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To think of tequila is to think of a word which implies a variety of qualities extending beyond the bottle. From its color to its most renown flavor, it reminds us of a Mexican texture that harmonizes tradition & myth. Tequila owes its essence to a deep root blended through time. But it is perhaps its presence which captures us the most. Tequila sales in the U.S. are increasingly growing & the rising popularity of southwestern & Mexican styles are a primary influence for its acceptance. Tequila's strong appearance intermingled with a classy touch is perhaps one of its greater attributes. Its quality is increasingly growing the number of connoisseurs that favor it. Even though its distinguished taste is compared to cognac, it still retains a strong connotation of tradition and fiesta.
Blue Agave plant
Agave field
Jimador harvesting the pina
Pinas
Tequila is a Mexican liquor distilled from the fermented juices obtained from the hearts of blue agave plants grown in the Tequila Region. The liquor gets its name from the town of Tequila located in the state of Jalisco where production started more than 200 years ago. The blue agave has long bluish green spiny leaves with sharp points and a large heart (called piña or pineapple) from which the juices are extracted and then distilled twice. Tequila is not distilled from pulque nor is it produced from any cactus.
Just as Cognac is a special type of brandy produced from specific grapes grown in a select region of France not all brandy has the distinction of being Cognac. In like manner, all liquors distilled from any agave plant are "mezcal", but only those made from the blue agave are branded as Tequila, all the others are mezcal.
MYTHS ABOUT TEQUILA
Tequila has medicinal properties.
KINDS OF TEQUILA Tequila. Must be made with at least 51% blue agave juices. This tequila may be exported in bulk to be bottled in other countries following the NOM standard. It may be Blanco, Gold, Reposado, or Añejo
Blanco or Silver
This is the traditional tequila that started it all. Clear and transparent, fresh from the still tequila is called Blanco (white or silver) and must be bottled immediately after the distillation process. It has the true bouquet and flavor of the blue agave. It is usually strong and is traditionally enjoyed in a "caballito" (2 oz small glass).
Reposado or Rested
It is Blanco that has been kept (or rested) in white oak casks or vats called "pipones" for more than two months and up to one year. The oak barrels give Reposado a mellowed taste, pleasing bouquet, and its pale color. Reposado keeps the blue agave taste and is gentler to the palate. These tequilas have experienced exponential demand and high prices. Añejo or Aged It is Blanco tequila aged in white oak casks for more than a year. Maximum capacity of the casks should not exceed 600 liters (159 gallons). The amber color and woody flavor are picked up from the oak, and the oxidation that takes place through the porous wood develops the unique bouquet and taste. Reserva Although not a category in itself, it is a special Añejo that certain distillers keep in oak casks for up to 8 years. Reserva enters the big leagues of liquor both in taste and in price.
HOUSE MARGARITA 5.50
!! SPECIALTY HAND-MIXED MARGARITAS !!
ISLAND OASIS FROZEN FUN
CAIPIRINHA
EL TESORO 10.00 HERRADURA 7.50 PATRON 12.95
CABO WABO Sammy Hagar’s tequila—natural in color, redolent with earth, smoke & caramel; butter, toast and vanilla flavors swirl around strong agave. Beautifully balanced. Playboy magazine rates this in the top 5! 14.50 CORAZON REPOSADO Aged 1 year, with a depth & fullness usually found in fine cognac & single malt scotch; medium-bodied; clean with subtle cedar & agave notes; complex layering of dried fruit, & caramel; toasty aroma with a creamy finish. 12.50
Margarita - a wonderful beverage with a balance of sweet and sour - sort of like an adult version of lemonade!
DRAFT BEER
!RED SANGRIA!
RED WINE
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