{"title":"Tequila \u0026 Mezcal","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"arette-blanco","title":"Arette Blanco - 70cl","description":"\u003ch4\u003eTequila Blanco\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAged Tequila may command higher prices, but to many connoisseurs this remains the purest expression of Tequila, taken straight off the still or aged for up to two months. Also known as plata or silver, blanco Tequilas tell the story of their origins – in terms of the agave and the production methods used with no oak to cover any faults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Orendain family have been making Tequila at their El Llano distillery in the heart of the town of Tequila since 1900, with the fifth generation now in charge. El Llano was rebuilt in 1978 and, eight years later, Arette was created, taking its name from a horse that won two showjumping gold medals at the London Olympics of 1948.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArette is made from 100% estate-grown valley agave, pressure-cooked to produce a pungent, but still elegant, style – and Arette Blanco is its purest expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e A classic Tequila for classic Tequila cocktails – any number of riffs on the margarita theme, or a gutsy paloma. Also great neat when served lightly chilled, either on its own or with seafood.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClassic peppery agave nose, with an earthy backnote indicating a robust style of distillate. Forward and assertive, with lawnmower clippings and hedgerow florals. The gorgeous texture carries punchy black pepper and spice. Powerful and and mouthfilling, with a drying finish and that peppery character always to the fore.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Urban Bar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37167241855136,"sku":"UBA8345","price":43.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0467\/5066\/2816\/files\/Arette_Blanco-01-min_83458d40-16a5-4d34-ac77-45a90a4ce36c.jpg?v=1741890660"},{"product_id":"fortaleza-blanco-still-strength","title":"Fortaleza Blanco Still Strength - 70cl","description":"\u003ch4\u003eTequila Blanco\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAged Tequila may command higher prices, but to many connoisseurs this remains the purest expression of Tequila, taken straight off the still or aged for up to two months. Also known as plata or silver, blanco Tequilas tell the story of their origins – in terms of the agave and the production methods used – with no oak to cover any faults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFortaleza has only been operating since 2005, but the family behind it can trace its origins back to Don Cenobio Sauza, the ‘father of Tequila’, who opened his first distillery in 1873, established Sauza Tequila and was one of the pioneers of the drink’s global reputation. The aim at Fortaleza is to make Tequila using the methods of a century ago – small brick oven, tahona, fermentation in wood and copper pots – and the result is a blanco Tequila of uncommon complexity and character, with the unmistakable agave character amplified in this cask strength bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e The exuberance of this distillate carries it far beyond traditional margarita and paloma territory to twists on any number of classic cocktails, including negronis and imaginative highballs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere’s haystack aromas and white pepper up front, but this is all about the fruit, which is ripe, bright and sumptuous. Pineapple chunks and mango continue onto the opulent palate, where a whisper of earthiness and a pinch of anise carry through to an elegant, persistent finish. Classy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Urban Bar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37167242608800,"sku":"UBA8987","price":81.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0467\/5066\/2816\/files\/Fortaleza_-_Agave_book-01-min_167c2e2c-2516-4297-b150-c2a9fc99da07.jpg?v=1741890659"},{"product_id":"ocho-blanco","title":"Ocho Blanco - 50cl","description":"\u003ch4\u003eTequila Blanco\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAged Tequila may command higher prices, but to many connoisseurs this remains the purest expression of Tequila, taken straight off the still or aged for up to two months. Also known as plata or silver, blanco Tequilas tell the story of their origins – in terms of the agave and the production methods used – with no oak to cover any faults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew people have done as much for the global reputation of Tequila over recent decades as bar owner, restaurateur and Tequila ambassador Tomas Estes, including the creation of Ocho in partnership with Carlos Camarena, whose family have been making Tequila for almost a century. A 100% agave Tequila sourced entirely from Camarena’s own fields, Ocho takes its name (‘eight’ in English) in part from the fact that this was the eighth recipe (‘muestra’) presented to Estes by Camarena. The result is a consistently excellent range of characterful Tequilas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e The intensity and elegance of Ocho makes for a classic margarita with bags of agave character, but it works in a good range of mixed drinks and cocktails – think corpse revivers and sours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLightly vegetal and savoury (caraway) on the nose, with lifted notes of lime flower and citrus\/green apple. The agave character asserts itself on the deft palate, alongside perfumed citrus flavours and freshly shelled garden peas. The savoury\/caraway element returns on the finish, melting into earthiness – with an assertive white pepper note always there.