Azuñia tequila – complex, unassuming, and smooth as silk

Last month I had the privilege of having lunch with Kirk Gaither at Javier’s Cantina and Grill in Irvina, CA. Kirk, a veteran of the liquor business (he and business partner Jim Riley helped to build the Ketel One brand of vodka), is now the proud co-owner of Azuñia Tequila. He invited me to Javier’s to taste his product, and it was definitely worth the one-hour drive from San Diego to Irvine!

Azuñia tequila may look unassuming, in its traditionally-shaped and relatively unadorned bottles, but what’s inside is a smooth, hand-crafted, 100% blue agave tequila with wonderfully complex flavors.

Azuñia Tequila Platinum Blanco Tasting Notes

Clear and transparent, Azuñia platinum blanco looks like a tall drink of water – with legs. She is definitely the star of the Azuñia party, and is one of the best-smelling blancos around. She boasts a mild agave scent that’s surrounded by fresh fruit – citrus, banana, pineapple, even a hint of melon. She’s not at all harsh – I had to stick my nose into my baby snifter to get a burn.

The blanco’s smoothness is the first thing I noticed when sipping for the first time. There’s a great blanco punch of flavor, with notes of black pepper (Kirk tells me this comes from the pepper trees that grow near the agave fields). The taste is consistent throughout, making this blanco immensely “sippable.”

Tequila Examiner Grade, Azuñia Tequila Platinum Blanco: A

Azuñia Tequila Reposado Tasting Notes

Aged in American oak barrels for a minimum of 3 months, Azuñia reposado is a pale amber – the color of fresh straw. Somehow the smell reminded me of dusk in the Coronado National Forest, with an arid, floral bouquet. There are notes of banana and an underlying scent of cooked agave that lingers in the glass.

Unlike the blanco, the black pepper presents itself first, breaking the hypnotic scent and awakening the taste buds. There is a strong agave flavor, but it’s a bit on the spicy side. The pep extinguishes itself before going down for a nice, smooth finish. I added a bit of water to this young reposado. I find that doing this will mitigate a tequila that tastes “spicy” and bring out some of the more complex flavors. It’s also a sign to me that this is a good reposado to mix with. (The flavor of the tequila isn’t going to get lost from the aging or mixers.)

Tequila Examiner Grade, Azuñia Tequila Reposado: B

Azuñia Tequila Añejo Tasting Notes

The añejo of the Azuñia tequila family is a luminous, deep gold color. The frosted bottle gives it the appearance that it’s darker than it is, but I found that it really pops in a nice, crystal clear glass. It has a very nice, very different scent than most añejos – it smells like split seasoned oak, ready for a campfire.

Like the blanco, the añejo has a complex taste. You’re greeted by mellowed black pepper, and then a thickness (not in texture but in layers of taste). The pepper gives way to a mild agave flavor with lovely hints of charred oak and notes of chocolate and hazelnut. The añejo has a bold, smooth finish with a flavor that lingers for several seconds after a sip. It’s a great “fall” or “winter” añejo – one to enjoy on a cool night.

Tequila Examiner Grade, Azuñia Tequila Añejo: B+

Cocktail Tasting and Mixing Notes

Azuñia Tequila is great alone or over ice, but it also mixes well in cocktails, especially with fresh ingredients. (See the slideshow below for cocktail ideas.)

Azuñia Tequila is featured in the following Tequila Examiner original cocktails:

• Tequila Martini (pictured) – a simple twist on the old classic martini. Delicious!
• Treat shot (part of the “Trick or Treat” pair of shots) – developed for Halloween, but great anytime. It’s a little glass full of fruity flavor.

In addition to the drinks above, margaritas with all three types of Azuñia Tequila were delicious. The recommended recipe from Azuñia tastes great:

Azuñia Margarita

• 2.5 oz Azuñia PlatinumTequila
• 1 oz Azuñia Organic Agave Nectar
• 1 oz water
• 2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• Sea salt (optional)

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 5 seconds and pour into a sea salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

About Azuñia Tequila

From Azuñia Tequila:
“Intersect Beverage, located in Newport Beach, CA, imports Azuñia Tequila (ultra-premium tequila). Azuñia Tequila is produced from the finest quality hand-selected 100% Weber blue agave plants, grown and harvested by one of the oldest and most experienced growers in the Jalisco Region of Mexico. Azuñia’s Tequila portfolio includes: Platinum Blanco, Reposado and Anejo. Azuñia Tequila is currently distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.”

1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Blood Orange Juice

1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

3/4 oz. Azuñia Organic Agave Nectar

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 5 seconds and pour into glass. Garnish with a blood orange wedge. Salud!

