Tequila selection subject to availability
Cabo Wabo
Sammy Hagar's most profitable venture ever - aside from some stuff he did with a band in the 80s, maybe. This is the spirit of rock and roll in a bottle - all we need are some groupies, a Gibson SG and a mirror...to admire ourselves in. Don't know what you were thinking.
So Van Halen set up a bar in Cabo San Lucas in 1990 which bombed financially, so Sammy bought out the rest of his band-mates. Skip forward a few years and he now has a chain of bars, one of the best-selling tequilas in the world, and he pocketed $80 million (yes - read that again slowly to give it the respect it deserves) by selling an 80% stake to Gruppo Campari. Even in Kiama we can hear the sound of teeth-grinding from Eddie and Alex...
Cabo Wabo Blanco
"As crystal clear as the waters surrounding Cabo San Lucas, Cabo Wabo Tequila Blanco arouses the senses with fresh floral aromas complemented by notes of lime and mint. Handcrafted from 100-percent Weber's Blue Agave, our blanco boasts unadulterated agave flavors and a slightly spicy character that teases the palate, and delivers a crisp, clean finish that leaves you energized and refreshed. Enjoy Cabo Wabo Tequila Blanco as a chilled shot or in your favorite premium drink."
Cabo Wabo Reposado
"Recognized as one of the finest tequilas in the world, Cabo Wabo Tequila Reposado delivers a distinctive experience that even the most discerning drinkers find delightful and unique. An assertive nose of sweet lime, orange and fresh herbs excites upon pouring. Maturation in American oak casks for 4 to 6 months infuses our Reposado with a bold peppery flavor and hints of fruit that linger on the palate briefly, followed by a long, spicy finish. A truly incomparable spirit, Cabo Wabo Tequila Reposado is ideal for sipping solo or in a top-shelf margarita or other mixed drinks."
Casa Noble
100% blue agave tequila, one of only three organic tequilas made in the world. Casa Noble has been the winner of many accolades including "double gold winner" of the San Francisco World Spirit Competition, "best tequila" by Testing Institute in Chicago and "best tequila" in Mexico by Academia Mexicana del Tequila.
The Casa Noble Tequila Company started as a tequila producer in the late 1700s in the region of Tequila, Jalisco. Its current owners are Carlos Hernandez Ramos, Jose Hermosillo Brooks, David Ravandi and Carlos Santana. Can anybody explain the connection between rock musicians and tequila production? Carlos Santana, Sammy Hagar, Engelbert Humperdink...
OK - I made the last one up, but it makes you think, doesn't it?
Casa Noble Silver
"Crystal Silver Tequila - un-aged The Casa Noble Blanco Tequila is triple-distilled versus the industry standard of two distillations and it showed through in its absolutely smooth mouth feel. Great agave notes highlight a tequila that also presented soft fruit and interesting grain and herbal notes."
Casa Noble Reposado
Reposado Tequila - Aged 364 days in French White Oak Barrels. Matured in French oak for a full year; the light amber/yellow shade is really gorgeous and pure; the nose is seductive and compelling right from whiff - scents of brine, forest herbs, and white pepperiness, soft caramel, mild oak, herbal agave, and sea salt. The intensely sweet taste at palate entry is more vegetal than oaky or caramelly the midpalate stage is laden with sweet light toffee and candied nut flavors. The finish is long, toasty/caramelly, and resiny from the oak.
Casa Noble Añejo
Añejo Tequila - A limited production item. Aged in French oak for five years; the brilliant amber tone is impeccably pure and clean; the nose is rich, almost brandy-like, and oaky with time in the glass, the aroma becomes a bouquet as the oak influence is joined by a mild vegetal component and a background pepperiness. The delicate, perfumy scents of oak resin and vanilla, mature agave, and nut butter unite to form an atypically biscuity tequila bouquet. The palate is mildly sweet and oaky, but then explodes with firm, meaty tastes of nut butter, pepper, and light caramel; the finish is long, spirity, and elegant.
Casa Noble Single Barrel Añejo
Very rare limited edition tequila, aged for an unbelievable 5 years in hand-selected French white oak barrels. The hand-made black porcelain bottle is hand-painted with platinum, then individually numbered, labeled and signed by the Maker.