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Urban Bar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37167242870944,"sku":"UBA8003","price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0467\/5066\/2816\/files\/Ocho_Blanco-01-min_800e5638-c3fa-44c2-be60-3f8b0787aec7.jpg?v=1741890658"},{"product_id":"storywood-reposado-speyside","title":"Storywood Reposado Speyside - 70cl","description":"\u003ch4\u003eTequila Reposado\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReposado means ‘rested’, and these Tequilas spend between two months and a year in oak. Factor in different cask types and you end up with a broad range of styles: some reposados have just the lightest lick of oak to add a little honey and vanilla creaminess to the punchy agave, while others have a more Bourbon-y toastiness to them. These are the all-rounders of the Tequila universe – great in cocktails but, at their best, worth sipping neat too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost aged Tequila is put in regular ex-Bourbon casks, but the Storywood venture from Michael Ballantyne aims to unite his Scottish and Mexican heritage by using casks sourced from the Scotch whisky industry, creating a markedly different flavour profile as a result. This reposado uses punchy lowland agave matured for 10 years and spends seven months in a former Speyside single malt cask.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e ‘Live free, sip slow’ is the Storywood motto, but this is more of a mixer than a sipper. There’s enough weight and character here for some powerful stirred-down creations if you can find the right fruit match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first impression is of soft, rounded aromas of white pepper and creamy oak\/vanilla. There’s restrained citrus and lifted mint. Nicely balanced. The palate shows clean, peppery agave and some earthy notes that hint at its lowland origin. There’s an intriguing herbal element (tarragon?) that becomes more vegetal, before a finish of honey, vanilla and curry spice.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Urban Bar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37167243362464,"sku":"UBA8124","price":53.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0467\/5066\/2816\/files\/STORYWOODMACANDWILDJULY2019_lateef.photography-15smaller-min.jpg?v=1741890657"},{"product_id":"ocho-anejo","title":"Ocho Añejo - 70cl","description":"\u003ch4\u003eTequila Añejo\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgain, the clue is in the name, with ‘añejo’ simply meaning ‘aged’. These Tequilas spend between one and three years in oak, which can translate into quite an impact on the relatively delicate flavours found in the raw agave spirit – especially if ex-American whiskey casks are used. This is a tightrope walk between agave and oak, with the finest examples allowing the former to shine while the latter contributes layers of complexity and secondary aromas. Sipping Tequilas for sure, but don’t be shy of a little judicious mixing in high-end cocktails too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re sceptical that Tequila, like wine, is capable of conveying terroir through aroma and taste, then this is a product that might just prove the case. Sourced from a single field and a single ‘vintage’, it spends a year in ex-American whiskey barrels. The pale liquid illustrates the restrained oak influence and the fact that no artificial colouring is added.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e One to sip, savour and contemplate at some length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe oak has a very light touch here, bringing creamy aromas of honey and agave nectar. Meanwhile, the distillate positively sings with lime and lifted floral notes. There’s a little vegetal character, but it’s very perfumed. The agave remains in charge on the palate, with the oak happy to sit back and bring some honey and an enticing texture. Slightly astringent on the finish, but a punchy, perfumed delight.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Urban Bar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37167243559072,"sku":"UBA8555","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0467\/5066\/2816\/files\/Ocho_Anejo_2016-01-min_881f89ba-3006-4cd0-9f48-447f757e23ca.jpg?v=1741890656"},{"product_id":"tapatio-anejo","title":"Tapatio Añejo - 50cl","description":"\u003ch4\u003eTequila Añejo\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgain, the clue is in the name, with ‘añejo’ simply meaning ‘aged’. These Tequilas spend between one and three years in oak, which can translate into quite an impact on the relatively delicate flavours found in the raw agave spirit – especially if ex-American whiskey casks are used. This is a tightrope walk between agave and oak, with the finest examples allowing the former to shine while the latter contributes layers of complexity and secondary aromas. Sipping Tequilas for sure, but don’t be shy of a little judicious mixing in high-end cocktails too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’re not quite done with the Camarenas. Don Felipe Camarena founded the La Alteña distillery in 1937 and started selling Tapatío three years later, with grandson Carlos now in charge of operations and making Tapatío alongside other Tequilas including Ocho and El Tesoro. After a long fermentation and traditional double distillation, this añejo spends 18 months in ex-Bourbon casks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Characterful and smooth enough to sip, but capable of mixing with care – you don’t want to lose the subtleties of the distillate here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShy and subtle on the nose, before perfumed elements of pot-pourri and Parma Violet emerge. The sweetshop theme continues, with pepper lurking in the background. The texture is wonderful, and the palate also brings baked orchard fruits with cinnamon and nutmeg. That spicy, peppery element is coming from both the agave and the oak – but it’s impossible to tell where one ends and the other begins.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Urban Bar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37167243985056,"sku":"UBA8112","price":49.