Celebrated 200-Year-Old Boutique Distillery Ready to Shine with a Year of Promotions and Events

Casa Noble Tequila is looking to 2012 as a year of new beginnings. With a series of promotions and events, the organic tequila company has set its eyes on new markets and campaigns for 2012. Casa Noble will see changes to its social media platforms including regular updates on the company’s Facebook and website, as well as the addition of a newsletter, previously reserved for the beverage industry, which will soon be available to fans who sign up at www.casanoble.com. Alongside these changes, Casa Noble will release a new ad campaign featuring the newest edition to the Casa Noble family, Carlos Santana. The Casa Noble mobile app – available on iPhone with the Android platform coming soon – will also get a face lift with the inclusion of cocktail recipes and featured dishes that pair with the tequila in new and innovative ways. Soon to be announced promotions around the United States will bring new eyes and fans to the long celebrated brand.

Casa Noble CEO Jose Hermosillo said, “Casa Noble has been growing exponentially, even in such a competitive market with the large multi-national companies that invest millions in advertising, and so many non-industry newcomers with deep pockets who have found the tequila business so appealing. I believe our commitment to quality and the attention to every detail is key to Casa Noble, which has made tequila fans and high quality spirit aficionados take notice.”

2011 proved to be a milestone year for Casa Noble when BusinessWeek, who previously named Casa Noble as one of the “World’s Best-Tasting Tequilas,” gave the brand’s Reposado top marks – 5/5 stars – in their December 2011 issue, putting it above all others in the taste test. Another highlight of 2011 was the addition of music icon Carlos Santana who joined the board and came on as one of the owners of the company. This exciting change to the organization allows Santana to be involved in the continued development of the brand which is already recognized as one of the finest handcrafted spirits in the world.

Hermosillo, commenting on the shared long-term commitment to the continued growth of the brand, said, “With Carlos becoming a part of the family last year, we see 2012 as a chance to position Casa Noble as the ultra-premium tequila of choice, we are very excited to see what is ahead.”

A renowned boutique distillery, Casa Noble represents the pride, passion, and quality commitment of more than 200 years and over 7 generations of tequila production. The Casa Noble family of Single Estate Organic tequilas — Crystal, Reposado, and Anejo — has a rich history that has earned them a position as one of the finest ultra premium spirits portfolios in the world. Casa Noble’s handcrafted tequilas are exported to over 23 countries worldwide and currently available in premium retail outlets, exclusive restaurants, distinguished bars and lounges and destination hotels Nationwide in the U.S.

Casa Noble is produced on a family owned distillery that can trace its roots back to 1776 along the hillsides of Jalisco, Mexicosurrounded by citrus and mango trees, which are integral to the tequila’s unique taste profile. The tequila is harvested, distilled and bottled on the private family estate that boasts over 6,500 acres of land and more than one million blue agave plants.

Stay tuned for upcoming announcements of events and promotions over the next few months.

For more information, visit www.casanoble.com.

Source: Casa Noble

The Spirits of Mexico Festival, the largest, oldest and most comprehensive forum of its kind in North America, will be held September 11 through 18 this year in Old Town San Diego at the location of California’s birthplace, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Last year’s Spirits of Mexico Festival was awarded proclamations from the City & County of San Diego, commendations from the Mexican Consulate and Old Town Chamber of Commerce, lauded as an ‘A List’ event by San Diego Magazine and noted as ‘one of four festivals not to miss’ by ‘O’, the Oprah Magazine.

Tequila, Mezcal, Sotol and Bacanora, each with its own denomination of origin and all distilled from the juice of the ancient agave plant, have quickly captured the hearts of the American consumer. The festival celebrates these spirits and their heritage. Cuisine, paired and infused, cocktails, educational seminars, a tasting competition and the resultant awards ceremony, live and silent auctions are all in this year’s festival recipe. Where better than in the nation’s No. 1 marketplace for consumption of these spirits? Old Town San Diego.

