F Paul Pacult Spirits Journal announced the top 130 "BEST SPIRITS IN THE WORLD 2010" which include quite an interesting variety of Gin, Whiskeys, Vodkas, Bourbons, Scotches, and more.

Let's face it, who cares. Most of us here have an interest in what the Tequila choices are....

Interestingly, A favorite of mine, moderately priced Tequila PARTIDA, Reposado is on his "Top 5, Can't live without if stranded on a Desert Island list...................





The TEQUILA  selections are:
1. PARTIDA REPOSADO-$55
2. GRAN CENTENARIO "LEYENDA"-$250
3. PARTIDA "ELEGANTE", EXTRA ANEJO-$350
4. DON JULIO, BLANCO-$50 
5. EL TESORO DE DON FELIPE, ENJOY-$59
6. HERRADURA, BLANCO-$55
7. MILAGRO, SELECT BARREL RESERVE REPOSADO-$70
8. CABO WABO, REPOSADO-$58



The SIP Awards www.sipawards.com, were held June 22, in San Diego. Consumers serve as judges in this blind tasting, 50 eager judges were selected from over 300 entrants.

There were 162 Spirit entries, 28 Tequilas.

The Top Category winners were  awarded
"Platinum Best in Class"

ANTIGUO BLANCO-HERRADURA
AMBHAR REPOSADO
EL JIMADOR-ANEJO 
 

The designations and awards serve as a bit of a guide. In reality the favorite tequila is the one you choose and enjoy..............There are hundreds to choose from so start your own taste test and choose your own winners................

The fun is in the journey................




Find what you enjoy......Enjoy the process.................

THE VARIOUS INCARNATIONS OF MAYAHUEL

For lovers of all things Agave, Tequila, Mezcal, Sotol, there is great interest in the stories, the myths and the history that surrounds our  beloved spirits................

In the beginning............

The Aztecs were worshippers of many Gods, especially the God of War to whom they made regular human sacrifice.....

Legend has that one of the Gods,  the evil Goddess Tzintzimitl, who divided light, demanded human sacrifice to allow the Aztecs to have light.......The main God, Quetzalcoatl-God of Redemption,  considered the creator, grew tried of all this nonsense with Tzintzmitl and decided to do something about it.

Quetzalcoatl went in search of the evil Goddess and instead found her lovely granddaughter, MAYAHUEL, Goddess of Fertility who had been kidnapped by her evil grandmother...................MAYAHUEL, was said to have 400 breasts, with which to feed her children. In fact in Aztec culture the number 400 refers to innumerable, so the number of breasts and offspring are well innumerable, thats a lot

Quetzalcoatl brought Mayahuel to earth where they joined together as a tree, each serving as a branch.................................


Legend continued with the evil Tzintzimtl going into a fit of rage upon finding out MAYAHUEL was gone. She assembled her evil demons and went in search of the beautiful Goddess............

Upon finding MAYAHAUEL, they killed her, tearing her apart, the demons consuming her,  leaving her bones...........Quetzalcoatl escaped......................




    Quetzalcoatl buried the bones of the beautiful MAYAHUEL,  the Maguey plant sprung up where the bones were buried. The Maguey became know as the personification of MAYAHUEL...............The PULQUE, the milky liquid that was used as a intoxicant by the Aztecs was said to be the blood of MAYAHUEL............................




Today, the legend is a beautiful story to be shared while drinking the amazing spirits of the Agave plants.
Contemplating the mythical legends of a civilization who sacrificed humans to perceived bloodthirsty Gods,  living under a unified government, built pyramids, developed an accurate calendar using advanced astrological observations, had a pictographic writing system and were only defeated by the diseases brought to the Americas by the Spanish...................Tequila and its relatives have a intriguing history...............

To the Goddess MAYAHUEL, a toast of gratitude.....................Salud

It was fun and a bit hectic in the world of Tequila Happenings. This resulted in a bit of neglect of my blog.......Note to self.....Get a bit more organized.........................

