How Can This Be Tequila?

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Vito

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I didn't used to be especially fond of tequila. But that was back before I discovered the real stuff. I took the fambly out to dinner at one of the better local Mexican eateries — El Torito Grill — and after a sumptuous repast the waiter asked whether I would like an aperitif. I asked him, "What do you recommend?", and he suggested Asombroso Gran Reserva 5 year Extra Anejo. Since then, I have never been without it.

My initial impression of Asombroso 5-Year was, "How can this be tequila?" I was smitten by the aroma that came wafting up out of that snifter...some fantastic combination of cinnamon, vanilla, caramel, toffee, leather, oak, and spice that transcended anything I had ever experienced.

If you like tequila, you'll love Asombroso 5-Year. If you're not especially fond of tequila, you might still love it.

<img src="https://i.servimg.com/u/f84/11/87/59/00/newjok10.png" alt="How Can This Be Tequila? Newjok10"/>

p.s. I don't know how long it will last, but Asombroso is currently having a BOGO sale — 25% discount, plus a second bottle for $1. Pounce while the pouncing's good, amigos! :mrgreen:
 
At $160 a bottle it’s a shade above what I would pay for even an uber fine single malt or custom bourbon...which I would prefer.

Very pleased you found your hear’s desire though. Everyone has their grail.
 
It's amazing how good tequilla can be. I think back to college when we thought Cuervo Gold was IT. :lol!:
 
Blackhorse":ha5zzveu said:
At $160 a bottle it’s a shade above what I would pay for even an uber fine single malt or custom bourbon...which I would prefer.
Look again, bro'. It's $160 for TWO bottles. That's way more than a shade BELOW what you would pay for your whisky or whiskey.

But I won't argue preference. If single malt or bourbon is more to your liking, I wish thee Godspeed in glomming onto whatever tickles your fancy.

<img src="https://i.servimg.com/u/f84/11/87/59/00/newjok10.png" alt="How Can This Be Tequila? Newjok10"/>
 
Agreed re preference. To each his own.  I know guys that insist on designer Moonshine!

But my Speyside single malt (Glen Moray) is $40...as are most of my favored bourbons, like Rare Breed (Wild Turkey cask strength item). But it takes me a year to go through a bottle, so what do I know?
 
Blackhorse. If you'd like to explore the world of tequilla, there are some perfectly wonderful anejo's that can be had for less than $40. I agree that given the choice, I'd plump for a single malt, but money isn't the main contributing factor. I really like the occasional decent tequilla when I'm in the mood.
 
My taste in Scotch seems to have settled more toward the Islay malts—Lagavulin and Laphroaig—with an occasional dalliance with Highland malts. I'm currently fond of Oban 14-Year, which is technically a Highland malt, but barely. It's a seaside distillery,way down in the southwest corner of the Highlands region. Oban 14 is considerably less sweet and flowery than many other Highland single malts, which appeals to the current preferences of my tasticles.

I also have a fondness for Johnnie Walker Green Label. It's not a single malt, but I like it for its complexity, its smoothness, and the hint of peat it brings.
________

I must admit, tequila-wise, Asombroso Gran Reserva Extra Añejo 5 Year has spoiled me. I've tried a few other añejos, but they don't even come close. All the others I've tried are so different as to be a whole 'nother animal. I deplore the alcohol burn finish that every other tequila I've ever tasted dishes out. It's little more than a tickle with Asombroso, and with a little splash of water (which also opens up the bouquet), even the tickle is banished. The stuff is utterly silky.

Tequila only has to be rested for 3 years to qualify as añejo, and in any case I presume the others are not being rested in new French oak, which apparently is part of the secret of the Asombroso Gran Reserva...well, that and the mountain blue agave, which has a flavor profile that's sweeter and very different from lowlands-grown agave.

It takes me a year or more to go through a bottle; it's definitely not an everyday event. It can take me an hour or more to dispatch a half-inch in the bottom of a snifter. At least half of the experience is the aroma. (Would it be wrong of me to describe it as orgasmic?  :twisted: ) And despite its smoothness, I can't bring myself to do more than sip it. More than that would be a waste of the sensual experience. It only takes a sip to suffuse the senses with its mix of flavors/aromas.

Anyhow, I only wax rapturous about the stuff in case any of the brethren are inclined to try a tequila that's unlike any other...well, except possibly Asombroso's Limited Edition or "Super Ultra Premium" bottlings, which appear in 6, 10, 11, and 12-year rested versions...and carry a price tag to match.

Fortunately, with two kids in college, my budget precludes any danger of my trying them. :mrgreen:

<img src="https://i.servimg.com/u/f84/11/87/59/00/newjok10.png" alt="How Can This Be Tequila? Newjok10"/>
 
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