Tequila, it’s one of the most divisive spirits in the market, and for good reason. You’d be forgiven if the simple mention of tequila brings up an automatic reflex from too many nights of bad shots and inevitable hangovers. But true tequila doesn’t have to be a regret, and can in fact be a dark spirit that rivals the best of them when it comes to enjoyment.
Let’s Get the Basics
Like true champagne can only come from the Champagne region of France, true Tequila can only come from the state of Jalisco in Mexico and the Tequila itself must be distilled from the heart of the blue agave plant (a type of succulent) which grows between 6 to 12 years before its ready for harvest. Blanco (white) or plata (silver) tequila – can be bottled directly after distillation or rested in stainless steel for up to two months. These have a bold taste and work well in cocktails. If a tequila has been aged in an oak barrel for more than 60 days it becomes a Reposado, Anejo or, an Extra Anejo if it is aged for more than 3 years.
What to Look For
Rule #1: Always source a tequila that is 100 percent blue agave. I cannot stress enough the night/day difference a pure blue agave tequila will be from the cheaper stuff.
Rule #2: Don’t confuse color with quality. Coloring additives can make bad tequila look aged, so don’t judge a bottle by its color.
Rule #3: The older the blue agave before harvest, the better. More commercial operations are in a rush to produce more tequila with increasing demand, and harvest the agave too young. Premium tequila makers wait up to 12 years.
What Makes Storywood Special
For spirit lovers who crave a taste of something new, Storywood Tequila provides the delicious answer. This tequila is crafted from the finest 10-year-old mature 100 per cent blue weber agave and is processed according to the most carefully executed traditional techniques. While agave spirts are typically aged in bourbon barrels this tequila is aged in Single Malt Scotch Whisky barrels.
The brainchild of Scottish chef, whisky lover and bona fide wood expert Michael Ballantyne, Storywood Tequila takes Mexico’s national spirit and treats it to a full maturation in former Speyside Scotch whisky barrels to create magic where Speyside meets Mexican tradition. This might seem as a strange combination but it in fact is a wonderful marriage of two countries, two unique and different worlds. This is because whisky barrels impart some caramel sweetness and notes of vanilla to a drink that is somewhat spicy and tart. For whisky fans this spirit becomes even more alluring as it is cloaked in flavors of sweet bourbon, or sherry cask scotch. Whereas for tequila fans this spirit feels both familiar and new at the same time and that is what makes it special.
That Storywood’ journey is ultimately a team effort is reflected in the name, says Ballantyne. “Every barrel has a story to tell, and it has this crazy journey before they even get to us,” he says. The barrels are American oak filled with Bourbon or Sherry oak from Spain. Then those barrels are sent to Scotland, where they’re used for whisky. By the time we get them, they’re second fill barrels – then we fly them to tequila. It’s almost like you’re getting a slice of three different spirits in one bottle: bourbon, single malt and Tequila.”
The Storywood Tequila Range
Storywood Tequila Speyside 14 Añejo Aged for over 14 months in Speyside whisky casks. Tasting notes include toasting oak, roasted nuts and treacle toffee. Can be served neat, on ice or in an Old-Fashioned Cocktail.
Storywood Tequila Speyside Cask Strength 7 Reposado
Aged for seven months in Speyside whisky casks with hints of oak, vanilla and honey. Perfect neat, on ice or in a Tequila Sour.
Storywood Tequila Double Oak Cask Strength 14 Añejo
Another limited-edition expression aged for 14 months in oloroso sherry casks and single malt Scotch whisky barrels. Tasting notes include honey and caramel with cherry and dark fruit notes.
A must try unique spirit, a spirit that merges two continents and three flavor palates to create an exceptional tequila.
