Tequila minus the shot glass

The Mexican state of Jalisco is the home to a town called Tequila.  The town of Tequila is home to, well, that drink many people knock back with a dash of salt and a slice of lime. But for the past several years there has been a conscious effort by the people of Jalisco and the Mexican Government to preserve the history and tradition of tequila and that history does not include frat parties and shooters. Much like champagne can only be made in France, true 100% blue agave tequila can only be made in Jalisco and select neighboring areas.

At the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta, they produce their own tequila called CasaMagna which is certified by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (the Tequila Regulatory Council).  On site, the Marrriott employs sommelier Audrey Formisano who in her French accent talks with great passion about her love for tequila.  The CasaMagna was kind enough to arrange a tasting with Audrey for me during my stay for Blog Paradise.   

Even though this was my third tequila tasting this year, I was afraid that by the end of the tasting I’d be drunk and running around naked.  I’m not officially saying this has happened before, but it is a tequila-sterotype and one I’m happy to report didn’t occur.  This tasting took place in a quiet room off the La Estancia restaurant and Audrey carefully explained the nuances in each type of tequila. Audrey served three of CasaMagna’s five types of tequila - blanco, reposado, and añejo in official tequila glasses.  Audrey pointed out the difference is color, bouquet, and “legs”. I personally enjoyed the reposado but the blanco was very nice was paired with sangrita.

The purpose of this tasting, wasn’t to convince people to only drink tequila straight - rather to understand it and how it tastes …just like you would a spice or ingredients for cooking.  Once you understand the tastes of the difficult tequila’s so you can appreciate it and make better choices in your drinking habits.  As much as I enjoyed sipping the reposado the night before - I ended up poolside drinking a nice lime margarita made with CasaMagna blanco tequila. 

Hotel guests and the general public are welcome to sample the CasaMagna tequila - just call the hotel (888.236.2427) for more information.