EBONY’s “THE BEST OF EVERYTHING”
Session One: PATRON TEQUILA
2009-10-23
By Charlotte Lyons
“THE BEST OF EVERYTHING” is a new feature from the editors of EBONY and EbonyJet.com featuring products that are best in class as selected by our editorial staff based on a series of tastings, trials and strong opinionated voices on clothing, trends, gadgets, cocktails, snacks and more.
In short, we’ll be drinking, eating and wearing everything so you won’t have to.
First up – a Patron Tequila tasting.
I figured if we were gong to start this Best of Everything Feature, I might as well start by making some more friends in the office. Liquor was an easy decision – not that anyone drinks of course. “Oh no, never. Well maybe just a taste.”
We arranged the first tasting through the good folks at Patron, because the good folks at Boone’s Farm were too busy. Originally the tasting was for the editors, but when other coworkers learned of the event, they wanted to come too. It seems Patron Tequilas was a favorite of quite a few people at EBONY. Of course, I ended up inviting everyone. Even the nondrinkers came.
This was less a judging (as most of the future tastings will be) than it was a comparison of tastes and styles throughout a single product. Much of the staff favored Patron, but only vaguely knew of the various forms of tequila. Both habit and circumstance meant any variance from the basic variety had either not been tried, or had been hidden somewhere deep in a glass mixed with ice, fruit juice and limes. The Patron folks knew enough to prepare special cocktails, but we insisted that the editors stick to the uncut versions first, both to keep the palate clean and to drink tequila the way an increasing number of people are drinking it these days – meaning, without the salt, without the lime, without the body shots, and without the loud yelling of “Whoo-Hoo!” to accompany that shot. Just cleanly, smoothly, a sip by sip, without fanfare. If you’re experience with tequila is exclusive to the backdrop of a margarita, it’s time to give straight a try. Here’s what we think you’ll experience. -- Charlotte Lyons
We started with the Silver, made with 100% blue agave and if rap music is a judge, the default favorite of the hip hop crowd. The consensus: Smooth, Mixable, Peppery.
Next was the Reposado, the version hip guys try to impress their friends with. The difference from Silver is aging. In the Reposado, that means aged in oak barrels for 6 months. The verdict: Citrus, honey and a light spice finish.
Next was a personal favorite and after the tasting a favorite of the women on the staff. Anejo, a delicate blend of unique tequilas aged in small white French oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months. The decision: Vanilla, honey, with a hint of melon and a smoky caramel finish.
Just in case straight doesn’t completely work for you, here are a couple of recipes to bring the fire down a bit. Enjoy.
Patron Pomegranate
1 ounce Patron Silver
1/4 ounce Patron Citronge
Pomegranate juice
Squeeze of lime
Serve over ice
Patron Pineapple
1 ounce Patron Silver
1/4 ounce Patron Citronge
Pineapple juice
Serve over ice
