To celebrate by birthday my wife asked me what I would like to do.\u00a0 My tequila cabinet was getting low so, I suggested we go to Puerto Vallarta.\u00a0 Jalisco Mexico is the capitol of tequila country.\u00a0 Puerto Vallarta is one of my favorite places to relax and enjoy the best of Mexico.\u00a0 So, we got the band together and headed South.\u00a0 We checked into the Grand Lux in Nuevo Vallarta.\u00a0 The Grand Lux is located 20 Min North of Puerto Vallarta in Nayarit.\u00a0 There are three other resorts, that you have access to, on the property.\u00a0 The Grand Mayan, Mayan Palace and The Grand Blis.\u00a0Puerto Vallarta has all the regular tourist attraction; parasailing, scuba diving, zip lines, ATV etc… Nuevo Vallarta has long sand beaches and the water is in the 80’s this time of year.<\/p>\n
One of our favorite spots to visit is a little surf town 1 hour North called Sayulita.\u00a0 Sayulita is located on the North side of Punta Mita.\u00a0 Sayulita has a lot of old\u00a0 world charm with its cobblestone roads and traditional style building.\u00a0 The beaches are beautiful and the surfing is usually pretty good.\u00a0 On this occasion, Doc was less than please with the waves.\u00a0 I thought they were the perfect size for someone like me who wants to learn.\u00a0 The town square is the center of activity.\u00a0 It is surrounded by restaurants, bars and boutique shops.\u00a0 The prices for food and alcohol\u00a0are tailored towards the locals.\u00a0 After a relaxing afternoon on the beach, we headed to Leyva Family distillery.\u00a0 Makers of fine tequila.<\/p>\n
We were walked through the tequila making process and at the end, we were treated to a tasting.\u00a0\u00a0Some\u00a0of the main things I learned was.\u00a0 There are over 600 varieties of agave.\u00a0 Over 400 of them are blue(Azul).\u00a0 The first distillation of tequila is called blanco.\u00a0 Tequila put in an oak barrel for up to 11 months is called Resposado.\u00a0 Tequila put into an oak barrel for up to 4 years is called Anejo.\u00a0 Like wine, there are blends and single varietals. Mexico grades the quality of tequila.\u00a0 So,\u00a0100% de agave could be a blend of agave and sugar cane.\u00a0 100% de agave Azul could be the single varietal and better still, 100% puro de agave is tequila without any other additive such as cane sugar. Remember this and it will ensure you are getting the best quality tequila.<\/p>\n
Tequila tasting is also\u00a0similar to wine tasting.\u00a0 Enjoy the color and clarity,\u00a0 inhale the bouquet, take a sip and let is roll over you tongue. After you swallow, exhale and appreciate the smoothness.<\/p>\n
I am always interested in a good tequila.\u00a0 If you come across one I would love to hear about it.<\/p>\n
Cheers,<\/p>\n\n\t\t