The Festival makes living history every year as well. Of the more than 150 brands and 400 styles that have participated in the past eight years, 25 percent have exclusively launched at this festival—a singular accolade. This year will see the debut of Tequilas El Decreto &Montoro and Vitzo Bacanora.

For agave enthusiasts and aficionados, the Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition is like the Oscars and Olympics rolled into one

The 2011 Festival launches with a new event, the Tequila Trail on Sunday, Sept. 11, sponsored by newcomer Vitzo Bacanora Cream and 91x radio station, which makes stops at 9 of Old Town’s world-renowned eateries. Barra Barra Saloon, Café Coyote, Miguel’s Cocina, Old Town Mexican Café, El Fandango, The Cosmopolitan, Casa Guadalajara, La Pinata and Rockin’ Baja Lobster will offer up tastes of their signature dishes paired with Herradura, Chinaco, Milagro, Arta, Fortaleza and 1519 Tequilas; Scorpion, Maria, Mijes and Oro de Oaxaca Mezcals; Casa ZG Sangrita, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur and, of course, Vitzo.

The Tequila Trail is also the scene of the Festival’s Solerno Liqueur Cocktail Challenge Semi-Finals at The Cosmopolitan Restaurant, which will narrow down the field in the search for the 2011 Official Spirits of Mexico Cocktail. The challenge put forth to mixologists, bartenders and drinking establishments is to create their best cocktail with this blood orange liqueur as the showcase ingredient.

“With its blend of Sicilian citrus, red berries and Sanguinello blood oranges, this year’s winner just may turn the margarita on its heels,” said Dori Bryant of Polished Palate, producer of the Spirits of Mexico Festival. The Solerno Liqueur Cocktail Challenge finals, sponsored by San Diego CityBeat and Liquid Living magazines, will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at Barra Barra Saloon. The event is open to the public.

This year marks the fifth time the Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition will be held at the festival’s official hotel, the Best Western Hacienda in Old Town San Diego. This private event brings together industry experts from Mexico and the United States to judge agave-based spirits.

“The competition has grown significantly over the years, indicating the importance and popularity of this spirit to the U.S. consumer,” said Jack Robertiello of Drinks Ink, competition co-host.

Along with co-host Robert Plotkin of Bar Media, judging panelists that will vote in a number of categories for the best agave-based spirits include Master Distillers German Gonzalez of T1 Tequila Uno and Ana Maria Romero Mena of Corrido and 1519, Thomas ‘Mac’ McFarland Gregory III of Starwood Hotels, Zack Romaya with Old Town Liquor and Mario Marquez of Magia Azul Consulting. Also Rachel Nichols-Bernyk of Tequila Nuts, Larry Auman of Cantina Mayahuel, Junior Merino, The Liquid Chef, and Charlotte Voisey of William Grant & Sons will offer their palates to the judging panel.

Additional panelists are Alfredo Gama of Wine Warehouse, Drew Levinson with Wirtz Beverage Nevada, David Grapshi of Gemini Spirits and Wine and the winner of the 2011 ‘Win a Seat on the Competition Panel’ Clayton Szczech of Experience Tequila. Last year’s winner, Eric P. Lorenz, started Lorenz Agave Spirits in British Columbia and is presenting a seminar at this year’s Spirits of Mexico Festival Main Event.

“For agave enthusiasts and aficionados, the Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition is like the Oscars and Olympics rolled into one,” said Plotkin of Bar Media. “Earning one of the competition’s coveted gold medals has proven an invaluable indicator to the success of new brands of Tequila and mezcal.” The reigning winners, out of 153 entries in 2010, are Best of Show Chinaco Reposado and Best of Category winners Regional Blanco, Chinaco Reposado, Kah Anejo, Abandonado Extra Anejo and Casa 1921 Tequila Cream.

