This is a great time for Tequila lovers as we have a tremendous number of labels to choose from and the quality of the spirit has never been better. Consumers have become savvy, looking for 100% de Agave on the label, recognizing this as a mark of quality. As Tequila drinkers continue to grow their knowledge, attributes of appellation (within the legal Tequila zone), and more crucially, the method of production will become important factors when choosing Tequila brands.

Just as wine lovers have come to seek small, boutique, producers when seeking wines with personality, Tequila buyers in the know are on the watch for traditional, artesanal, Tequila brands; Oro Azul is such a brand. Oro Azul is made at a small distillery owned and operated by the Lopez Garibay family. The Garibay family has been involved in the growing of agave and the production of Tequila for more than 100 years. They are dedicated to using traditional methods of production including roasting the agave pinas in stone and clay ovens (hornas) and then crushing the baked agave with an old stone wheel mill (tahona) to extract the sweet agave nectar. These aren’t simply features scribbled on the back label of the bottle. I have had the great pleasure of visiting the Garibay family distillery and smell the unique and wonderful aroma of roasting agave and taste the sweet, fruity, and fibrous flesh.

Reposado is often considered to be the ultimate sipping expression. It offers a certain softness and added aromatic and flavor accent that limited wood aging provides. While we are clearly enamored with the rich and complex flavors of the Oro Azul Reposado, we are equally fond of its reasonable price, being one of the best values in the category.