If you go to any tailgate party and someone says, “hey, who wants some tequila?”, there will be two distinct responses. The first response you’ll hear is, “Bring It ON!”. The other response is, “No Way!”. When it comes to tequila there are certainly those that love it and those that won’t drink it. I recently discovered a new brand of tequila, Azuñia Tequila, that just might convince those saying, “No Way!” to try tequila again.

Many of those drinkers that avoid tequila have more than likely had a bad experience with it when they were younger. Either while in college or possibly a Spring Break vacation to Mexico, these people probably got sick from not knowing their own limit. Odds are it was probably cheap, inferior tequila to make matters worse. And we all know that once you have had “that night” with tequila, the strong and distinctive smell of any tequila, can turn a person green in an instant. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

As I mentioned above, Azuñia Tequila is different in that it is not like other tequilas you have had in the past. Azuñia Tequila is relatively new on the market but is bound to make some waves and it will win some awards soon. The major complaint any type of tequila gets is the harsh and bitter taste and the pungent smell. Not Azuñia Tequila. All three Azuñia Tequilas, Azuñia Platinum, Azuñia Reposado and especially Azuñia Añejo are all incredibly smooth. I had a chance to sample all three and I can say with confidence they did not disappoint.

Some background on this groundbreaking tequila comes from its roots and how the agave plants are grown, harvested and the tequila is eventually distilled. Many tequila makers will get their agave plants from a number of different growers making the taste less consistent and frequently less predictable. Azuñia Tequila is made from 100% Weber Blue Agave grown by the Sergio Zuñiga Family. The Zuñiga Family is one of the oldest agave growing families in the Tequila, Jalisco Region of Mexico. This family plantation has made a 10 year commitment to harvesting their agave plants exclusively to produce Azuñia Tequila.

Azuñia Platinum is the mixable, ultra-premium tequila made from 100% Weber Blue Agave. I chose to sample the Platinum while making an Azuñia margarita. (All recipes mentioned can be found at the bottom of this review.) I followed the recipe to the exact letter and I will admit it was one of the most authentic and refreshing margaritas I have had. If you are a tequila drinker and like Patron Silver, you’ll love Azuñia Platinum.

Next up to sample was Azuñia Reposado. This one is aged for a minimum of 3 months in American Oak barrels for a touch of smokiness. I tried this one in a Mex-jito which is much like a mojito but instead of run it uses tequila. I was quite impressed yet again and I liked the combination of the light smoke flavor mixed with the mint flavors.

Now comes the true test sample, Azuñia Añejo. This one I tried straight up without any mixers or making a cocktail out of it. In my book, if you can drink tequila straight, and by straight I mean sipping it and enjoying it rather than doing tequila shots, that is good tequila. Azuñia Añejo was unbelievably smooth as you would expect from an ultra-premium tequila. I later found out that this smoothness is a result of minimum of 12 months of aging in American Oak barrels. Azuñia Añejo was flavorful yet not overpowering with hints of vanilla and nuts. Very smooth and very enjoyable. No mixers necessary.

Because Azuñia Tequila is a relatively new brand to the United States, it is not available nationwide. Select states like California, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii and New Jersey with more added soon currently carry the Azuñia brand. I’d highly recommend trying Azuñia Tequila even if you have sworn off tequila for the remainder of your days on earth. Azuñia Tequila just might surprise you into becoming a tequila drinker once again.

Azuñia Tequila is quite astute and active on social media outlets as well. If you would like to visit the Azuñia Tequila page on Facebook, click HERE. Azuñia Tequila is also highly active on Twitter as well. If you would like to stay current with updates regarding Azuñia Tequila, please follow @azuniatequila, @AzuniaKirk, @AzuniaJim and @azuniajenifer. For more information on Azuñia Tequila, please visit their official website at azuniatequila.com. Must be 21 or over, please drink responsibly and never drink and drive.

Azuñia Tequila Drink Recipes:

Mex-jito
Glass: Old-Fashioned Garnish: Lime Wedge and a Mint Sprig
1.5 oz. Azuñia Reposado
1 oz. Azuñia Organic Agave Nectar
.5 oz. Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
Lime Wedge
10 Large Fresh Mint Leaves
Club Soda
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves and lime wedge. Add tequila, agave nectar, lime juice and plenty of ice. Shake vigorously for 5 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled glass and top with club soda. Garnish with a lime wedge.
*For a different variation, try it with Azuñia Platinum Tequila.

The Azuñia Margarita
Glass: Pint Glass Garnish: Lime Wedge
2.5 oz. Azuñia Platinum Tequila
1 oz. Azuñia Organic Agave Nectar
1 oz. Water
2 oz. Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
Sea Salt (optional)
Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 5 seconds and pour into a sea salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
*For a different variation, try it with Azuñia Reposado Tequila.