On Friday evening, Sept. 16, Executive Chef Jose Pulido of Barra Barra Saloon serves up his alchemical agave-infused cuisine at the festival’s Tasting Reception and Awards Dinner. Guests will sample a variety of world-class agave spirits while savoring infused hors d’oeuvres and entrees. Guests will then move to the Fiesta de Reyes courtyard for the Tasting Competition awards ceremony where the Best of Category and Best of Show winners of the 2011 Tasting Competition will be announced.

A live auction follows that benefits the Sky Ranch Foundation. The auction offers an opportunity for those wishing to bid on rare collectables, most accompanied by the Master Distiller’s signature. Kah Tequila’s inaugural Extra Anejo topped the bidding last year at $1,000. This year three bottles of El Decreto Tequila Extra Anejo, not available elsewhere; Tequila Los Abuelos Lot #74 series, valued at $1,500, and T1 Tequila Uno’s Barrel #1, of which only four cases remain, will be highlights of the auction.

The Spirits of Mexico Festival’s Main Event takes place on Saturday evening at the Robinson-Rose House, McCoy House Museum, Barra Barra Saloon and the plaza that connects them all in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. According to festival producer Bryant, all the stars will come out for the Main Event as more than 200 styles of agave spirits will be sampled and accompanied by culinary delights from Barra Barra’s kitchen. Seminars take place at intervals throughout the evening.

Eric P. Lorenz of Lorenz Agave Spirits, Douglas French, master distiller with Scorpion Mezcal; Jaclyn Jacquez, president of Don Cuco Sotol; Mario Marquez, president of Magia Azul Consulting, and Charlotte Voisey and Gaston Martinez, both of William Grant & Sons will headline seminars at this year’s Main Event, sponsored in part by the San Diego Reader. The public will be able to meet master distillers and learn first-hand from experts how these spirits are made. A silent auction will benefit the Sky Ranch Foundation, which is celebrating 51 years of helping troubled youth this year.

Samplings will be available from Tequilas 1519, Antiguo, Arta, Azunia, Chinaco, Corrido, Don Diego Santa, Don Eduardo, El Decreto, el Jimador, Fortaleza (Los Abuelos in Mexico), Hacienda Vieja, Herradura, Magave, Milagro, Puerto Vallarta, QV, Regional, T1 Tequila Uno and Tres Agaves. Mezcals will be sampled from Maria, Mixes, Oro de Oaxaca and Scorpion. Also sampling spirits will be Sotol Don Cuco, Bacanoras Cielo Rojo and Vitzo, Casa ZG Sangrita and Solerno Liqueur. Harina Dulce confections will provide pastries at the Main Event.

On Sunday, Sept. 18, the annual Lobster Bus excursion to Puerto Nuevo, Baja California, takes place. The public is welcome to join industry members and fellow Tequila aficionados on the bus for a traditional Baja lobster lunch, hosted by Poco Tequila.

Bryant added that “as a result of our partnership with Fiesta de Reyes, the vibrant dining, shopping and entertainment plaza at the northeast corner of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, several festival events take place in the State Park this year.” Fiesta de Reyes’ shops and restaurants are inspired by 19th century pueblo life, the essence of living in San Diego during its infancy from 1821 to 1872.

“Old Town San Diego and the State Park are the ideal settings for this festival,” concluded Bryant. “It brings the gastronomy, history, culture, in fact the heritage of Mexico together, in one festive setting. For more information and to purchase event tickets, visit http://www.thespiritsofmexico.com.

Background on Spirits of Mexico
The Spirits of Mexico Festival started as a one-evening event in San Diego in 2004 with 12 brands and 350 guests. In 2007 several elements were added including a Tasting Reception and Dinner and the first Agave-Only Tasting Competition in the United States, creating a more comprehensive multi-day and multi-faceted festival, celebrating all aspects of this spirit. The Festival saw more than 2,500 guests and 200 styles in 2010. As consumer interest grows and the industry evolves, the festival continues to meet those demands and is enhanced each year.