Doing tastings, attending tasting events and that other pesty item called making a living leave little time.............Time management is not my best subject, Tequila is.


First of all a  tasting in Visalia at the Sequoia Cigar Company was a big success. It is always fun doing events in what I consider my second home town, having lived there over 25 years..........It is where my kids grew up and where my daughter and her family live along with many lifelong friends...............

Sharing  great Tequilas and providing education is just what I love to do and it is especially gratifying when the attendees feel they have learned the Tequila truths while tasting new brands..

Over 60 Cigar Aficionados enjoyed the evening, learning and tasting. I brought along FORTALEZA, PENCA AZUL and HERRADURA...All enjoyed................



Soon after I headed to San Diego for the San Diego Spirits Festival............Always fun to see old friends and make new ones........Several Tequilas were represented along with some amazing Mezcals..............

Zack and Rudy Favila, The Mezcal Man. Ironically I met Rudy on a plane flying back from Mexico City last year. I was talking Tequila and he was doing Mezcal business......You meet awesome people everywhere when you love Tequila and Mezcal.


It appears the event was a success and is on schedule for next year. The location is amazing, outside, overlooking the ocean in lovely downtown San Diego.........
www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com

Zack, from Old Town Liquors, Old Town San Diegos and Will Eger, Muchote Tequila

Lots of brands represented


Gaston, the master with Milagro, the Fortaleza Cantina, always popular.

Next, the Hi Time Agave Extravaganza to benefit Breast Cancer Research was held on June 19, in Costa Mesa, well represented with over 100 Agave Spirits, great food and great industry folks.

Forrest, from Hi Time and the guy who did all the hard work to put on a great event




One of the most exciting part of any Tequila/Agave event is that I get to reconnect and spend time with friends I have made in the industry. Always an added treat...............

Some of my Tequila friends

Can't wait for these to be released, The Masterpiece Collection....

Lots of Brands at the event

The Hi Time event is an annual event for those who may want to plan to attend next year........For now there are some exciting events coming up for those who want to learn , taste and experience Tequila. The Spirits of Mexico and The Las Vegas Tequila Fest are scheduled for September....If you can make it it is well worth it...........


Hope you are having a great summer.........................

THE $49 MOLCAJETE FROM WILLIAMS SONOMA

So my catalog from Williams Sonoma arrives and I peruse the pages briefly, it's like my fashion magazines. Beautiful amazing things, not always practical or afforadable.

I purchase  a few items a year, mainly inexpensive funky items like my  $20 Jalapeno roaster. You stuff jalapenos and roast them over the BBQ, It's a great conversation piece and the jalapenos are delicious as an appetizer especially with a Mango Margarita....................

As I turn the pages, I find myself fixated on one gadget or another. A mango pitter, hey I use mangos on a regular basis.  Cooking, Mango Margaritas, salsa, how have I managed to remove the pits without one of these. The pineapple slicer, cores and slices....a citrus wedger, wait, I come to my senses and remember, a knife works well and takes up no additional space. 

I was unprepared,  turning to page 39, and seeing something I cannot literally, cannot cook without. The MOLCAJETE. 
There it was in all its glory, filled with guacamole.
Now here is an item that is a real necessity, a must have for any cook.....................

I have always loved to cook and create things in the kitchen for family and loved ones. It is therapeutic. I believe my love and appreciation of creating food has has been part of my facinatiion and appreciation with those who create Tequila with such dedication and commitment. They lovingly provide something they created in their kitchens..............................

MY PERSONAL MOLCAJETE, IT GETS USED EVERY DAY.


In the catalog  a Panini Press for $170, I use the grill and place a cask iron skillet on the sandwich. A baby food maker for $150, I never in my life purchased a jar of baby food, made it  right on the stove. A water carbonator for $199, who needs carbonated water? 

There is the $500 Premium Margarita Maker, where the poor novice is probably using a mixto in the crazy machine.  We know the only premium margarita maker is someone with a good 100% Agave Tequila, fresh squeezed limes, and agave nectar shaken up with ice.....................

THE PERFECT MARGARITA, AT MESA GRILL IN LAS VEGAS. MADE WITH PARTIDA
YOU CAN MAKE IT AT HOME, SO EASY.................
 
The waffle maker for $199, the Magimix Vision Toaster for $299, so you can see your toast, toasting. How did I toast before? I think I just put it in the good ole toaster and waited for it to pop.


KEEP HERBS ON MY TABLE TOO...LOVE THEM

But the MOLCAJETE, that is a necessity. I have always wondered how anyone cooks without one. How do they make the spice mixture needed in so many dishes, Cumin (has to be the seeds), garlic, peppercorns? How do they grind up spices and herbs, chilies for salsa?

When my mother passed away, my sister and I looked at her MOLCAJETE, probably 50 years old and talked about who should get it. We decide my son, an amazing cook, who's was serving in the Air Force, living overseas. We shipped it over, as he opened it he shouted with appreciation, got emotional and his wife trying to be supportive was excited, then she asked, what is it.............

There it was, sitting on his counter in pictures he sent home. He was always cooking for his buddies. It still sits on his counter at his home in Vegas, used often.

When my daughter bought a home near me. I gave her a MOLCAJETE, I cannot come to visit and cook in your house without one I told her.................She likes, not loves to cook........She does grow some amazing vegetables so it's a wash................


TOMATOES GROWING IN MY YARD THAT WILL END UP IN THE MOLCAJETE, IN SOME SORT OF SALSA.

THIS WHEELBARROW IS MY HERB GARDEN, LOTS OF CILANTRO, OREGANO ALONG WITH BASIL, THYME, CHIVES, DILL SOME WILL MAKE IT TO THE MOLCAJETE.

IF YOU WANT TO WATCH YOUR TOAST IT WILL COST $300


In reality, I must confess, if budget and space permitted, there are plenty of items in this catalog I would own. I do have the Cusinart Ice Cream Maker,  used to make homemade ice cream on birthdays with the birthday person choosing the flavor. The pasta maker I gave my son and his wife which he uses often. Additionally this was the only place I could find Joanne Weir's book on Tequila

 
I admit that for quite some time I have been coveting the Bodium Arabica Thermal French Press, it is $100, and my $29 glass french press has not broken in 10 years.............

I wonder if there are any interesting Tequila glasses in the catalog, hey Tequila deserves to be served in lovely vessels...............

This mural "ORANGE HARVEST, depicks orange pickers in the 1930's. Note the two children playing in front of the mural.

The quaint historical city of Exeter, California www.exeterchamber.com  always is a lovely place to visit. With  unique events occurring on a regular basis, along with occasional treats, like the Amagen Tour of California, www.Amgen.com biking through this weekend,  it a small place with big happenings.


A downtown establishment, 3 of the 23 murals that line the downtown businesses. Cattle Drive Down Rocky Hill,
A depiction of a moumnet that once spanned HWY 6, a Tribute to local Veterans from all branches



Exeter is considered the passport to paradise, sitting at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, home to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Founded in 1888, it maintains a modest population of 10,000 while serving as the Citrus Capital of the World, The sweetest oranges in the world come from this fertile valley situated in the heart of Californias agricultural heartland.


Murals depicting the areas history line the town, providing a visual  history lesson while enjoying a meal, cup of coffee or an ice cream cone at local businesses that line the active downtown corridor.

It was in Exeter this past weekend that a new event was born to great success. The Sequoia Foodie Fest www.sequoiafoodiefest.com, held May 15-16 was a fundraiser to benefit the Boys and girls Clubs of the Sierras. Over 1200 kids a day participate in the 10 local clubs. 

A TRACTOR MADE OF ORANGES? THE BUDWEISER STAGE WITH NON-STOP ENTERTAINMENT, THE WINNERS OF THE IRON CHEF COMPETITION, MAMMAS ALLEY
Over 2500 attended  and enjoyed music, children"s activities, food, beer, wine Spirits, Iron Chef Competitions between competing Police Departments from local cities, Art Alley, and vendors selling everything from lepoard rhinestone flipflops, to organic local vegtables............ 

Rescue Chef, Danny Boome, www.CRASHBANGBOOME.COM, added a fun filled element, assisting in solving recipe challenges, creating excitement  in Kitchen Stadium with 4 live family food culture events. He used my Fortaleza Anejo in one of his recipes, during the event.

FOOD NETWORK, RESCUE CHEF, DANNY BOOME, ADDED MUCH TO THE SUCCESS OF THE EVENT.
Being invited to provide a Tequila Tasting at this type of event is always fun, unusual in the sense it is quite a bit longer then normal, but still quite a privilege. 

I contacted Mejor Tequila www.MEJOR TEQUILA.com, a brand I had not had at a tasting prior to this event, then invited my friends at Ultimo Agave, and brought along Fortaleza, www.Los Abuelos.com,  to provide a interesting  variety.

It was non stop from opening to closing time at 6, attendees (21 and over) wanted to learn, taste and talk Tequila. 

My friend, the lovely Rosy, Northern California Rep for Ultimo Agave, joined me which made it more like hanging out with a friend over a fun filled weekend.  Since Rosy sells to retails outlets, it is an opportunity for her to share and experience the reaction to her brand while doing a tasting. With such a affordable price tag,  the brand is doing quite amazing numbers.

Mejor, now available at Costco, created quite a buzz with their Pink, a blanco made Pink, attractive to women, as is the plan




The Fortaleza as usual gets the reaction, more often of, "where can I buy this Tequila".     

It was especially fun for me since I have may longtime friends in this area, many came out and  seeing friends, sharing Tequila, always works.

DEAR LONGTIME FRIENDS LLOYD AND MARY JO WHO LIVE IN EXETER AND LOVE TEQUILA.

   
Rosy and I were busy the entire weekend, people want to learn about Tequila and they appreciate the opportunity to taste premium Tequilas  and get a bit of an education in the proocess. 

It appears that the Sequoia Foodie Fest was a great success, for a first year event.  The work and planning to make it bigger, better and more profitable  next year is already in the works...........I can't wait till next year.

 

CINCO DE MAYO has long been celebrated in the US as a day for festivities seeped in Mexican culture. Many have had the mistaken impression that the celebration was Mexican Independence Day, which is actually September 16. 

Just  as everyone becomes Irish on St Patricks Day, everyone enjoys becoming Mexican on Cinco De Mayo, eating, drinking and attending the cultural celebrations held throughout the US.

In fact, CINCO DE MAYO is a tale of despair, occupation, bloodshed, devout patriots, glorious victory in a David and Goliath tale.

In 1862,  Mexico was experiencing dark days. Independence from Spain in 1821, had been bloody, internal chaos, the Mexican-American War 1846-1848, the Mexican Civil War, 1858, had left the Mexican economy in ruins.

The struggles had left Mexico in debt to many nations, primarily Spain, England and France. President Benito Juarez , in 1861, suspended debt payments for a period of two years, promising the debts would be repaid.  President Juarez, noting the country was in a state of crisis, literally bankrupt,  needed this time to regroup economically.

England, Spain and France refused, instead deciding to invade to get their money in any way possible. England and Spain eventually withdrew. The French seeking to expand their empire, in part due to the growing power of the US, did not.





In 1862, the French army began it advance towards Mexico City.  President Lincoln was sympathetic to the Mexican cause for which he is honored in Mexico, however the bloody  Civil War in the US made it impossible to offer assistance. Following the end of the civil war, the US did provide military assistance and helped expel the French.

