The Intoxicologist

Gran Centenario Tequila’s name displayed across the Azul Tequila bottle says plenty for this spirit before the bottle cap is even removed.  Gran Centenario has been a leader in the tequila business with the invention of the exclusive Seleccion Suave production process, art deco bottle styling and being among the first ever tequilas to receive the classification of “Extra Anejo” with the Gran Centenario Leyenda.  Recently Gran Centenario released one of the most unique infused tequilas on the market today; Gran Centenario Rosangel using hibiscus flowers creating a gentle lilting flavor with soft pink hue.  Above all else, Gran Centenario is known for premium quality and flavor. 

Azul Tequila takes the reputation of Gran Centenario and uses it to its advantage.  This less expensive bottling of 100% agave tequila does not disappoint.  As a reviewer the retail price of liquor is the last thing I look at when weighing value of a spirit.  For me, flavor comes first.  After tasting Azul Tequila I had to do a double take on this one.  Azul Tequila retails for $19.99.  The most popular mixto tequila on the market retails for $16.99.  Mixto tequila is only required to contain 51% blue agave and the other 49% may be non-agave.  The question is; what is in the other 49% of that popular mixto you might be buying?  With 100% agave Azul Tequila you know exactly what you are consuming, tasting and paying for with your $3 more.  Yes, only three dollars more for significantly higher quality. 

So what about that higher quality?  Azul Tequila’s scent is clean, full of agave with a tiny amount of sweetness.  There is a hint of wood and light smoke.  Light scent of vanilla deep in the back with dry pepper.  The taste is a bit of floral, fresh, light, some fruit feel to this one on the juicy side rather than an aged or dry fruit.  The wood chip flavor comes through vaguely, but I can’t quite pinpoint the type of wood.  Perhaps it is more of a character feel or insinuation of wood rather than a pronounced introduction of a particular flavor profile that was purposely sought after.  Azul is a little sharp for a pleasurable sipping tequila as it is not quite as smooth as the Gran Centenario tequilas, but this is excellent for adding depth and flavor to cocktails. 

Why go ordinary?  The margarita has been done over so many times it is time to try something different for summer. 

Azul Caffé Latte Chill – created by The Intoxicologist

1-1/2 ounce Azul Tequila

1-1/2 ounce Bolthouse Farms Hazelnut Latte

Build over ice in an Old Fashioned glass.  Add a stir stick.

Azul melds together rather nicely with this robust coffee/smoke flavor.  The Azul Caffé Latte Chill is only lightly sweet, so no sugar overload with this cocktail.  This one would be fabulous blended with ice for a frothy chilled tall latte twist.  Bolthouse Farms Hazelnut Latte adds only 37.5 calories to this drink bringing the total calorie intake to 141 calories.

Currant-ly Iced Azul – created by The Intoxicologist

1-1/2 ounce Azul Tequila

1/4 ounce Dooley’s Toffee Cream Liqueur

1/4 ounce Hiram Walker Crème de Cassis

2 ounces Bolthouse Farms Hazelnut Latte

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice.  Shake.  Strain into a tall glass over ice.  Insert a straw or frilly umbrella for decoration. 

Toffee adds just barely there flavor as the cassis comes through with fabulous shine in this tall chill down summer cocktail.  The Azul Tequila still takes center stage as the main character piece with a bit of coffee smoke settling in as flavor guide.  This cocktail would also be wonderful blended with ice. 

Prickly Azul Lemonade – created by The Intoxicologist

1-1/2 ounce Azul Tequila

4 ounces Bolthouse Prickly Pear Cactus Lemonade

Lemon Slices for Garnish

Build in a tall glass filled with ice. Insert Lemon slices for garnish.

Azul Tequila does not shine through nearly as much in the Prickly Azul Lemonade, but the idea behind lemonade is mostly summer refresher rather than sophisticated, complex cocktail.  This is the same principle behind a vodka cranberry cocktail or the classic Screwdriver.  Take a flavor you love, add a spirit you love and enjoy.  Prickly Pear Lemonade just happens to be unique like Azul, making the Prickly Azul Lemonade a winning summer cocktail combination.  If this happens to be a little too sweet for your taste, add a tiny amount of fresh lemon juice to tart it up a bit. 

Don’t settle for average tequila mixtos when terrific 100% Agave tequila such as Azul is out on the market for such an affordable price.  The flavor shows more depth and clarity in comparison.  As a consumer you are assured of value and quality by the 100% Agave marking on the bottle.  Tequilas without this quality statement do not compare.  With Azul, consumers have the added benefit of Gran Centenario Tequila’s reputation standing behind the spirit. 

·         Speedy Azul Tequila Cocktail for Indy 500

·         Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila: The Slow Dance

·         Maestro Dobel Reinvents the Martini with Quintessentially

·         Rick Ross & Triple C’s to Endorse 1800 Tequila

·         www.tenampaazul.com

Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved