This year we decided to do something a little different.  We attended, one of my favorite events, Tacos and Tequila in San Diego.  First of all, you can’t beat  San Diego for a venue.  The weather was great and the location of Marina Park was perfect.

Marina Park

THE TEQUILA’S

Unfortunately, you are only given 6 tickets to use for the private tequila tasting event.  Considering that there were more than 10 different brands, each pouring a Blanco, Reposado and Añejo, some were going to be left untasted.  I decided to only taste the tequila I was not familiar with.  This led to some great discoveries.  Let me tell ya about them.

Nuda Tequila

Owned by Frances Reyes.  Nuda Tequila is triple distilled.  The Añejo is aged for 26 months in French Oak barrels.  Aromas of Agave and Vanilla.  On the palate I experienced; light agave flavors, vanilla, oak and a hint of caramel.  The extra Añejo was delicious with notes of agave, vanilla, coco.  I was lucky enough to have been able to try all four of Nuda’s Tequilas, including the Blanco and Reposado.  I have to admit, they were my favorites at the festival.  Price point is $80 for the Añejo and $100 for the extra Añejo.

The owners of Nuda Tequila

SOME OF MY OTHER FAVORITES

UNO POR FAVOR TEQUILA

Uno Por Favor Blanco is a tequila with more citrus notes.  It is very smooth and light on the tongue.  The Reposado adds notes of caramel and oak. $40 for the Blanco.

MANDALA TEQUILA

Mandala Tequila.  The extra Añejo is aged seven years in French Oak barrels.  I found this one to be a little sweet with tasting notes of toasted oak, agave and vanilla.  Price point is $130.

MI CAMPO TEQUILA

Mi Campo Tequila.  Surprisingly, this brand was probably the best tequila under $30.  The Reposado was aged in Robert Mondavi French wine barrels.  Great minerality and mouth feel with notes of toasted oak, vanilla and honey.

REVOLUCION TEQUILA

Revolucion Tequila.  This tequila aged in traditional America White Oak barrels.  The Añejo has good minerality and a smooth finish with hints of caramel, honey and butterscotch.  They put their extra Añejo through a charcoal filter to remove the color and they call it Cristolino.  This is a good line of tequila and I believe the price point of $50, $60 and $80 for the Reposado, Añejo and extra Añejo, is dead on for this quality tequila.  

There are some really good things going on in the tequila world.  From adding oxygen to the distillate to remove impurities to using nontraditional  vessel for aging.  the industry is evolving and I look forward to keeping up.  Enjoy.

-Brax