Paloma Glass: Old-Fashioned
Garnish: Lime Wedge
2 oz. Azuñia Platinum Tequila
1 oz. Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
Squirt® (grapefruit soda)
Dash of Sea Salt
Moisten the rim of the glass with the lime wedge and salt the rim. Add a dash of sea salt to the bottom of the glass and fill with ice. Add lime juice and tequila. Top off with Squirt® and garnish with a lime wedge.

Canterita Glass: Pint Glass
Garnish: Orange Slice
2 oz. Azuñia Platinum Tequila
.5 oz. Azuñia Organic Agave Nectar
1 oz. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
1 oz. Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
.5 oz. Grapefruit Juice
.5 oz. Orange Juice
Dash of Sea Salt
Squirt (grapefruit soda)
Combine all ingredients, except Squirt and sea salt, in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 5 seconds. Add a dash of sea salt to the bottom of the glass and pour contents of shaker into glass. Top off with Squirt and garnish with an orange slice. (Rim glass with sea salt – optional.)

Newport Beach Calif., — OC Motorsports Trophy-Truck driver Ed Stout has much on the line in November—a victory at the Granddaddy of all desert races and a possible SCORE points championship.  Stout, currently third in the SCORE Desert Series Trophy-Truck points standings and a mere two points from second, will start from the 24th position in his quest for a title at the 42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, scheduled to begin on Nov. 20 in Ensenada, Baja California Mexico.

Stout, an Irvine, Calif., resident, will set out on the world’s longest non-stop desert race on November 20 at 10:30 a.m. in his OC Motorsports prepared Chevrolet Trophy-Truck.  Respected navigator, Jim Riley, who is the CEO of Azuñia Tequila will start the race with Stout and run for the first 160 miles. It will then be up to Jake Batulis to keep the car in tact and on time for the next 200 miles as he relieves Stout. Jake has been a trusted friend and integral part of Stouts program for several years now. When Stout gets back in the car it will be with his trusted mechanic Brian Lopez, as they race for the finish attempting to capture their first Trophy-Truck win and hopefully, their first SCORE championship.

Jim Riley (left) and Ed "Clyde" Stout (right)

Stout has been a force in the Trophy-Truck ranks throughout the 2009 season by consistently finishing races and racking up valuable points. Stout drove to a solo third-overall finish at the SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge and tenth-overall at the Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250.  A triumph by Stout at the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 would be his first victory at the event in Trophy-Truck, the premier class in the SCORE Desert Series. In 2002, Stout won the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 in the 1-2/1600 class.  Riley, Batulis and Lopez, fully aware of the significance of a Baja win, have logged long hours training and anticipating every challenge before pre-running the rugged Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 course.

“A win at this race would be incredible, and to take home the championship would be an awesome way to end the season,” said Stout.  “Jim, Brian and Jake have been working hard and doing their homework.  Everyone feels really comfortable and confident and we can’t wait to get down there, bring home a win and celebrate responsibly with Azuñia Tequila.”

Riley, a seasoned off-road veteran and three-time Baja 1000 navigator comes to the OC Motorsports Trophy-Truck team as part of the Azuñia Tequila support initiative—but to Riley and Stout, the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 also has a personal significance.  Riley along with a group of racers including Stout intend to give back to the people of Baja California Mexico by donating 1000 cans of food and supplies as part of a special relief project organized by a consortium of passionate off-road enthusiasts including; Marty Fiolka from Dirt Sports Magazine, Nick Baldwin of the AOK organization, (AOKnick.org) Wahoo’s Fish Taco owner Wing Lam plus Blue C Advertising counterparts Eric Morley and Jeff Bentley.  The relief project, which was spearheaded years ago, is intended to help support the villages and farms of Baja California Mexico who’s incomes have been affected by the lack in tourism as a result of the recent news emanating from the drug related violence occurring in Mexico’s border towns.

“We’re very proud to be involved in the SCORE Baja 1000 this year and to be giving something back to the citizens of Baja California Mexico,” said Riley. “Mexico has a fond significance to us because we are proud of the land and the people.  The families who work the land are the heart of Azuñia Tequila and we enjoy helping them out whenever we can.”

42nd Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 race event details:

The 42nd annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 is scheduled for Nov. 19–22. More than 275 entries (including 32 from the Trophy Truck class) from 34 U.S. states and 12 countries, competing in 28 Pro and 7 Sportsman classes for cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs will battle along the Baja California peninsula. Crowds nearly 300,000 strong will line the course.

Thursday, Nov. 19 will feature the always-popular SCORE Manufacturer’s Midway from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST. The first motorcycle and ATV competitors will leave at 6:30 a.m. PST on Friday, Nov. 20; car and truck classes will depart at 10:30 a.m.