"This is a rare tequila, wonderful nose that includes vanilla, chocolate, dried fruits and some nice spices. The taste confirms the wood character of the tequila but you still get that nice cooked agave. Finish is long, the feel is very silky. The color is copper with gold hues. Each bottles is numbered and only 300 made per barrel, very unique."
Don Julio
"The second largest brand in Mexico in terms of market share and fourth largest in the United States. It is distilled, manufactured and bottled in the Colonia El Chichimeco district, in the city of Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, Mexico. Founded by Don Julio González-Frausto Estrada, who began distilling tequila in 1942 at age 17 and spent the next 40 years improving his craft. In 1985 Don Julio celebrated his 60th Birthday, and his sons commemorated the date by creating a Tequila in his name for friends and family. Following the sheer popularity of the tequila in Guadalajara and neighboring cities they decided to launch the tequila in 1987 and it effectively set the standard for all Tequilas in this category style. It is considered by some to be the world's first Luxury Tequila. Prior to this, tequila had been considered a "farmer's drink"..."
WOW! If they considered tequila a farmer's drink, who on Earth was mezcal for?
Don Julio Blanco
With a fresh agave expression and citrus notes, this tequila is called upon often when concocting innovative cocktails and the ultimate margarita, but is also perfect on its own or on the rocks. It was given a ‘Classic’ rating in Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s review of the top spirits of 2007. ‘Classic’ is their highest recommendation and was awarded after noted critic Paul Pacult reviewed over 250 spirits.
Crystal clear in colour, it has crisp Agave aromas blended with hints of fresh citrus notes – lemon, lime and grapefruit. A lightly sweet taste and incredibly pure agave flavour immediately excites the palate and rounds out for a smooth and lush Blanco tequila of unrivalled excellence. Clean and fresh finish complemented by a touch of black pepper and grassy undertones.
Don Julio Reposado
"Straw-like in colour, it has an inviting aroma of mellow, lemon citrus notes and spice layers with touches of ripe stone fruit on the nose. Incredibly soft on the palate, with elegant hints of dark chocolate, vanilla and light cinnamon balanced with subtle notes of pear, apple and lemon for a lightly honeyed and smooth flavour to be savoured. Silky, warm finish with an essence of dried fruit and nuts, redolent of a caramel apple."
Blimey! I'll take two please.
Don Julio Añejo
"Light amber in colour, this alluringly fragrant, aged tequila has a fresh blend of lime, grapefruit and mandarin citrus aromas with a rich touch of caramel on the nose. Wonderfully complex with expressions of cooked agave and wild honey. Notes of cherries and strawberries with vanilla and oaky butterscotch. Distinctively full-bodied with astonishing depth of character. The finish is bright and lightly spiced, with the essence of wild honey in the background for a rewarding long finale.."
Don Julio 1942
This limited-edition tequila is best appreciated when served in a snifter. Adding even more to its exclusivity, Tequila Don Julio 1942 undergoes a second distillation in a special still known as Pot Still 6, which refines the flavours even further.
Brilliant golden hue in colour, the nose offers rich, sweet aromas of caramel and toffee layered with a fresh vanilla fragrance and hints of red fruits like cherry mixed with caramel and almonds. Chocolate tones along with cinnamon and a light touch of wood. On sipping it has a silky, smooth character that coats the palate with roasted agave and vanilla flavours, sun-ripened tropical fruits and spiced undertones to create a wonderfully unique tequila experience. Beautiful, sweet agave-laced finish with lingering hints of oak and rich vanilla essence
Gran Centenario
In 1858, Lazaro Gallardo, a tavern owner and tequila producer, invented a unique tequila-making process called Selección Suave, or Smooth Selection. This unique process blended newly rested tequilas with the smoothest, aged tequila reserves creating the highest quality and best tasting tequila available.
In the late 1800s, Lazaro Gallardo named his tequila, Gran Centenario to commemorate the beginning of a new century and began selling it as his tavern. In 1920, Lazaro's son, Luciano decided to bottle Gran Centenario. Inspired by the Art Deco style of architecture, he designed a bottle similar to the one in use today. The makers of Gran Centenario still use the Selección Suave when crafting this deluxe tequila.
