Ones to Watch: Booze – The Tequila Edition

As mentioned in my other posts about vodka and gin, the Drinks Enthusiast invited a small group of bloggers to the heavenly Fusion Bar at Manchester 235 to sample some brand new spirits either making their way onto the UK market, or winding their way into Manchester itself.

Finally, we moved onto the Excellia Tequilas – three different bottles, made – as they should be (for a hangover free morning after) with blue agave, these are not your usual tequilas. No salt or lime in sight and no telltale shudder as you frantically try to swallow without tasting the burn. These beg to be savoured.

Aged initially in Grand Cru Sauternes casks, and then for longer in Cognac barrels, the flavour is influenced heavily by the ageing process and screams quality.

But what struck us most about these was the difference between the three – in every way.

The Blanco, is peppery, slightly fiery, but not unpleasantly so. On the second taste, you get more citrus and a hint of smoke.

The Reprosado, is richer, creamier, it offers more vanilla and is very different to the younger version. More honeyed, heavier, it lingered like a whisky would on the back of the tongue.

The Anejo, aged for 18  months, is different yet again – raisins, wood & spice in the scent, it has elements of a tawny port, but is less heavy, more watery than the other two. It’s not as fiery and certainly unlike any other tequila I’ve tried.

All of these will be heading our way over the next few months – the tequilas aren’t even in the UK as yet, so when it arrives, it will be a real treat.

Glass – Martini