About Polished Palate
Since 2005, the Polished Palate has been hosting cutting-edge tasting events, educating the consumer on all aspects of each distilled spirit category. Through seminars hosted by recognized industry professionals, guests learn about the history and culture of each spirit, their impact on society, current trends and appropriate tasting techniques, while promoting responsible consumption—all in a festive format.

For more information, contact info@polishedpalate.com and Julia Simms at j simms agency julia@jsimmsagency.com

After filming on location in London and across Mexico, Olmeca Tequila is proud to launch the Olmeca Altos Short Films.  Beautifully shot and with a dynamic and contemporary feel, the series of five documentaries feature Henry Besant and Dre Masso as they travel through the origins of Tequila to tell us about its unique production; they also take a look at modern uses of the Agave plant and the tezontle stone, before returning to London to observe how the category has affected the vibrant bar scene.

Yes, we’re back once again with the fourth film in the series. Master Distiller focuses on the infinite passion of Jesús Hernández, one of the finest Tequila distillers in the world, and head of the Olmeca distillery, as he unearths the secrets and myths of its production.  We also meet people who have been influenced by Jesús.

Be sure to come back to the site in two weeks time for the final video in the serie, Coming Home.

You can of course stay up to date with all the films, as well as all other things Olmeca, through the Olmeca You Tube channel. http://www.youtube.com/OlmecaTequilaUK

After filming on location in London and across Mexico, Olmeca Tequila is proud to launch the Olmeca Altos Short Films.  Beautifully shot and with a dynamic and contemporary feel, the series of five documentaries feature Henry Besant and Dre Masso as they travel through the origins of Tequila to tell us about its unique production; they also take a look at modern uses of the Agave plant and the tezontle stone, before returning to London to observe how the category has affected the vibrant bar scene.

As promised we’re back once again with the third film in the series. Tahona takes a look at why the ancient Tahona method used to produce Olmeca Altos creates a more flavoursome Tequila, before moving on to Biko – Mexico’s highest rated restaurant – to see how they use the same volcanic rock in their contemporary kitchen.

Be sure to come back to the site in the coming weeks for the next videos in the series Master Distiller and Coming Home.

You can of course stay up to date with all the films, as well as all other things Olmeca, through the Olmeca You Tube channel. http://www.youtube.com/OlmecaTequilaUK

After filming on location in London and across Mexico, Olmeca Tequila is proud to launch the Olmeca Altos Short Films.  Beautifully shot and with a dynamic and contemporary feel, the series of five documentaries feature Henry Besant and Dre Masso as they travel through the origins of Tequila to tell us about its unique production; they also take a look at modern uses of the Agave plant and the tezontle stone, before returning to London to observe how the category has affected the vibrant bar scene.

Over the next few weeks we’ll be bringing you the other short films from Olmeca Altos documentaries. This week we’re kicking off with the first two in the series, Los Altos and 100% Agave.

The first film Los Altos explores the origin of Olmeca Altos, and explains why the famous tierra roja helps to cultivate the finest Tequila in the world.  It also meets with proud locals from across Los Altos region, as well as visiting the eponymous town of Tequila.

The second film 100% Agave follows Henry and Dre as they talk to the jimadores who harvest the plants used for Olmeca Altos 100% Agave Tequila.  They also explore modern uses of Agave in cooking and fashion.

Be sure to come back to the site in the coming weeks for the next videos in the series Tahona, Master Distiller and Coming Home.

You can of course stay up to date with all the films, as well as all other things Olmeca, through the Olmeca You Tube channel. http://www.youtube.com/OlmecaTequilaUK

September 16 2010 marks the year of Bicentennial Celebrations in Mexico, commemorating 200 years of independence from Spanish rule. Mexican Independence Day celebrates the events and people that eventually resulted in independence from Spain, the country that had control over the territory of New Spain, as it was also known then. Fueled by three centuries of oppresion and sparked by a call to revolt by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Roman Catholic priest, the first call to arms was made in the village of Dolores in the state of Guanajuato.

