Tequila showed all of it's versatility in a recent Tequila tasting lunch hosted by Case Noble Tequila, which showcased the who's who of the Sacramento drinking world - while imbibing and learning more about tequila I was able to firmly dismiss the myth that tequila and Mexican food are the only good combination, it turns out this is far from the truth.
This lunch that was given at Billy Ngo's Red Lotus showcased Chinese-fusion with high-end spirits. The menu included items such as Sauteed Chicken Salad, Pork Fried Rice, Shrimp Dumplings (HAR GOW) with XO sauce, Honey Prawns, Vegetable Pot-stickers, and a Donut dessert with a lemon custard.
It was astonishing, for example, how well the hazelnut and butterscotch tones of the Reposado went with the honey prawns, which were coated in a creamy sweet sauce coating the crunchy batter of the prawn. (picture not shown as they went too fast!)
How to taste tequila: Notice the color, and thickness of the taste, then inhale the top, middle, and bottom notes of the glass. After taking in all three separate notes (which can drastically differ) then swirl the glass to combine all of the flavors, and inhale as you sip to fully embrace the flavor. Through aerating the spirit you've fully encompassed the nose and taste at the same time, allowing your palette to understand what the maker is attempting to bottle in to the beverage.
Prior to the lunch we were lead through a thorough tasting by Casa Noble heir and CEO Jose "Pepe" Hermosillo - looking at the tasting notes of each of the tequilas. From the unique Riedel tequila tasting glass that was created on a team including Geroge Riedel and Pepe, to the bottles of aromas for flavor comparison that were brought to the table identify the scents were were picking-up.
These scents included: oak, vanilla, and white pepper.
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| Horizontal Selection of Tequila's in the Riedel Tasting Glass |
This tequila shown below was a real treat, it's a single-barrel aged Añejo tequila.
The aging process begins by using only the finest, hand-selected French white oak barrels that are lightly charred for the optimal aging of the tequila. Casa Noble extends the aging of Reposado for 364 days, the maximum and most desired length of aging for Reposado Tequila, and an unprecedented five years for our Añejo.
This lengthy process is carefully monitored by the Casa Noble Maestro Tequilero for flavor evolution and evaporation which is known as the "angel's share." The hand-made bottles in the single barrel program are then individually numbered, labeled and signed by the Makers. Each barrel has its own unique flavor footprint that makes every bottle a true masterpiece, one that is both precious and unique.
Sweet endings to a great lunch!
Tasting Notes
Crystal Silver Tequila - un-aged
The Casa Noble Blanco Tequila is tripled distilled versus the industry standard of two distillations and it showed through in its absolutely smooth mouth feel. Great agave notes highlight a tequila that also presented soft fruit and interesting grain and herbal notes.
Reposado Tequila - Aged 364 days in French White Oak Barrels
Matured in French oak for a full year; the light amber/yellow shade is really gorgeous and pure; the nose is seductive and compelling right from whiff - scents of brine, forest herbs, and white pepperiness, soft caramel, mild oak, herbal agave, and sea salt. The intensely sweet taste at palate entry is more vegetal than oaky or caramelly the midpalate stage is laden with sweet light toffee and candied nut flavors. The finish is long, toasty/caramelly, and resiny from the oak.
Añejo Tequila - A limited production item
Aged in French oak for five years; the brilliant amber tone is impeccably pure and clean; the nose is rich, almost brandy-like, and oaky with time in the glass, the aroma becomes a bouquet as the oak influence is joined by a mild vegetal component and a background pepperiness. The delicate, perfumy scents of oak resin and vanilla, mature agave, and nut butter unite to form an atypically biscuity tequila bouquet. The palate is mildly sweet and oaky, but then explodes with firm, meaty tastes of nut butter, pepper, and light caramel; the finish is long, spirity, and elegant.
Casa Noble Single Barrel Tequila Products
100% Blue Agave Triple Distilled Family of Ultra Premium Tequilas
