Well,
I think I've seen it all now - a supernatural spirit. A Santera
is literally a priestess of Santeria, a religion that worships
saints. On their website, Santera tequila uses words like:
wizards, journey, serpent, saints, virgin, inferno, spirit
and hell to introduce their tequila. It all sounds mighty
mystical to me. They go on to wax poetic by saying, "Santera
is more than a liquid in a bottle; it is a work of elemental
extremism: fire and water, violence and serenity, abundance
and barrenness, light and dark."
Holy
cow, that's one hell of an introduction to a tequila! Now,
don't get me wrong, I truly love tequila and have even had
some seriously religious experiences after drinking a bunch
of it, but I have never talked to God or his saints while
imbibing. However, I have talked and even implored God and
his saints the morning after imbibing to rid me of the stabbing
pains of a tequila induced hangover. I do believe that was
when I could swear I heard God and all his saints laughing
at me.
Master
Distiller Sebastian Melendrez appears to be doing everything
botanically and scientifically right to produce a fine tequila.
I bet he even offers up a prayer or two to his favorite saints
to insure everything turns out just so. From the growing location
of the agave to the harvesting of the plants through the cooking,
shredding, fermentation to the single batch distillation,
they pay attention to detail. Sounds like there's enough science
and religion to make it all come together and work; let's
find out.
The
Santera Blanco Tequila is clear as water and fills the nose
with the aroma of roasted agave and even a hint of pears.
There are no alcohol traces, and overall the nose is warm
and inviting. On the palate, the roasted agave comes right
to the front followed by a spicy, peppery warmth that warms
up my entire mouth. The finish is bright, spicy, peppery,
and citrusy with a hint of vanilla and cream. If they toned
down the spice just a bit this would be a perfect blanco tequila.
However, it is mighty tasty, and I love the flavor of the
agave - a job well done.
The
Santera Reposado has been aged in oak for up to seven months,
which accounts for the very pale golden color of this tequila.
That lovely roasted agave aroma I enjoyed in the Blanco has
mellowed considerably in the nose of this Reposado and is
joined by the hint of oak and picks up a little apple and
pear to fill it out. On the palate, the oak comes forward,
followed by the much subdued agave and a touch of sweetness
reminiscent of apples. The finish is warm and smooth leaving
a subtle taste of agave and oak and apples. It is a bit more
fruity than the blanco, but then again, it is also smoother
and less spicy, with nuanced flavors.
The
Santera Anejo, which has been aged in oak for up to 16 months,
is pale golden yellow in color. The nose is quite the layered
treat containing hints of agave, oak, chocolate, cinnamon
and vanilla. The palate provides a depth of very subtle flavors,
including the agave, oak, vanilla and chocolate that are joined
by licorice and cloves. The spicy tang has all but disappeared
making this a really nice sipping tequila. The finish is smooth
with no bite and leaves the taste of agave and oak and vanilla
and the sweetness of chocolate. This tequila is really quite
nice with its many layers and smoothness; although I would
prefer the agave to be a bit more forward, it's definitely
a winner.
All
these tequilas are 80 proof with the Blanco coming in at $42.00
per 750ml bottle and the Reposado selling for $47.00 per 750ml
bottle and the Anejo only just a bit more at $55.00 per 750
ml bottle.
By George Brozowski
For
more Rants & Raves click
here.
http://www.santeratequila.com/
