DRINK YE THIS KNOWLEDGE
BY GARY WOLLENHAUPT sunrise
THE FIVE TYPES OF THIS ANCIENT SPIRIT YOU CAN FIND AT YOUR LOCAL CAFÉ, TAVERN, OR LIQUOR STORE.
T equila is unique compared to whiskeys and other distilled
BLANCO Blanco is the starting point for all tequila varieties. It’s unaged, although some may rest in an oak barrel for up to 60 days. You’ll find blancos with a surprising variety of flavor profiles, from sharp notes of citrus and pepper to creamy smooth with touches of vanilla and honey. AÑEJO This is the tequila version of the brown spirits, aging in oak whiskey barrels for one to three years. Flavors range from oaky and spicy to buttery and warm. EXTRA AÑEJO Extra añejo rests for three years or more in oak barrels, imparting a rich amber color and intense aromas. The aging results in an ultra-premium spirit with deep notes of caramel, chocolate, cinnamon, and vanilla.
CRISTALINO Cristalino is an añejo or extra añejo that has been charcoal filtered. This process removes tannins and enhances fruity and floral notes, resulting in a clear blanco style. Cristalinos are often sweeter and lighter than the unrefined añejo versions. REPOSADO Aged in oak barrels from two months to a year, a reposado tequila highlights blue agave with notes of vanilla, honey, and toasted nuts. The result is perfect for sipping. Reposados are the usual choice for a margarita or Paloma cocktail or a substitute for bourbon in an old-fashioned or Manhattan.
spirits because it is made from a raw ingredient not harvested annually. Before you sip a tequila, think about its voyage to your glass. When an extra añejo tequila is poured, it’s at least ten years old. The journey started several years ago in a field in the region of Jalisco, Mexico and included at least three years in a barrel.
Take the time to honor the lifetime of the tequila that creates a special moment in your life.
AÑEJO MANHATTAN
CLASSIC MARGARITA
Instructions Wet 1⁄2 rim of a rocks glass with a lime wheel or wedge, then dip it into the salt mixture. Combine all ingredients in a tin shaker. Add ice, shake vigorously, and strain into a small rocks glass. Add fresh ice and garnish.
Ingredients 2 oz. Añejo tequila 1 oz. sweet vermouth 1 dash Angostura ® bitters Orange peel
Instructions Combine ingredients in a glass mixer. Add ice, stir well for 30–45 seconds, and strain into a small coupe glass. Express natural orange oils from the peel over the top of the cocktail, and then discard the peel and garnish.
Ingredients 1.5 oz. Reposado or blanco tequila
recipes
.75 oz. Fresh lime juice .5 oz. Fresh orange juice .25 oz. Agave nectar Optional: 1⁄2 rim thick with equal parts salt, sugar, and orange zest Garnish: Lime wheel
Garnish: Skewer of maraschino cherries
Recipes courtesy of Casamigos Tequila
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