Gran Centenario Plata
Clear with a straw cast. Subtle, olive, meringue, cider vinegar aromas. A gentle supple entry leads to a dry medium-bodied palate with light toast, agave juice, herbaceous sandalwood, and cinnamon. Finishes with a perfumed, peppery, somewhat drying, grilled fruit fade. Refined and very close to reposado in nature.
Gran Centenario Reposado
Gold colour with a copper hue. The nose displays a combination of herbaceous agave, apples, figs and mellow oak. Bold, round mouthfeel. The palate is smooth, slightly sweet with powerful spirit, followed by a pungent backdrop of earth, spice and oak. Very warm spirit power wave finishing rich and spicy.
" The initial aroma is of black pepper and steamed broccoli. Following aeration, a bouquet of succulent scents of Brazil nuts, egg cream and light oak resin appear. An oily flavor of bacon is apparent at palate entry; at midpalate the pepper returns with added tastes of spinach, sage and butter. Finishes elegantly yet zestily as the pepper comes to the fore."
Gran Centenario Rosangel
Hibiscus infused, port wood-aged reposado tequila. "At first the tequila is slightly floral on the nose with the hibiscus shining through, as well as traditional vegetal and almost peppery notes found in 100% blue agave reposados. Except this one is a bit different once it hits the lips. The time seen in oak barrels that had once housed port, helps soften the spirit and make it very accessible to the tequila uninitiated. Without being sweet, the hibiscus and port wood aging play very well together striking a sultry and delicate balance."
Herradura
In 1870, Félix López officially registered San José del Refugio as a tequila-producing hacienda (or "Great House"), and it has been produced there ever since, in the town of Amatitán, Jalisco. Herradura (meaning "Horseshoe') tequilas are made from 100% blue Weber agave.
The Taberna, or Old Factory at Casa Herradura, built by Félix and Carmen López Rosales in 1870 was in full operation until 1963. The steps in the production of Tequila Herradura were no different from the way it is made today, but the machinery and methods are from another century.
Herradura Blanco
The bouquet is marvellously animated with vibrant herbal and earthy aromas of dill, green pepper, mace, hemp and tilled earth. Entry is intensely herbal and earthy, and keenly peppery; at midpalate the acidity fuels the flavour push of brine, dill, soil, textile and light spice. Concludes as peppery and forceful as it began. A world-class spirit.
Herradura Reposado
Light yellow color, and strong on the attack. The aroma is a little sweet; the sweetness diminishes slightly following aeration, but is still firm, biscuity and dill-like. Entry is delightfully off-dry, keenly acidic, fresh and slightly spicy; the midpalate features long, oily tastes of wax, black pepper and palm oil. Finishes oily, textile-like and a touch metallic. A leaner style of reposado.
Herradura Añejo
Hibiscus infused, port wood-aged reposado tequila. "At first the tequila is slightly floral on the nose with the hibiscus shining through, as well as traditional vegetal and almost peppery notes found in 100% blue agave reposados. Except this one is a bit different once it hits the lips. The time seen in oak barrels that had once housed port, helps soften the spirit and make it very accessible to the tequila uninitiated. Without being sweet, the hibiscus and port wood aging play very well together striking a sultry and delicate balance."
Selección Suprema
Tequila for the true connoisseur since 1995. Aging for four years gives this world-class tequila its amber color and spectacular flavor blend of rose petal, vanilla and citrus with an amazing aroma and sweet cocoa-like finish. Very dark amber in colour, with a delicate scent of agave, dry wood, vanilla, cinnamon and rose peta. The taste is a complex balance of cooked agave, rich vanilla, toasted oak and dried fruit, with a creamy and soft finish and long aftertaste Age: 49 months
Jose Cuervo
Jose Cuervo is produced by Tequila Cuervo La Rojeña. According to the company, Jose Cuervo, in 1795, was the first producer of tequila in the world. As of April 2012, it is the largest selling tequila brand in the world, with a 19 per cent volume share of the global market.
