woman on tequila (with tasting notes)

by amy reiley It is rather funny how much Americans love to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. South of the Border, the fifth of May is basically considered a regional celebration, reserved for the residents of the state of Puebla. (Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of victory over the French military at the Battle of Puebla). And what do those of us partying it up north of the border do on this celebratory date? We drink copious amounts of tequila – not even a product of Puebla. Hey, it’s historically incorrect and really just a thinly veiled excuse to live it up on the fire water by pretending to honor our neighbors to the south, but, what’s so bad about that?

The style of tequila most typically drunk for Cinco de Mayo is a white spirit that has been barely aged or not at all. These are “white” and “silver” tequilas and are among your least expensive choices. There are various categories for tequlas aged in oak casks. Many of these are designed to be sipped, not to blend into frothy margaritas. I tend to prefer the extra anejos, which have been aged for a minimum of three years and can be as rich and viscous as fine cognac. A small collection of highly recognizable names dominate the American tequila choices, but there are some fun and unique choices out there offering everything from quirky to classic. Here are a few to whet the appetite:

Herradura Silver
A sexy and citrusy number, Herradura’s silver has attractive orange blossom flavor with a surprise smoky note on the finish, which makes for an interesting margarita.

Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familla
A cognac-like sipper, Cuervo’s premium bottling offers deep amber color, honey, almond and vanilla, a big body and lingering cashew and green olive on the finish.

1800 Silver Essential Artists The packaging on this hot number is itself an aphrodisiac, with a steamy couple screened onto the bottle’s back. The tequila is a touch too bitter but offers interesting floral and hazelnut notes. Corzo Silver Surprisingly complez, Corzo offers sweet, dried grass and apricot notes on the nose. On the palate, it offers typical sweetness up front balanced by a delicious bite at the back of the palate.

AsomBroso Extra Anejo
Light amber in color, this is liquid gold. Baking spices dominate the aromas and a syrupy consistency coats the tongue in sensual style. The finish is dazzling with hints of cocoa, nutmeg and vanilla.