The well fitted French Army, numbered 6,500.  It was near Puebla where they encountered strong resistance. Led by Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza.. A militia of 4,500 ill equipped, poorly armed rag tag Mestizo and Zapotec Indian Patriots were able to defeat the French.
 
"BATALLA DE PUEBLA" was a glorious victory, and it did much to invigorate and bring a much needed national unity to Mexico. 


The victory was short lived, Napoleons III, against the wishes of the French citizens, used this battle as an excuse to send more then 30,000 troops and eventually installed Maximilian (1864-1867)  as ruler of Mexico.

Maximilian was later executed by the Mexicans. His bullet riddled shirt is kept in a museum in Mexico City.

The victory never ceased to inspire, ballads, novels, books and of course the annual celebration. CINCO DE MAYO is celebrated in Mexico, but most enthusiastically in Puebla, as one can understand.

To the memory of the patriots who fought for freedom, for the right to their own country, to choose their destiny, Salud..............

So this week as you celebrate and partake of all the celebrations, now you know the rest of the story.............


THE BREATHTAKING MURALS OF OROZCO IN DOWNTOWN GUADALAJARA ILLUSTRATE THE HISTORY OF  MEXICO 


CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATIONS OCCUR ALL ACROSS THE US. TEQUILA IS ALWAYS A PART OF THE CELEBRATION.

It is virtually impossible to examine any Tequila that has existed continusiouly, and not find a story worthy of a movie, novel, novella or in some cases a mini-series. To  many, the very existence of their brand is a testament to the noble, dedicated, tenacious individuals who dedicated themselves to the production of what has become Mexicos gift to the world.


The Tequila houses that have continued to survive and prosper while  staying true to their heritage, are a handful. Unfortunately, just producing an amazing Tequila has not been enough to insure survival. The guiding hand of a skilled, curious, bold and astute businessman (woman) has played into the survival of many a noble brand.

A Tequila I have long had a deep respect and appreciation,  HERRADURA definitely falls into all of the above. Having spent more time at CASA HERRADURA then any other brand, I admit to having a sentimental attachment, supported by my love for the tequila.
Workers, many for generations live on the working Hacienda in colorful casitas.

The Brick ovens where the first step of production occurs.
A visit to CASA HERRADURA, SAN JOSE DEL REFUGIO, a working Tequila Hacienda is initially like a walk back in history. In continuous operation since 1870, it is the only working Tequila Hacienda.  

When Felix Lopez officially registered it as a Tequila producer in 1928 with the Mexican government, he probably did not realize history would be made there numerous times.

How is it possible no movie has been made...every element is here, romance, intrigue, ingenuity, survival , danger....success.

I have incorporated  Herradura into many of my tasting events, it is always happily enjoyed.

A 45 year old marries an innocent 18 year old and a successful partnership begins, ushering in the modernization of Tequila production. Newly widowed she puts her brother and sister in law in charge who successfully run the estate and teach the business to Aurelio, her son.

Aurelio sees a shiny object while examining his agave fields, a horseshoe, symbol of luck and success. He names the brand Herradura,  Horseshoe.

Dedicated the production of Tequila, he is later forced to flee, with his sister for his life. His involvement assisting Priests to escape in the bloody Cristero Rebelion of 1926, made him an enemy of the state and he was never to return to his beloved Hacienda.  Details of his escape, ability to hold off the soldiers would make any Special ops member proud..........

A cousin, Don David took over continuing production of 100% agave when others begin to make Mixtos.


The old distillery, now a walk through history
Aurelios sister returned to the Hacienda, a devoted humanitiarian who built schools, a school for girls, the town hall and most important, paid for the  construction, in 1958, of 5 much needed wells to Amatitan, a gift of water......She never married.

Esther, Don Davids Sister came next, placing her beloved brother Ernesto in charge. Ernesto,  was said to match his suits to his cars and had custom made buttons made of gemstones....economic challenges ensued....