In 1758, Antonio de Cuervo received a land grant from King Ferdinand VI to start an agave farm in the Jalisco region of Mexico. He built a small factory on this land, and in 1795, King Carlos IV granted the Cuervo family the first license to commercially make tequila, so they built a larger factory. They started packaging their wares in individual bottles in 1880. The distillery was named Fabrica La Rojeña, but in 1900, Jose Cuervo Labastida decided to brand the tequila as Jose Cuervo. The company is now owned and run by heirs of the Cuervo family, the Beckmann family, who also own the brand 1800 Tequila.
1800 Blanco
1800 Silver is 100% Agave Tequila and has an exceptionally clean, silky smooth taste. Clear with a faint straw hue. Mild, canned pineapple, roasted pepper, herb soap, and vapor aromas. A buoyant entry leads to a round dryish medium-bodied palate with mild fruit preserves on toast, spice, and white pepper flavors. Finishes with a prickly fade of pumpkin pie and pepper.
1800 Reposado
Gold colour with a copper hue. The nose displays a combination of herbaceous agave, apples, figs and mellow oak. Bold, round mouthfeel. The palate is smooth, slightly sweet with powerful spirit, followed by a pungent backdrop of earth, spice and oak. Very warm spirit power wave finishing rich and spicy.
" The initial aroma is of black pepper and steamed broccoli. Following aeration, a bouquet of succulent scents of Brazil nuts, egg cream and light oak resin appear. An oily flavor of bacon is apparent at palate entry; at midpalate the pepper returns with added tastes of spinach, sage and butter. Finishes elegantly yet zestily as the pepper comes to the fore."
1800 Añejo
Caramel coloured. The first whiffs reveal plump, toffee-caramel notes underpinned by an asparagus-like agave aroma; aeration unearths nuances of fennel, white pepper, sage and rosemary—a complex and engaging bouquet. Palate entry is vegetal, green and off-dry; at midpalate the flavor profile turns sweet and sour, fruity and oaky. Concludes on a bittersweet note that somehow closes the circle on the journey.
Jose Cuervo Platino
This is a limited-edition spirit presented in numbered bottles. It is handcrafted using the company's proprietary process called "Esencia de Agave," during which the steam is recaptured and, with it, the flavour essences of the plant. It then is chill filtered.
The result is a stunningly smooth, creamy tequila best enjoyed straight and at room temperature. None of that ice-diluted business that one sometimes needs with lower-end tequilas to mask any harshness. The agave aroma mixes in the nose with slightly vegetal notes, inviting the imbiber in to experience elements of dried apricot and floral notes, followed by warm nuances of lemon zest, rose petals and a touch of pepper.
Kah Tequila
"It was only a matter of time before someone put tequila in a skull", said no one ever.
Paying homage to the Dia de los Muertos and the sugar skulls, each bottle is an individually numbered work of art, and they come in two sizes: 700 mls and "Where's the rest."
This combination of artistic flamboyance and artisanal distillation is typical of Mexican culture, and we loved them even before tasting them. The tequila lives up to the packaging, too, so we snagged some of the mini skulls for our guests so they can take home (can't resist the pun) "the spirit of Mexico". Ouch.
Kah Blanco
The nose is filled with cooked agave, sweet earthiness, grass, brine while having a little saltiness. Agave all the way through, with citrus. Nice lingering finish with agave, mint and pepper and a touch more of citrus. Obviously the bottle is amazing.
Kah Reposado
110 proof - so this reposado is for serious tequila drinkers. But how serious can you be after drinking 110 proof tequila? My tasting notes:
Ultra smooth, ultra strong flavours - ultra burn at the back of the throat. Caramel - of course - pepper, capsicum, vanilla from the oak - more like a calvados than whiskey but with a bigger body. Prominent agave taste with a pleasant, balancing sweetness.
Kah Añejo
"The scent of Kah Añejo is a wonderful blend of real Tequila and smooth Bourbon. Its time in an oak cask has imparted some serious beauty to this offering. Scents of caramel, toasted nut, and mild vanilla all come from the barrel. The smells of fresh herbs and raw sugar come from the roasted agave piña. Together, they tell me everything I want to know: this tequila still holds true to its roots, but has a nice measure of barrel beauty.
