We’ve encountered loads of film and rock star-backed tequila manufacturers, from George Clooney’s Casamigos, arguably the tequila that lit the hearth for the Hollywood obsession, to Matthew McConaughey’s more moderen Pantalones, amongst so, so many others. What we don’t see as a lot are movie star cooks throwing their weight behind a tequila model. Which, nicely, is considerably shocking. The one instance I can consider offhand is Man Fieri and his Santo model, which is by the way a partnership with Sammy Hagar, the unique tequila movie star who introduced the world Cabo Wabo within the late ’90s.
We will now add at the least one different title to the quick chef-inspired listing: Meals Community star and Michelin-decorated restauranteur Michael Voltaggio. The well-tatted cook dinner has teamed up with the Romo Household for Marcado 28, a brand new model that claims inspiration from the irreverent artwork of tattoo tradition. The title means “marked” in Spanish whereas the quantity 28 refers to a biblical passage that warns in opposition to tattooing. The bottle pictured above is embellished with artwork by Austin-based tattoo artist Billy Baca.
The Romo Household behind the precise tequila manufacturing are tenth era agave farmers and one thing of tequila royalty laying declare to the creation of the reposado class manner again when. They make Marcado in small batches from 100% blue Weber agave that’s sluggish steam-cooked at decrease temperatures and pressures than the business requirements then open fermented and pot distilled. They presently bottle simply two expressions: a blanco and an 8-month oak-aged reposado expression. Ideas observe.
Each are 80 proof. NOM 1502.
Marcado 28 Blanco Tequila Assessment
The aroma is nice and expressive with notes of spun sugar and vanilla taffy that considerably outshine greener components of cooked agave and recent lower grass. Because it opens, the sweetness dissipates considerably, settling into minted syrup and aloe with traces of bubblegum. Whereas a bit saccharine, particularly for a blanco expression, it’s nonetheless inviting with loads of clear, crisp agave undertones.
The palate is spherical and nearly creamy with early notes of agave pulp and lemon peel that give technique to candy cinnamon candies, vanilla ice cream, and hints of jackfruit. Refined notes of white pepper add some heat however not a lot. It’s an impressively simple sipper, even in comparison with loads of different 80 proof tequilas. The end is gentle and quick with a reprise of shiny citrus zest and delicate, grassy agave notes. For those who’re available in the market for an easy tequila that’s a bit extra candy than natural, that is your jam. B+ / $50
Marcado 28 Reposado Tequila Assessment
Whereas it’s fairly gentle in coloration, the oak ageing nonetheless manages to current itself on the nostril, complementing the vanilla sweetness of the distillate with a richer buttercream be aware and delicate hints of cinnamon sugar and heat oak. Candy, cooked agave takes over because it opens within the glass, accented with white pepper and a little bit of inexperienced chili.
Just like the blanco, this reposado is once more fairly spherical and mouthcoating on the palate. The creaminess works even higher although on this expression as early notes of caramel sauce and even a bit milk chocolate properly complement the wealthy texture. A burst of juicy citrus on the midpalate – principally orange and a bit lime – is adopted by gentle pie spice, a mild vanilla cream be aware, and delicate black pepper on a beneficiant, warming end. The barrel ageing has added complexity but in addition helped to mood a few of the sweetness within the blanco, making it a good higher sipper and cocktail base. A- / $60
Marcado 28 Blanco Tequila
USD50