Esther's 3 daughters were next with only one, Gabriela having an interest, buying out her sisters.

She wisely put her nephew Carlos in charge, a compassionate hero to the workers. Carlos died prematurely and a ballad was composed that is sung to this day.

Gabriela, considered the Queen (Reina) of the Hacienda was a stunning beauty who was dedicated to the Hacienda and its Tequila. She supported modernization, with respect to maintaining the integrity of the heritage.

Under Gabriela's leadership,  Herradura introduced Anejo in 1962, and the creation of the Reposado class in 1974. Imagine under a woman Tequila Herradura and Tequila in general entered a new era.

The brand became the only 100% agave category,  consistently available in the US since the 70's,. This was in part, due to an American Icon, Bing Crosby who as a fan of Herradura was instrumental in making it available in the US.

El Jimador, www.eljimador.com,  was introduced in 1994 and is the number one selling brand in Mexico.

Gabriela's legacy continues through her four children. Her sons Guillermo and Pablo (Pablo passed away last year) ushered in expansion and in 2007 Brown Foreman acquired the brand.

The family retained the CASA GRANDE on the Hacienda along with the Romo Family Library. Unaware this was private I found myself attempting to enter the library until my gracious host told me that was one place off limits....disappointed because it is magnificent.

How could the cast of this amazing family and its array of delightful characters not  make for a story that would have appeal to the masses.   Action, danger, business savy, romance, grief, joy,  generosity, pride and success.......................

Continuing to produce wonderful, consistent in quality, affordable Tequilas, that are easily obtainable,  Herradura with its rich history is still a stand out in a sea of new brands.    

The brands Herradura produces,  Blanco, aged slightly for 45 days,  Reposado, aged 11 months, Anejo, 2 years and Seleccion Suprema, the superb Extra Anejo introduced in 1995 aged 4 years are all to be enjoyed.

Additionally there is the Antiguo de Herradura and the Hacienda de Cristero, honoring the rebelion, Suave and of course El Jimador.

With Traditional cooking in brick ovens, open natural fermentation, modern distillation, a walk through the Hacienda is truly a hands on lesson in how our beloved beverage is made.



It is fortunate this experience is available to anyone who can make the trip, by Tequila Train, www.tequilaexpress.com.mx,  or independently. If the opportunity presents itself, make the trip...have the experience............Oh, and plan to purchase the Selecion Suprema at the Hacienda store, if you want to save a few hundred dollars................
My gracious host and friend, Ruben Aceves Vidro, Herradura, Director of International Brand Devevlopment. I have learned so much and enjoyed.
I hope Steven Speilberg, James Cameron,  Sofia Copola, or maybe Oprah Winfrey read my blog...they may see the next idea for a blockbuster....yeah ...right..................

I was perusing the website of the CRT, the agency that protects the image and manages representation of Tequila worldwide along with certifying compliance. The private, not for profit agency celebrated its fifteenth anniversary last year. The agency is  respected and can be considered one of the major contributors to the continued expansion of the exportation of Tequila worldwide.  www.crt.org.mx

I was looking at statistics for the year 2008 to 2009. Tequila has been experiencing favorable annual growth for the last 12 years, I was curious as to weather there was a significant slowdown last year as I has been hearing from industry insiders. 
It appears, fortunately that although there was no growth,  the numbers are not dreadful.

---

The CRT in Guadalajara. I was able to experience the intense dedication to the integrity of  their responsibility. Lysette explains many of the department functions during my nothing off limits visit


The roof serves as a great place to host meetings and events, most likely featuring lots of Tequila.  It is a 180 view of the city.



In 2008 163.6 million liters of 100% Agave and 148.5 million liters of Tequila were exported for a total of 312.1 million liters.  2009 showed 142.5 million liters of 100% Agave and 106.5 million liters of Tequila. I found it interesting that the greater decline was in the Mixo category. Is is a decline, but I wonder if possibly the double digit annual growth was substantiable.