As for the flavor, the citrus and herbs start and finish this aged tequila’s journey across your palate. And those barrel notes… The smoothness from the barrel comes across as coffee, toffee, and a touch of roasted nuts. It’s all beautiful."
Leyenda del Milagro
"Legend of the Miracle" if Google Translate does not fail me. And with a name like that this drink had better come in a pretty fancy bottle...
Oh, wait - it does! There is a beautiful hand-blown, hand tinted artisan glass agave in the bottom of every bottle, and the tequila itself is triple-distilled, aged in French oak, best possible agave, clay ovens...you get the picture. It's quite nice, if you like that kind of thing. How can glass be "hand-blown" ? I don't know but it sounded good when I copied it...
Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Silver
Triple distilled and so much better smoother than the entry-level Milagros. Surprisingly soft, sweet and floral, with mint, black pepper and spice. Lighter and more finely balanced than many of the countless other highland blancos that we've tried...
Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Reposado
After 10 months in French oak, the reposado shows aromas of oak, agave and pepper. Dive in to uncover flavors ranging from vanilla and white pepper to cinnamon and honey. Lighter than one would expect but very smooth, and it finishes with dry notes of agave, spice and earth.
Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Añejo
My own tasting notes again - we don't just cut and paste here!
Light gold in colour, with caramel and pepper on the nose and palate - quite supple and sweet with hints of sour-mash whiskey, bananas (a whole bunch of 'em) and - wait for it - umami. I've waited years to use that Japanese loan-word and at last I can. There are some distinct umami flavours and a little agave. Excellent. I may go for a little lie down now. Maybe one more shot for the road.
Patron
Patrón is a luxury brand of tequila produced in Mexico and sold in hand-blown, individually numbered bottles. Made entirely from Blue Agave "piñas" (Spanish for pineapples), the Patrón Spirits Company is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was formed in 1989 by John Paul DeJoria, a co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems. The Añejo 100% Agave was given a score of "90-95" from Wine Enthusiast in 2011.
Patrón Silver
Brilliant crystal clear in appearance; pronounced aromas of citrus rind, melon and cucumber with notes of herb and smoke; initial palate is rich, sweet and ultra-smooth, with flavours of lime/citrus, spice with peppery and light briny notes on the long complex finish.
Patrón Reposado
Very pale straw colour - almost water like. Moderately aromatic nose releases aromas of char grilled pineapple, sweet tobacco, white pepper and a touch of nutmeg. Full bodied and round, the soft, warming spirit carries flavours of roasted capsicum, clove and vanilla building into a spicy, salty, black pepper power wave. Reasonable length with an aftertaste of salted green capsicum and black pepper.
Patrón Anejo
Pale straw colour with a water-like hue. The aromas are relatively subdued, revealing subtle notes of charry vanillin oak, liquorice, old tobacco and clay. The full bodied palate is exceptionally smooth offering flavours of sweet spice, baked citrus and a hint of peppermint. Very gently warming. The aftertaste fades a little too quickly, becoming dry with very subtle flavours of liquorice, spice and cedary oak.
Patrón XO Café
"Patron XO Cafe is an extraordinary blend of ultra-premium tequila and the pure, natural essence of the finest coffee. The taste is dry, not sweet as with most low proof coffee liqueurs. The higher proof brings out the flavour of the pure coffee essence and the ultra premium tequila. It is excellent for sipping as well as a premium ingredient in a cocktail or as a unique and delicious dessert topping."
Patrón Citrónge
"Patrón Citrónge is a premium reserve, extra fine orange liqueur. It is the only pure, natural orange liqueur that is distilled in Mexico and exported to the United States. "
Initial taste is strong on the front of the tongue, with a noticeable amount of alcohol taste in the back of the nose. Mouthfeel is extremely pleasant – smooth and fine. Perfect in fact. The mid-taste bursts and fills the mouth and sides of the tongue with a very pleasant flavour which subsides into the finish. However, a sneaky little burn follows down the throat – not unpleasant, just noticeable. The mid-taste is by far it’s best point, and this extra burst of taste would warrant a cocktail that could handle it.