Notes: This tequila is produced on the Highlands of Jalisco, the heart of tequila country. This is the second youngest expression of this particular line – the others being the Milagro Silver and Milagro Anejo.

Milagro “Miracle” uses agave that are an average of eight to twelve years old for their Tequila (others use agave as young as three years old). A more mature agave develops a better flavor of terroir (taste and sense of place) due to the longer growing period according to a number of experts. Milagro also uses a number of more traditional steps to make their tequila than many others – again slower more expensive processes but they pay off in the slow extraction and distillations.

First, they use hornos, the old style brick and stone ovens rather than the stainless steel autoclaves (that look a lot like wood drying kilns) After that the resulting juice is fermented to become mosto (fermented juice). It is then first fermented into ordinario (the English term would be low wine) it is then redistilled into tequila. In Milagro’s case they distill it 3 times rather than the more usual 2 times.

Appearance: Crystalline clear, light yellow gold lovely body almost a puddle of juice or sap in the glass. On swirling, it leaves a very light coating on the glass which then forms some very long legs which then fractionate into droplets on the sides of the nosing glass.

First Impression: Has a unmistakable aromatic hallmarks of a good tequila: salty, , savory, herbal slightly drier and woody smells than its younger sibling.

Taste: Slightly oily body. Nice slightly oily entry with briny notes drying rapidly but pleasantly. Savory,citrus, herbal, brine/alkali with a nice mineral feel with nice vegetal and grassy notes. Wood and oak pepper are nicely present as is hints of vanilla from the wood aging. Finish is medium-long, with lingering dry herbal, mineral and a touch of citrus. As with the silver, it is very smooth, will change the mind of someone who doesn’t care for tequila , and delight those who do.

Drinks: Sip it, don’t shoot it. Wonderful margaritas, be sure to use fresh juice and Grand Marnier, Cointreau, Cointreau Noir, or Solerno (William Grant’s delicious new blood orange liqueur) – anything less would be an insult to the tequila and a waste.

Cigars: An Ashton, or Credo, Connecticut shade wrapper. Possibly a Hemingway Short Story or Rocky Patel Vintage.

Bottle: Recycled clear glass bottle with rounded shoulders short neck and real cork closure with wooden cap. Dark red glass at top and bottom with middle being somewhat more clear. Simple silkscreen name and small clear plastic label on back.

Final Thoughts: Delicious, nicely done and understated. A touch pricey perhaps compared to some but they do make a effort to do things properly and not cut corners for speed or economy and it shows. A very solid choice for a better tequila. No Gimmicks, just quality.

Web site: http://www.milagrotequila.com