After the launch of Azuñia Tequila back in summer of 2009, Intersect Beverage has experienced steady growth and interest for the brand in the 8 states they currently have distribution in. The success has been centered around the unique flavor profile of the brand and the work Intersect Beverage has done in the “Mixology” community. The brand was quickly recognized by some industry heavy hitters and after a series of meetings in New York, Intersect Beverage made the decision to partner with DSWE. “We realized after our first meeting together that it was a perfect fit for our two companies. We believe in the same principles and own the same philosophies of the business,” says Jim Riley CEO Intersect Beverage. “I am personally looking forward to the great things we can do with Domain’s strategic partners like the Tippling Brothers.”

With the launch of their Classic and Vintage Artisanal Spirits Collection in February 2009, Domain Select is in a position to expand the portfolio with a new line of tequilas. “We are happy to have the opportunity to work with Intersect Beverage and embrace their knowledge and passion for success. ” says Allison Domeneghetti, COO of DWSE. “After the results came in from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge earlier this month we knew we had made the right decision with our new endeavor. All three blends of Azuñia did extremely well, with the Azunia Añejo receiving 93 points -Excellent-Highly Recommended!”

DSWE and Intersect Beverage will be opening up new markets in 2010 to expand its current coverage beyond California, Arizona, Hawaii, Colorado, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Nevada, with New York being the first to open collectively.

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 York, 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 Classic & Vintage Artisanal Spirits Collection
Assembled in 2009, the Classic & Vintage Collection is a portfolio of boutique spirits, founded by Domaine Select Wine Estates (DSWE). The Portfolio represents a dynamic and diverse group of products that promote quality and accessibility within the cocktail culture across the U.S. This spirits set is an unprecedented collection of gems, each with a distinct and relevant story.

About DSWE – Domaine Select Wine Estates
Founded in 1999, Domaine Select Wine Estates is dedicated to wines and spirits from around the world of the highest quality and which demonstrate excellence and tremendous character, particular to their origin. The company is committed to transmitting the individuality of the producers; expressing diversity, tradition and character – the tenants of DSWE.

This particular Anejo spends at least a year aging in old whisky or bourbon barrels, and it’s that oaky and woody flavor that comes to the forefront when you drink Azunia neat. Most blanco tequilas have a harsh flavor with a heavy bite – but this Anejo has clearly had the time to mellow out, and the overall smoothness of this spirit will surprise you. If you’re looking for a solid sipping tequila, you’ll probably love this.

There’s a hint of nutty, almond-ish flavor that’s hiding in the mix, and as smooth as Azunia’s is, you don’t have to choke through a harsh burn to enjoy it. I’m a big whisky drinker, and this hits me the same way a nice glass of Glenmorganie does; smooth, mellow, but with a wealth of complex and subtle flavors. Other reviewers seem to agree with me:

“My initial impression of the bouquet of the Azuñia Añejo is definite sweet agave and over-ripened salty pineapple skins. Diving my nose deeper into the glass brings strong caramel flavors, sea salt, vanilla bean and even a bit of mineral “soil” like impressions. The nose contains some citrus-like freshness, perhaps a dash of lemon or perhaps a bit of lime, it’s hard to define exactly which citrus flavoring but it is present and appreciated.

The taste introduces a light sweetness with a spicy mid-palate transition that drives right into the agave farm on your face. You can almost taste these agave planets baking in the rich soils of Mexico when you take a sip. The finish is clean and spicy and its flavors fade off just a bit too soon. I find myself taking multiple sips to relive the complex tasting experience with a second sip getting a bit of white pepper, a buttery charred oak and dried tropical fruit.” {Everydaydrinker}

Honestly, I don’t think you can ask much more out of a Anejo tequila. Azunia has created a great product for tequila connoisseurs. We tried something crazy and attempted to put this into a Margarita and…lets just say it didn’t go well. If you’re looking for a shooter this isn’t it. If you’re hoping to make cocktails then you’re going to want to stick with something like their Platinum expression. This is strictly for the sippers out there.When I was browsing on Azunia’s website, I noticed that they only have two cocktail recipes that call for the Anejo, and they’re both coffee drinks that use Bailey’s and Kahula. If you can find a solid balance in a straight margarita that uses Anejo – more power to you – but I’d rather drink the Azunia Anejo neat in a rocks glass than fussing it up in a cocktail.

One final note. Some people might think I’m being picky about this but Azunia really needs to rethink their presentation. Yes, when you get right down to it all that matters is what’s in the bottle. But if I saw Azunia in my liquor store I would pass it up for a more interesting bottle. At around $50 a bottle you’d expect it to look as good as it tastes and Azunia tastes a hell of a lot better than it looks. So get a prettier bottle Azunia, you’re worth it.

All in all Azunia has a great deal of smoothness and subtle complexity in its flavors – the kind of thing you want to just spend some time with and learn from.

http://boozeblogger.com/wordpress/archives/1935

Of course it should go without saying,  I am only drinking 100% de Agave tequila here; this isn’t some pretend tequila spirit. The Azuñia is aged 12+ months in aged American oak barrels so I’m hoping it brings a lot of character to the palate.

My initial impression of the bouquet of the Azuñia Añejo is definite sweet agave and over-ripened salty pineapple skins. Diving my nose deeper into the glass brings strong caramel flavors, sea salt, vanilla bean and even a bit of mineral “soil” like impressions. The nose contains some citrus-like freshness, perhaps a dash of lemon or perhaps a bit of lime, it’s hard to define exactly which citrus flavoring but it is present and appreciated.

The taste introduces a light sweetness with a spicy mid-palate transition that drives right into the agave farm on your face. You can almost taste these agave planets baking in the rich soils of Mexico when you take a sip. The finish is clean and spicy and its flavors fade off just a bit too soon. I find myself taking multiple sips to relive the complex tasting experience with a second sip getting a bit of white pepper, a buttery charred oak and dried tropical fruit.

The finish still seems to end a bit quick, I would love the finish to extend 30-40 seconds but seems to escape a few seconds early. There is a slight bright mint, perhaps from the alcohols evaporating on your tongue without any abrasive burn to sour your face. This clean evaporation leaves a cool mint feeling in the mouth.

The Azuñia Tequla Añejo is definitely targeting a broad demographic with a strong focus on the “common man” profile. Often times people think “tequila makes me do bad things” and they have not yet grown to respect the true 100% de agave tequilas in silver, reposado and añejo. Azuñia seems to strive to find those nonbelievers and show them that tequila can be just as complex as a bourbon or scotch with less oak and more pepper.

I say broad demographic because Azuñia Añejo is very well rounded with just the right complexity without an intense single focus. This is a clean, refreshing and mature spirit and it’s exciting to sip. The only two faults I can really point out is that it is a bit light/medium bodied without a big thick viscosity I often see in an añejo and the finish is too fast. If the finish was less tasty I’d not be sad to see it go, but I’d love for it to linger longer.

Azuñia Tequila Añejo will no doubt be a huge contender for some of those “ultra-premium” big market brands. Arriving at around USD $50-55, you’re getting a worthwhile bottle of Tequila that would easily contend with a $60 Scotch. Definitely checkout this brand, they’re going places.

http://everydaydrinkers.com/2010/03/05/azunia-tequila-anejo-review/

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.)