drink
DELEÓN
A tequila that’s in a class all alone BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
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eLeón Tequila boasts famous fans, including one famous fan so impressed with the high-end brand of 100% Pure Agave Tequila that he purchased a stake in the company itself. The fan? Sean “P. Diddy” Combs. In 2014, Combs—who has made a name for himself in the spirit world by helping increase Ciroc Vodka from 50,000 cases a year in sales to two million—purchased DeLeón in partnership with the world’s largest spirits company, Diageo. Since the purchase, the DeLeón family of tequilas has certainly gained attention—but is it worth all the hype? In a word—yes.
the precise guidance of the master distiller, contributes enriched depth and complexity to the agave’s natural sweetness, creating a remarkably nuanced character. DeLeón’s astonishing depth of flavor is also thanks to two distillations, which allows the tequila to retain the unique character acquired during the fermentation process. The master distiller purposefully and artfully cuts the beginning and end of the distillation, allowing only the absolute best portion, or Corazon, to find its way into every bottle, creating a subtle taste profile. Each varietal of the brand is displayed in a stunning bespoke-style bottle made from high-quality, fragrance-grade glass and boldly tattooed with the distinguishing mark of the DeLeón brand. Each expression in the ultra-premium and luxury collections is strikingly defined. Fine-line detailing accentuates the crowning, signature ornate metal closure, the master for which was meticulously hand carved by a jeweler from a one pound solid ball of sterling silver.
Standout Sippers Since taking the reins in 2014, Combs has expanded the DeLeón line to include a very popular “Platinum” option, meant to go head-to-head with Patrón, according to Combs. But the true standout of the line is the DeLeón Extra Añejo—or DeLeón 51—which is the only tequila in the world to present a cask-strength 102-proof tequila. Rivaling the finest of world-class scotches, this is not a tequila for everyone. Only the very select, and the very selective. The Extra Añejo is aged for at least 36 months in American white oak barrels and then bottled at 108 proof. And while the higher alcohol content is noticeable, it is beautifully integrated with elegant notes of mature agave, vanilla, earth and oak. The smooth finish features hints of citrus, pepper, caramel and herbs. DeLeón Extra Añejo is available at fine grocery and spirit stores Valleywide, and retails between $325 and $340.
DeLeón at a Glance Produced in the highlands of Purisima del Rincon in Mexico, which literally translates to the “purest of the corner,” DeLeón boasts the only tequila-producing facility in the world with three natural spring wells dedicated to one source. The result? The distillery has the purest water levels in the entire country of Mexico. In addition, each of the brand’s signature tequilas are made from the finest 100% Highland Blue Weber agave sourced from the rich earth of the Los Altos region of Jalisco, Mexico. Hand-selected at harvest for high quality and peak ripeness, the brand’s plants yield perfectly sweet piñas, giving the tequila its abundant character and balance. Slow roasting of the agave in traditional brick and clay ovens, combined with slow fermentation under SO SCOTTSDALE! |
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| MAY 2015
4/22/15 12:16 AM