Briefly about South
According to an unspoken tradition, today’s acquaintance with the world of tequila, as a rule, begins with Sauza. Its sweetish-caramel flavor, due to the presence of a bit of corn sugar in the drink, somewhat conceals the agave taste, which is unusual for a neophyte. At the same time, the presence of agave even in mixed varieties of the mentioned brand is much brighter and richer than in drinks of the same category produced under other brands (say, the same Olmeca).
Fortress going for export tequila Sauza, as a rule, is 40%. At the same time, in some cases, there are 38-degree modifications. An example of this is the Tres Generaciones line.
tequila cocktails
The history of tequila Sauza
Sauza (Sauza) has a rich almost one and a half century history. It began in 1873, when a young farmer’s son, Senobio Sauza, bought one of the oldest distilleries in the city of Tequila, La Antigua Cruz, and a state license for the production of agave spirits with his own savings.
The start-up potential of an aspiring entrepreneur, who later received the honorary name “father of tequila”, consisted of a wealth of professional experience gained while working at the venerable Jose Cuervo distillery, a predisposition for bold innovation and remarkable perseverance.
The latter circumstance was reflected in the new name – La Perseverancia (Spanish Perseverance), given to the young tequileros of their distillery.
It was Senobio Sauza who introduced the today’s classic “100% Blue Agave” standard, in particular, excluding the use of other species of this plant for making real tequila.
He was the first to use steam autoclaves instead of pre-industrial underground ovens in the primary processing of raw materials for the future drink. This innovation made the taste and smell of products manufactured under the Sauza brand more neutral, which allowed Don Senobio to become the first exporter of the national Mexican drink to the United States and European countries.
The main achievement of the fifth son and heir of Senobio Sauza, Eladio, was the preservation of the family business during the Mexican Revolution. A quick-witted young man began to represent the tequila he produced as a national symbol of the country and the personification of the folk traditions of revolutionary Mexico.
The name of the grandson of the founder of the legendary brand, Francisco Javier, is associated with the adoption of a state law that established the geographical regulation of tequila production.
Since 1988, the Sauza distilling empire has lost its family status.
The current owner of the brand is the medium-sized alcohol corporation Beam Suntory, based in Chicago (USA).
The very same legendary brand of tequila in its popularity ranks second in the world, losing the palm to Olmeca.
Types of tequila Sauza
Sauza Silver
Better known in the post-Soviet space as Sauza Blanco, an unaged cocktail and table drink of the mixto class for the uninitiated.
Fruity-malty shades are observed in the smell. The sweetish taste is somewhat shaded by the peppery-citrus bitterness present in it.
Sauza gold
Another unseasoned mixed cocktail and table regular in post-Soviet supermarkets.
It has noticeable caramel notes in smell and taste.
The highlight of the drink is a warming spicy aftertaste.
Sauza Blue Silver
A clear unaged drink, like all subsequent ones, consisting of 100% Blue Agave Juice Distillate.
This is a vigorous classic aperitif, which also goes well with a solid appetizer.
It is distinguished by citrus bitterness in aroma and sweetish notes in taste, accompanied by a bitter grapefruit undertone.
All this ends with a warm, but short aftertaste.
Sauza Blue Reposado
An excellent straw-colored aperitif that has spent at least two months in oak barrels.
In taste and aroma there are citrus notes, enriched with woody and vanilla nuances.
Willow Commemorative Aged
Straw-colored digestif, sometimes allocated in a separate line. Aged for at least a year and a half in bourbon barrels.
In some cases, it is produced by blending several alcohols obtained from the Blue Agave.
The aroma is smoky-herbaceous with a hint of allspice.
The taste is smoky and peppery. It has a long, moderately rich smoky aftertaste.
Sell Cucumber Chili
A relatively new, experimental flavor designed to create original cocktails, in particular Margaritas.
It has flavor notes of chili pepper and fresh cucumber.
Silver Ovens
Young transparent premium tequila.
A worthy aperitif or a spectacular component of ostentatious cocktails.
The main difference is creamy-spicy notes in taste and aroma with a slight hint of citrus.
Ovens Rested
An elite drink of golden color, which has been in oak containers for two months. An ideal and thoughtful aperitif.
The aroma has spicy and apple notes with a dominant theme of peppermint.
On the palate there is a distinct spicy-fruity tinge, complemented by woody hints.
Old Hornitos
Amber year-old digestif.
Notes of vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, dried fruits and wood smoke are guessed in the aroma.
They are also present in the extremely versatile taste of the drink.
In addition, there is a deep and long aftertaste.
Hornitos Black Barrel
Refined aristocratic color of dark amber.
After a year spent in an ordinary oak barrel, this tequila is sent to a four-month refresher course in a charred wooden container; then, for another two months, it rests in containers made of specially dried oak.
As a result, it boasts a balanced combination of vanilla, smoky-woody, peppery and citrus shades in taste and aroma.
In a distinct, long aftertaste, sugar-caramel and woody motifs can be noted.
Three Generations Silver
This and two subsequent limited-edition triple-distilled drinks were created to celebrate the company’s centenary.
This is a transparent elite alcohol intended for moderate consumption in its pure form.
The aroma contains floral and citrus notes.
The taste has echoes of spicy herbs with pepper overtones.
Three Generations Rested
Resting 4 months in American oak barrels.
The fragrance contains motifs of spices and herbs with a slight woody overtones.
In a roundish sweetish taste, notes of spices and dry wood are distinguished.
The drink leaves a warm aftertaste with a distinct theme of white pepper.
Three Generations Aged
Light amber digestif, aged for a year in specially dried oak barrels.
The fragrance contains smoky woody motifs with a hint of vanilla and caramel.
On the palate there are curious notes of brown sugar, gradually turning into a soft aftertaste with a hint of woody cognac associations.
As you can see, the South brand is a real club of interests. The main thing to remember is that Sauza Blanco and Sauza Gold are only the beginning of acquaintance with the world of Blue Agave drinks.
9 ways to drink tequila
Relevance: 18.10.2021
Tags: Tequila, Tequila brands