Tasters Guild Orlando: 5 de Mayo

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Sip Into Something More Comfortable

With Marcy Rudershausen, Master of Whisky for Johnnie Walker® & the Diageo® Whisky brands

With 5 de Mayo just around the corner this is the perfect time to head south of the border and pay a visit to our Mexican brothers and sisters. On Cinco de Mayo holiday, we all become lovers of all things Mexican especially TEQUILA! .A friend once told me Tequila is a happy drink. Have you ever seen someone drink a Margarita while sad? Well…no, not really.

Tequila has an interesting history. There are different styles and flavors to suit any taste. I have a couple favorites. Don Julio is on top of my list, as it is so well known and loved through out Mexico. Don Julio uses only mature Agaves, at least 10 years old as well as exclusively using seasoned Kentucky oak bourbon barrels for aging its tequilas. Jose Cuervo has some new flavored tequilas that make for great cocktails. Let’s take a look at the different styles available, so you can better choose what to enjoy.

Blanco: Don Julio Blanco is double-distilled to achieve a balanced quality that is light, clean and dry, with a touch of black pepper. The nose is pure fresh agave. It’s crisp, clean essence can be enjoyed by simply pouring over ice with a squeeze of fresh lime or as the essential ingredient in the signature drink, ”Margarita Legendario“, the ultimate margarita

Reposado: Don Julio Reposado is double-distilled and carefully rested in oak barrels for up to 11 months. It has a light, sweet character with aromas of vanilla and chocolate. The resulting taste is silky and smooth with slight hints of dark chocolate. Don Julio Reposado makes a refreshing cocktail when mixed over ice and accompanied with Squirt, as the supreme cocktail, ”La Paloma Suprema“ –a traditional way to enjoy Reposado style tequila in Mexico.

Añejo: Don Julio Añejo is double-distilled and carefully aged in oak barrels for over one year. The finished product has a natural golden hue with aromas that contain hints of lime, grapefruit and mandarin. The resulting taste is smooth and rich with a sweet touch of wild honey. This delicate tequila can be savored neat in a snifter, or enjoyed over ice

1942: This exquisite Añejo tequila was created to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Don Julio. Don Julio 1942 is double-distilled and carefully aged in oak barrels for over two years. The agaves used in production are hand selected stocks by Don Julio himself. The nose is full with vanilla and nuts. The flavor is silky with a sweet and satiny finish. It is best served in a snifter

Real: Gentle scents of citrus and honey accentuated by cooked agave and mild herbs. Flavor is exceptionally smooth and graceful, with notes of caramel, chocolate and toffee unfolding into a long, sweet, seductive finish with only the slightest hint of wood. Sip slowly in a snifter or Reidel Tequila glass to enjoy every subtle nuance of flavor.

Jose Cuervo Tequila has new flavors available that would make for delightfully, fabulous cocktails. Attached is a recipe for the Jose Cuervo Tequila Sunrise. Start your sunrise at sunset! Add some salsa and chips and your good to go for a festive 5 de Mayo.

Jose Cuervo Tequila Sunrise

Ingredients:

· 1 ½ oz Jose Cuervo Flavored Tequila (Citrico, Tropina or Oranjo)

· 4 oz of Orange Juice

· Splash of Cranberry Juice or Grenadine

· Fresh Fruit Slices

Instructions: Pour Jose Cuervo Flavored Tequila and orange juice over ice in a highball glass. Mix and float with cranberry juice or grenadine. Garnish with your favorite fruit – lime, orange or pineapple slices.

Invite your amigo’s over, call out the mariachi’s, put your dancing shoes on, break out the salsa and chips and arriba, arriba!!!…….as always, sip into something more comfortable responsibly. Slainte! Salud! Cheers!