AT A GLANCE

• Owned by: Citryve International

• Distilled by: Tequila Cascahuin (NOM 1123), El Arenal, Jalisco, Mexico

• Agave: Tequilana Azul

• Cooking: Brick Ovens

• Crush: Roller Mill

• Fermentation: Stainless Steel Tanks

• Still Type: Stainless Steel Pot Still with Copper Coils

• Spirit Type: 100% Agave Blanco Tequila

• Strength: 40%

• Price: $35

Tequila El Rey Silver is a 100% agave tequila from Tequila Cascahuin NOM 1123, in the lowland valleys of Jalisco. Tequila Cascahuin was founded in 1904 by Salvador Rosales Briseno and they allow at least two percent of their agaves to flower. While this is a good start, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and Universidad Autónoma de Mexico have suggested that a minimum of 5% of agaves (about 200 per hecter) should be allowed to flower to maintain both a healthy bat population and enough genetic diversity in the plans.

According to the brand, 8 year old blue agaves are harvested from the lowlands surrounding Mount Cascahuín outside the town of El Arenal. The agave piñas are halved and then cooked for 72 hours in brick ovens. The Cooked piñas are then shredded and pressed with a roller mill and the juice is pumped into large open top fermentors made of stainless steel. The must is allowed to ferment with the ambient yeast in the distillery before it is double distilled in stainless steel pot still that have an internal copper coil. The coil serves the dual purpose of heating the contents of the still and helps remove any sulfur from the spirit that might taint the flavor. After distillation the silver tequila is allowed to rest for 3 months before it is filtered and bottled at 40% ABV.

TASTING NOTES

Nose: The nose is wonderfully bright and inviting. It comes right out of the glass to great you with classic aromas of tropical fruit and bright green vegetal notes. There is no alcohol character, just pure aromatic essence.

Palate: The tequila is really pretty and a joy to drink. On the palate citrus flavors come trough and are nicely balanced with a touch of pepper, which gives the tequila a little warmth but without any burn. All of this is supported with underlying flavors of green vegetal notes, giving the tequila great character and complexity.

Finish: The finish is clean and fresh with lovely soft notes of citrus and a slight greenness.

Conclusion: Despite some odd design choices with the stopper, El Rey Silver is a fantastic example of classic tequila and is wonderful to drink neat. If you are inclined towards cocktails a tequila daiquiri would be great. The bright citrus notes in the tequila are strong enough to not really need the orange liqueur call for in margarita recipes. In the summer, the silver would also work well in a tall drink like a tequila and soda or tequila and tonic with a lime wheel garnish. If you like blanco tequila El Rey Silver is a must try.