In the early hours of September 16th 1810 Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the church bell to gather the townspeople. He called for the people of Mexico to rise up against the Spanish Crown, thus initiating Mexico’s War of Independence.

Statue of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla

The uprising pitted the poor indigenous indians and mixed mestizo groups against the priviledged classes of Spanish descent, and pushed them into a violent and bloody battle for freedom from Spain. Mexico’s independence would not be effectively declared from Spain in the Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire (the foundational document of the Mexican nation) until September 27 1821, a decade after the war began. It is this event, known as the Grito de Dolores, which is commemorated every year in town squares across Mexico.

It is a common misconception, among the non-Mexican community in the United States, to mistake Cinco de Mayo with Mexican Independence Day; Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the victory of the Mexican Army over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, during the French invasion of Mexico.

Now, those of you that follow our Twitter account will know that we never got around to posting our Margarita recipe for National Tequila Day…so to honour this monumentous occassion, we’re posting it now. I mean, you can’t exactly celebrate without a drink in you hand, can you!?

Recipe for the Bicentennial margarita:

1 glass with salted rim (rub it first with a lime wedge)

1 1/2 fl oz of 100% agave tequila

1/2 fl oz of Cointreau or Triple Sec

1/2 fl oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice

1/2 fl oz Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice

Shake it up the ingredients with some ice and pour it into the glass. Sprinkle grated cinnamon over a flame onto the drink and garnish with a slice of lime.

It’s Official. September 18, 2010 Proclaimed Spirits of Mexico Festival Day in San Diego

In honor of the Spirits of Mexico Festival’s continued success in bringing lovers of tequila, mezcal & sotol together in San Diego over the past seven years, Mayor Jerry Sanders and the entire San Diego City Council have made it official — Saturday, September 18, 2010 is Spirits of Mexico Festival Day in San Diego! This is an unprecedented occasion for a rather young festival.

“Elected officials up and down the state of California are taking note,” said Chuck Ross, operator of Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. “The tireless efforts of Dori Bryant and the entire team at Polished Palate, to put on this world-class event, are outstanding. Aficionados, owners, authors, master distillers and, from 90 brands, 200 styles (twice the number of expressions to honor the 200th Anniversary of Mexican Independence) are involved in 2010. We are all committed to making this the largest, most comprehensive and most fun Tequila Festival in the world.”

In August, the festival hosts its annual private Tasting Competition and Cocktail Competition semi-finals, where a panel of judges will select those entries headed for the Finals, which opens the Festival on September 15 at Café Coyote in Old Town. The winning cocktail entry will be served at all festival events. This date is significant as September 15 is the eve of the 200th Anniversary of Mexican Independence.

On Friday, September 17, the who’s who of the agave world will gather at Barra Barra Saloon and be the first to learn the results of this year’s tasting competition. On Saturday, September 18 from 1-4pm, the Old Town Chamber of Commerce hosts The Taste of Old Town Fiesta of Flavors and later that evening, starting at 6pm, it’s the festival’s Main Event at The Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant—all located in the State Historic Park.

Old Town San Diego is the recognized birthplace of not only San Diego but the entire state of California. The Spirits of Mexico Festival Day is forever immortalized – gold seal, nine signatures and all – in a beautiful full-color proclamation that reflects the festival’s significance as the preeminent tequila and agave festival in the nation and recognition of San Diego’s role in its success.

About the Polished Palate
Since 2005, the Polished Palate has been hosting cutting edge Tasting Events, educating the consumer on all aspects of each distilled spirit category. Through seminars hosted by recognized industry professionals, guests learn about the history & culture of each spirit, their impact on society, current trends & appropriate tasting techniques, while promoting responsible consumption—all in a festive format.