This year’s Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race will be televised on a delayed basis as a one-hour NBC Sports special, in association with SCORE and Aura360, for the sixth consecutive year, scheduled to air at 2 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, Dec. 19 on the NBC Television Network. It will also air on a delayed basis outside of the U.S. on ESPN International.

Azuñia Tequila will be hosting a post race party to raise money for the 2010 charity relief project at Cafe Maiz in Mission Viejo, Calif., for more details go to www.azuniatequila.com www.cafemaiz.com

Supporting Sponsors: Azuñia Tequila, ReadyLift, General Tire, King Shocks, Uni Filters, Kreed sunglasses, Lucas Oil, BCR Wheels, Ancra Tie Downs, LightFORCE.

About Azuñia Tequila

Intersect Beverage, located in Newport Beach, CA, imports Azuñia Tequila (ultra-premium tequila). Azuñia Tequila is produced from the finest quality hand-selected 100% Weber blue agave plants, grown and harvested by one of the oldest and most experienced growers in the Jalisco Region of Mexico. Azuñia’s Tequila portfolio includes: Platinum Blanco, Reposado and Anejo. Azuñia Tequila is currently distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Azuñia Tequila also provides sponsorship support for Robbie Pierce and Rob MacCachren, Team Mastercraft and Cameron Steele as they set out to win the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 in their respective classes.  To learn more about Azuñia Tequila check out www.azuniatequila.com follow on Twitter at http://twitter.com/azuniatequila and Facebook http://bit.ly/tX8N0

“We chose Blue C Advertising based on its sociobranding insights and ability to turn those insights into creative ideas and exposure through various social media channels,” said Jim Riley, CEO of Intersect Beverage which distributes Azuñia. “As a team, we will be able to take the Azuñia brand to new heights.”

“Blue C’s focus and intensity for our brand was evident during our initial meetings and that energy was compatible with our organization,” said Kirk Gathier, President of Intersect Beverage. “We look forward to a successful future.”

Created in the heart of Mexico’s Tequila Valley, Azuñia starts with aged Weber Blue Agave, which grows harmoniously for eight to ten years in the sun-drenched fields surrounding the small town of Amatitan. In partnership with one of the oldest agave-growing families in the Jalisco Region of Mexico, Azuñia Tequila is produced with a long line of heritage and tradition behind it. Intersect Beverage’s initial imports will include Azuñia Tequila made from 100 percent Weber Blue Agave in the following three varieties: Platinum Blanco, Reposado and Añejo.

“Azuñia is a one-of-a-kind, premium brand ran with a nimble structure that has quickly developed a loyal and passionate customer base through the use of social media,” said Eric Morley, principal at Blue C Advertising. “We are thrilled to have been chosen to help enhance the Azuñia brand through the effective use of proven sociobranding concepts, creative collaboration and digital media strategies.”

As part of this new relationship, Azuñia Tequila introduced a new cocktail recipe specifically for Blue C Advertising, it’s called the Blue C Margarita, try it here:

Glass: Collins
Garnish: Lemon Wheel

1.25 oz. Azuñia Platinum Tequila
.5 oz. Triple Sec
.5 oz. Blue Curacao
2 oz. Lemon Sour
Squeeze of Fresh Lime

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for five seconds and pour into glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel and enjoy!

About Azuñia Tequila

Intersect Beverage, located in Newport Beach, CA, imports Azuñia Tequila (ultra-premium tequila). Azuñia Tequila is produced from the finest quality hand-selected 100% Weber blue agave plants, grown and harvested by one of the oldest and most experienced growers in the Jalisco Region of Mexico. Azuñia’s Tequila portfolio includes: Platinum Blanco, Reposado and Anejo. Azuñia Tequila is currently distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Hawaii and New Jersey. To learn more about Azuñia Tequila check out www.azuniatequila.com follow on Twitter at http://twitter.com/azuniatequila and Facebook http://bit.ly/tX8N0

About Blue C Advertising:

Blue C Advertising is a progressive, full-service agency located in the historic Balboa Peninsula-area of Newport Beach, California. Known for providing creative integrated campaigns that have maximum reach, the agency’s work has empowered clients to acquire new customers, retain existing customers and optimize the lifetime value of their brands. For over ten years, Blue C’s diverse portfolio has included clients in industries spanning automotive and recreational vehicle manufacturers, action sports and enthusiast products and services, travel and tourism, special events, gaming, healthcare, technology, consumer products and services, and business-to-business services. Blue C leads each of its clients in brand development and ROI initiatives that connect their company’s strategic messaging, traditional advertising, direct response, point-of-sale, sale promotions and comprehensive integrated marketing programs. To learn more about Blue C Advertising visit www.bluecusa.com

]]> http://azuniatequila.com/press/2009/11/02/azunia-tequila-takes-a-shot-at-blue-c-advertising/feed/ 0