In 2009 there were no major mergers or acquisitions. Tequila has maintained a presence in 120 countries with the US still the number one market with no sign of slowing down.



The hustle bustle of a vibrant community, downtown Tequila.
The hardworking workers in the Tequila industry. Many are from families who have a long history in the industry.


 Tequila exports are estimated at $350 million dollars annually. Over 70,000 families depend on the industry for their livelihood.

Even in a year that saw no growth one thing remained, new Tequilas continue to be introduced to the market. The first six weeks of 2010 saw 134 new labels approved to the US market. This is about 5 a day, wow, I have some catching up to do. In actuality some of these are document and legal changes, but distributors, stores, bars and restaurants confirm the fact that they are visited almost daily by representatives of the next great Tequila.

Heck I am still trying to taste all the great brands currently available. For all of us Tequila lovers, we will continue to taste, support and recommend valid new brands that are entering the market....


SOME OF THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK, CAMERENA, PAQUI AND MEJOR PINK, AIMED AT THE LADIES.





The thing I walk away with in all of this mixed bag of information, drink  more Tequila in solidarity with our brothers in Mexico...........70,000 families are depending on me................

 I was in San Diego last week to celebrate my moms birthday, a little late. My brother came in from Sacramento, one sister flew in from Livingston, Montana, I drove down from the Central Valley, one sister lives there as does Mom............

It was a great time since it is next to impossible to get all of us together, usually one of us is missing....It is a blessing to find a day or two to spend together............Even nicer that we surprised Mom


My San Diego family is my birth family, I was adopted at birth and reunited with them in my 20's. I was  raised as a little Mexican girl in East Los Angeles......That story for another blog and my pending novela...................

We try to make the most of our limited time.....visit,  eat, hang out.......I usually make Margaritas, and share tequila adventures....I know it is quite amusing to my lovely family, my Tequila obsession.......

I generally scold them in good fun over the fact that none of them read my blog or visit my website...........This was proven by the fact that none had read the blog on my Agave Tattoo, and the fact I was dreading showing mom...........I had  the great unveiling while they were all sitting in the living room having Margaritas made with  Agave nectar, freshly squeezed limes and 100% agave tequila, so it eased the impact............I think they figure it was just my unique up-bringing that makes me a bit of a non conformist.  Fortunately they love this about me, or just accept it, what else can they do?

 We had scheduled a visit our nutritionist,  www.doctordiana.com during our get together.  I had not seen her in 3 years and wanted her to get me back on track and make sure I am doing all I can to be healthy.............I was a bit worried. I  was fairly certain of the things she would recommend, but WHAT IF? WHAT IF she determined I should stay away from Tequila, maybe it was contributing to some health concerns. WHAT IF Tequila was one of the do nots she would suggest?  After all I was taking the time, paying the cost, indicating I am seeking to feel, look and function better.........But still, WHAT IF she suggested I remove tequila from my diet??????

We all have our appointments, lasting over a hour each.   I am last, in I go with all the supplements I currently take, recent blood tests from my Doctor and have my consultation,  she tests me on my supplements, makes some minor changes.

Lucky I celebrated my birthday last week with a delicious cake, and my gran-munchkins, before cake was banned.

Some of the banned substances..Won't miss them much, never eat fast food......Wine, well, will miss red wine

At the end of the session she prescribes what she sees as necessary for optimum health based on her evaluation:
 
No red meat or pork, no sugar of any kind in any form including the Agave Nectar, a gluten free diet which eliminates wheat, barley, heck almost any grain.......no wine....... limit the nuts, which I practically live on, no dairy, except a small amount of  yogurt.............IMAGINE  MY RESPONSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Food I love and OK to enjoy...

I was thrilled, excited and relived. Tequila, only 100% Agave, that I can have...........