For more information and to purchase admissions, visit the Polished Palate website at www.polishedpalate.com

Source: PRWeb

President Felipe Calderon gave a shot in the arm to the tequila industry by paying a visit last week to the Regional Tequila Council (CRT) offices in Guadalajara to show his support for one of Mexico’s most emblematic sectors. Primarily, Calderon pledged to continue protecting and promoting tequila’s denomination of origin status, which gives international recognition to the liquor as a distinctive product distilled from the fermented juice of the blue agave plant in certain regions of Mexico.

Calderon patted his administration on the back for finally persuading both China and South Korea to subscribe to the agreement that prevents the word tequila from being used as a generic name on other spirits not made under the controls of the CRT.

Mexico also reached an agreement with China over its long-time refusal to accept 100 percent agave imports because its menthol content was higher than the country’s accepted norms.

The CRT recently opened an office in Shanghai and expects exports, led chiefly by Jose Cuervo, La Cofradia and Sauza, to soar in China in the near future.

Calderon also reiterated his support in fighting the illegal production of pseudo tequilas. According to the president, during his administration police have revised 11,000 properties where illegal production has been suspected and detained over 2,000 people.

The tequila industry supports around 38,000 families in 181 municipalities, chiefly in Jalisco, but also in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit and Tamaulipas.

Source: Guadalajara Reporter

Spirits of Mexico Festival to be Held in Old Town San Diego: Largest Celebration of Agave Spirits in the U.S.

The Spirits of Mexico, the largest, oldest and most comprehensive agave festival in the United States, will be held September 15–19, 2010 in Old Town San Diego and at the location of California’s birthplace, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. The Festival will be the culmination of several agave-related events held in San Diego during August and September.

The spirits of Mexico include tequila, mezcal, sotol and bacanora, each with its own denomination of origin and all distilled from the juice of the ancient agave plant. These and other finely crafted spirits from Mexico have quickly captured the hearts of the American consumer.  The festival celebrates these spirits and their heritage.

In August, the Spirits of Mexico will hold its 4th Annual Tasting Competition at the festival’s official hotel, the Hacienda.  This industry-only event will bring together tequila experts from across the country to taste and judge agave-based spirits.  “The competition has grown significantly indicating the importance and popularity of this spirit to the US consumer,” states Jack Robertiello of Drinks Ink, competition co-host.

The nation’s first and only Sangrita Cocktail Challenge semi-finals will also take place in August.  Sangrita, a fruity and spicy beverage, was developed over 60 years ago. It is traditionally served in caballitos as a partner to a shot of tequila.  Sangrita uses various fruits and spices and recipes vary widely.

The Spirits of Mexico Festival officially kicks off on Wednesday Sept. 15 at Café Coyote at the festival’s Sangrita Cocktail Challenge Finals, sponsored by Liquid Living Maqazine. The public is invited join in the festivities and taste each of the finalist entries.

On Friday evening, Sept. 17, Executive Chef Rolfy Chavez of Barra Barra Saloon serves up his alchemical agave-infused cuisine at the festival’s Tasting Reception and Awards Dinner.  Guests will sample a variety of world-class agave spirits while savoring infused hors d’oeuvres before the formal dinner begins.  Guests will then move to the Fiesta de Reyes courtyard for the Awards ceremony where the winners of the 2010 Tasting Competition and Sangrita Challenge will be announced.  Robert Plotkin of Bar Media, co-host of the competition commented:  “For agave enthusiasts and aficionados, the Spirits of Mexico Competition is like the Oscars and Olympics rolled into one.  Earning one of the competition’s coveted gold medals has proven an invaluable asset to the success of new brands of tequila and mezcal.”

Old Town San Diego and the state park are the ideal settings for this festival”, says Dori Bryant of the Polished Palate, festival producer

Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18, is fiesta time.  The Old Town Chamber of Commerce joins in the celebration, featuring The Taste of Old Town Fiesta of Flavors.  Back by popular demand, live performances include the Gutierrez Andalusian Horse Show & Parade, Calpulli Mexihca Azteca Cultural Dance Ensemble, Chunky y Los Alacranes and more. There will be a Tequila Garden on site in the Plaza de las Armas area of the state park.

