico. ‘Mixto’ is a mix of 51% blue agave spirit and 49% grain spirit. Most ‘Mixtos’ will be found in a category called ‘Joven or Oro/Gold’; however, there are exceptional examples of Joven/Oro tequilas made from 100% agave, which will be clearly indicated on the bottle. Less simple are aging designations, Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra/ Ultra Añejo. Herbal, pepper and fresh agave aromas provide Blancos a first-row seat for cocktails. Reposado ages the tequila for a minimum of two months to just under a year in oak providing added aromatic intensity, spice and smoke. Perfect for complex cocktails that need layered, savory fruitiness. Añejos rest for one to three years in 600-litre oak casks. Extra/Ultra Añejos go even further with minimum three years aging. Aging and oak requirements for the Añejos and Extra/Ultra Añejos impart complex flavours that are perfect for sipping in a rocks glass neat or over ice. Agave’s fruity flavours are enhanced often by nut, spice, and smoke aromas with smooth, rich viscosity. Premium whisky drinkers will delight in the complex and invigorating flavours that aged Tequila is capable of achieving.
El Tesoro Anejo (S0102Z, $96.00) - Generational knowledge runs deep at this distillery. Traditional techniques are used to maintain authenticity and stay true to the founder’s vision. The Tahona stone, a giant disk-shaped volcanic stone that gently crushes the cooked agave, has fallen out of favour in more industrial operations. A small replica of this stone adorns the top of every bottle, a symbol of the ancient knowledge and tradition used for the making of this tequila. The liquid extracted from this stone is fermented in open tanks with the agave before being distilled in a copper pot to extract maximum flavour from the liquid. Copper pot distillation helps ensure the traditional cooked flavour of agave is preserved along with the complex aromatics that tequila aficionados love. El Tesoro delivers cooked agave in the fore and mid palate accentuated by vanilla and baking spice. The lengthy finish is a perfect integration of oak, fruit and smoky sweetness. Discover these tequilas and more at Notables by PEI Liquor, located in the Founders’ Food Hall & Market. Want to learn more? Visit PEI Liquor’s Specialty Product Advisor, Darren LeBlanc, for his expert product knowledge and pairing suggestions.
years 6-8.) The blue agave harvested for Don Julio’s Reposado comes from the highlands of Jalisco where mineral rich soils contribute to the delectable aromas of cooked agave and ginger. The 8 months in barrel, with the addition of ex-bourbon and American white oak will smooth the electric edges, enriching the texture and providing satisfying caramel, cinnamon and oak aromas. The finish is long and savory with the agaves rich flavour dominating. Don Julio Anejo (S0011Z, $109.99) - The Anejo expression from Don Julio provides fruitiness with restraint and a beautiful expression of oak aging. The nose is resplendent with butterscotch opening to cooked agave and dried fruit. The palate has an oily viscosity and richness that perfectly compliments the dried fruit and vanilla flavours mixing with peppery agave and honey. As the Anejo coats your palate you experience the true luxury of aged tequila with a complex and enduring finish of dried cherry and spice. El Tesoro Reposado (S0030Z, $90.99) - El Tesoro is a brand with history, passion and a sense of place. La Altena Distillery was founded in 1937 by Don Filipe Camerena. While the operation is no longer owned by the Camerena family, it is still operated by them. Don Filipes’ grandson is the master distiller and his granddaughter is the director of operations. This Reposado has a very enticing nose of cinnamon, honey and agave. On the palate cooked agave is in the front but quickly opens up into baking spices, tropical fruit and vanilla across the palate. The finish endures with vanilla and a pleasingly smooth, slightly smoky sweetness.
DARREN’S TEQUILA PICKS
Patron Silver Tequila (16832Z, $86.99) - Labeled 100% de agave, because only blue weber agave from Mexico is used to produce this shimmering clear expression of Patron. On the nose you will discover bright fresh agave as well as stone fruit and pepper notes. As you sip this tequila you notice the fruit gives way to pepper, ginger and bitter olive note while settling on the palate. Patron is a must-have edition to your home bar and the perfect margherita base. Don Julio Reposado (S0012Z, $99.99) - This smooth, richly flavoured Tequila is made using generations of tradition farming knowledge. The Jimador is responsible to raise the blue weber agave plant to maturity (a complex and consuming pursuit, blue weber agave or a Tequilana doesn’t start to mature until
Notables at Founders’ Hall 6 Prince Street, Charlottetown 902.368.4836 lccnotables@liquorpei.com www.liquorpei.com
FALL 2022/WINTER 2023 www.pei-living.ca
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