I knew it, Tequila is healthy.........Thank God she did not remove anything from my diet I really could not live without................I knew she was a fantastic nutritionist................

This is a bottle of Tequila I found while cleaning out my mom's home 14 years ago after  (the mom who raised me, I have a birth mom, for another blog) she passed away.  I was given the responsibility of getting things in order.

I loved Tequila, knew little.  I grew up in a home where almost no liquor was present. Finding this bottle was more of a novelty to me.  I took it with me and put it away. I enjoyed looking at it, showing it to friends. It never occurred to me at the time that I would ever open it.

I recall my nephew telling me, put it on EBAY. No, it was mine and I just loved having it.  I became a bit concerned, when after a few years I noticed some evaporation. I started to think, should I let this evaporate or maybe it needs to be consumed.

I was not knowledgableabout Tequila then....Starting to explore, bringing back bottles on visits to Mexico..                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      THE BEAUTIFUL BOTTLE, HAS NO NOM, SINCE IT WAS BEFORE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NOM OR THE DESIGNATION, THAT NOW PROTECTS TEQUILA AND IT'S PRODUCTION.  THE NAME J. RODRIQUEZ Y CIA, AND THE DATE AUGUST 1920 ARE ON THE FRONT LABEL. THE MYSTERY OF THE BOTTLE, I CANNOT WAIT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT IT.  INTERESTING THAT IT SAYS EXTRA ANEJO, EXTRA ANEJO IS CONSIDERED A NEW CLASS.



THE BEAUTIFUL BACK LABEL OF MY FIND. I PLAN TO USE THIS LABEL IN SOME CREATIVE WAY....THE DATE ON THE BACK SAYS MARCH 6, 1922


So as life goes, after hanging on to that bottle through, moves, deaths, new births, sad times, happy times without opening....What happened? My sister is visiting me, we are hanging out in the pool, having some tequila, when I mention the bottle. 

OPEN IT, she commands. She is my older sister, I go in the house, open it, we drink it...minus about 1/4 of
the bottle...............UNBELIEVABLE.......I did not know what to expect............but I could not have imagined what this liquid gold would be......I think back often to that day...that is what Tequila should taste like.


I considered, it would have been nice to have opened it with the knowledge I have now. In reality, maybe it would have been to clinical....Maybe it was best that it was just enjoyed....on a delightful June afternoon, in my backyard, in my pool with my sister........I will never forget the taste, the experience........It is like a memory of kissing your first crush.............and it is like you imagined........

I save a small amount to share with my son, and may be a friend or two.....maybe.


Sammy Hagar, the quesintiential Tequila lover, way ahead in setting the bar for future Tequila Aficionados. Working with Sammy was fun, his rider required Tequila and Margarita fixings which he used to make Margaritas on stage during his show...Love the guy...Unfortunately he did not get to taste my amazing find...He would have loved it and I should have shared, but I did not...

Another friend who would have appreciated a taste of my treasure.  Willie enjoys Tequila, and some other things as I found out while visiting on his bus after the show...He is a great guy, very thoughtful...I was not, did not share my tequila..Sorry Willie.....
 On WIllies bus...He is a real gentlemen...His show went over by 45 minutes..just because they were having so much fun.........

My friend El Guapo, Gabriel Soto, Novela heart throb, household name in Mexico especially to his female fans. Gabriel is a great guy, loves motorcycles, always hungry, fun to hang out.   I had him in town for some appearances a couple of times. New dad to his baby girl, love this guy....He did get to enjoy my Tequila Treasure...just a shot. It just worked out when he was at my house for a shower before his flight, ..So I really did share....a little


I do love sharing Tequila, Tequila information and great finds....it was just this one bottle...it brought out the dark side......I won't say I am sorry.............It was memorable, I wonder if another Tequila will ever measure up..........I will continue my journey to match the experience of the mystery bottle............and have fun trying..