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0467\/5066\/2816\/files\/Tapatio_Anejo-01-min_fbd5b9be-ee5d-41f8-897e-5678a6d21ffb.jpg?v=1741890655"},{"product_id":"g4-anejo","title":"G4 Añejo - 70cl","description":"\u003ch4\u003eTequila Añejo\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgain, the clue is in the name, with ‘añejo’ simply meaning ‘aged’. These Tequilas spend between one and three years in oak, which can translate into quite an impact on the relatively delicate flavours found in the raw agave spirit – especially if ex-American whiskey casks are used. This is a tightrope walk between agave and oak, with the finest examples allowing the former to shine while the latter contributes layers of complexity and secondary aromas. Sipping Tequilas for sure, but don’t be shy of a little judicious mixing in high-end cocktails too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTequila is a family affair for the Camarena family: while Carlos created Ocho, brother Felipe makes G4 at a Heath Robinson-esque distillery in Arandas, obsessing over quality details such as making sure the agave is baked from top and bottom to create even cooking. The emphasis is on the natural expression of agave character even when, as in this case, the distillate spends 18 months in ex-Bourbon barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mix with care – there’s a lot going on here – or just sip and savour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere’s a herbal, slightly vegetal edge to some bright lime and orange peel here, wrapped in a creamy, pepper-sprinkled texture. The vibrant fruit continues on the palate, with a hefty peppery kick and a drying, savoury finish with hints of sawmill. Charming on the nose, punchy on the palate, beautifully balanced and restrained.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Urban Bar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37167244247200,"sku":"UBA8900","price":57.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0467\/5066\/2816\/files\/G4_Anjejo_Site-01-min_8eb3a241-96a4-4f37-98b7-8112805725ef.jpg?v=1741890653"},{"product_id":"illegal-joven","title":"Ilegal Joven - 70cl","description":"\u003ch4\u003eMezcal\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften characterised as the lawless cousin of Tequila, mezcal is in fact a legally regulated spirit found in various parts of Mexico, but most famously in the southern state of Oaxaca. It is made using various types of agave – while Tequila is a monoculture of blue agave, mezcal uses dozens of sub-species – and a highly artisanal production method.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally, mezcal agave is baked in underground earth ovens, which imparts the distinctive aromas for which it is famed. But techniques – and the flavours they impart – vary enormously among the multiplicity of small mezcal producers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike Tequila, mezcal can be unaged (‘joven’ or ‘young’), or aged in wood for months or sometimes years. Most often consumed neat in Mexico, mezcal is now finding a place on many cocktail lists across the US and Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat started out as a way for company founder John Rexer to supply his bar in Antigua Guatemala with mezcal (not always officially, as the name suggests) is now a thriving business in which rum giant Bacardi owns a stake. Respectability hasn’t changed the authentic core of Ilegal, however, which manages to convey the essential character of mezcal in a supremely accessible way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a great introduction to mezcal, so neat is the way to go – but it makes for an intriguing comparison with a traditional Tequila margarita, where that earthy smoke really cuts through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHighly perfumed nose of smouldering greenwood, spice and bonfire embers. Very earthy, but still refined, with warm citrus – ripe orange skin in particular. The palate brings more of that savoury, earthy smoke, but there’s enough restraint to allow the perfumed fruit to return. The finish is redolent of a neglected bonfire smouldering in a rain shower. Nicely balanced between smoothness and spiky character.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Urban Bar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37167549186208,"sku":"UBA8011","price":65.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0467\/5066\/2816\/files\/Ilegal_Joven_-01-min_6b766031-43b9-46b6-9ec0-8bd75087308b.jpg?v=1741890622"},{"product_id":"casamigos-reposado","title":"Casamigos Reposado - 70cl","description":"\u003ch4\u003eTequila Reposado\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReposado means ‘rested’, and these Tequilas spend between two months and a year in oak. Factor in different cask types and you end up with a broad range of styles: some reposados have just the lightest lick of oak to add a little honey and vanilla creaminess to the punchy agave, while others have a more Bourbon-y toastiness to them. These are the all-rounders of the Tequila universe – great in cocktails but, at their best, worth sipping neat too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCasamigos is best-known for the celebrity gloss of co-founder George Clooney and the eye-watering US$1bn price tag attached to the Tequila brand when it was sold to drinks giant Diageo. Beneath the headlines lies a range of Tequilas that is uniformly excellent, thanks to a rather painstaking production process that includes long roasting and fermentation of highland agave. The reposado expression spends seven months in American oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Of course you can mix this – it’ll make a classic margarita, and has enough oomph for a characterful bloody maria – but it’s also perfectly delightful served chilled and neat, or on the rocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fragrance is typical of highland agave: subtle, floral (iris, violet) with a green vegetal streak and a pronounced kick of black pepper. The palate is all about texture – this is a Tequila with few sharp corners, while the slightly assertive oak adds a creamy sweetness without ever overshadowing the agave character. Clearly oak-influenced, but balanced.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Urban Bar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37487251423392,"sku":"UBA8980","price":63.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0467\/5066\/2816\/files\/Casamigos.jpg?v=1741890541"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0467\/5066\/2816\/collections\/Tequila.png?v=1604907295","url":"https:\/\/www.urbanbar.com\/en-nl\/collections\/tequila.oembed","provider":"Urban Bar","version":"1.0","type":"link"}