The Festival’s Main Event takes place on Saturday evening at The Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant. All the stars come out as more than 100 styles of featured agave spirits will be sampled and accompanied by culinary delights from The Cosmopolitan’s kitchen. Seminars take place at intervals throughout the evening. Meet Maestro Tequileros and learn first-hand from the experts how these spirits are made. A silent auction featuring rare, often priceless collector’s items, will benefit the Sky Ranch Foundation which is celebrating 50 years of helping troubled youth.

On Sunday, September 19, the annual Lobster Bus Excursion to Puerto Nuevo will take place.  Hop on the bus for some Baja lobster hosted by Poco Tequila.

“Old Town San Diego and the State Park are the ideal settings for this Festival”, says Dori Bryant of the Polished Palate, Festival producer. “It brings the gastronomy, history, culture—the heritage, together, in one festive setting, not dissimilar to what the Festival itself encompasses. The Festival features cooking demonstrations, entertainment, seminars on all aspects of bringing this spirit to market–from first planting to planting a cocktail on the bar. Authors, aficionados, master distillers, mixologists and budding enthusiasts all gather annually to respect the heritage that’s present in every drop of this luscious spirit.”

Through the generosity of Fiesta de Reyes, the vibrant and exciting dining, shopping and entertainment complex located within Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, festival events take place throughout the Park. Fiesta de Reyes’s shops and restaurants are inspired by 19th century pueblo life, the essence of living in San Diego during its infancy from 1821 to 1872.

For more information and to purchase event tickets, visit www.polishedpalate.com

Background on Spirits of Mexico

The Spirits of Mexico Festival started as a one-evening event in San Diego in 2004 with 12 brands and 350 guests. In 2007 several elements were added including a Tasting Reception & Dinner and the first Agave-Only Tasting Competition in the US, creating a more comprehensive multi-day and multi-faceted Festival celebrating all aspects of this spirit.

About Polished Palate

Since 2005, the Polished Palate has been hosting cutting edge Tasting Events, educating the consumer on all aspects of each distilled spirit category. Through seminars hosted by recognized industry professionals, guests learn about the history and culture of each spirit, their impact on society, current trends and appropriate tasting techniques, while promoting responsible consumption—all in a festive format.

source: PRWeb

The holiday of Cinco De Mayo, The 5th Of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. It is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the Mexican state capital city of Puebla and throughout the state of Puebla, with some limited recognition in other parts of Mexico, and especially in U.S. cities with a significant Mexican population. It is not, as many people think, Mexico’s Independence Day, which is actually September 16.

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo has become increasingly popular along the U.S.-Mexico border and in parts of the U.S. that have a high population of people with a Mexican heritage. In these areas the holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture, of food, music, beverage and customs unique to Mexico.

Tres Agaves bartender Cristian Lara prepares what he calls the perfect margarita - Photo by Sena Christian

Commercial interests in the United States and Mexico have also had a hand in promoting the holiday, with products and services focused on Mexican food, beverages and festivities, with music playing a more visible role as well. Several cities throughout the U.S. hold parades and concerts during the week following up to May 5th, so that Cinco de Mayo has become a bigger holiday north of the border than it is to the south, and is being adopted into the holiday calendar of more and more people every year.

Now we’d advise drinking your tequila straight-up…but if you fancy something a bit more jovial during your festivities today then Tres Agaves bartender Cristian Lara has what he considers to be the perfect Margarita.

Recipe for the perfect margarita:

1 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice

1 oz. Tres Agaves house-made agave nectar

2 oz. 100 percent Blue Agave tequila

Squeeze out 1 ounce of lime juice and pour over ice in a large glass. Add 1 ounce of agave nectar and 2 ounces of 100 percent Blue Agave tequila. Cover and shake glass. Pour fresh ice into a new glass and pour in mixed drink.

Recipe Source: Cristian Lara, Tres Agaves Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Lounge