Part Three: Las Vegas Big Smoke Sunday Sessions

Mas Tequila

David Savona
Posted: November 12, 2008

(continued from page 1)

Maestro Dobel, which is called "Diamond Tequila," is a project by Juan-Domingo "Dobel" Beckmann, the executive director of Casa Cuervo, but it's done separately from the company. It's a clear Tequila that is made from a blend of reposado (two to 12 months of age) añejo (one year or more) and extra añejo (three years or more of age) and is then filtered. It paired well with the lighter-bodied A. Turrent, quite appropriate given that the Cuervo who created it is the sixth generation member of his family, and the A. Turrent represents six generations of Turrents. The Oliva cigar seemed to overwhelm the clear Tequila.

An audience member smiles as he learns about Tequila.

The third Tequila was Patrón Añejo. Bettridge credited the well-known brand with opening up the luxury market for Tequila and driving the growing interest in the spirit. The añejo version of Patrón is distinguished by the small barrels in which it ages, a process that gives it much more contact with the wood and hastens maturation. This method also apparently gives the spirit a tang. "Oooh—spicy," said Bettridge, dipping his nose in the glass and taking a quaff. While a good match for both cigars, the Patrón got on better with the Oliva, which is its match in the spice department.

Sipping the El Mayor, the final Tequila, Bettridge spoke about the difference between highland and lowland agave plants. This was an example of the former. It was more floral and delicate, whereas the volcanic valley soil in the lowlands typically creates a more savory character. Bettridge deemed it the best all-around pairing. Its implicit sweetness and brad-dough flavors seemed to search out the honey notes in each cigar.

It was time for questions, and the audience had many. Bettridge explained the difference between Tequila and mezcal—all Tequila is mezcal, not all mezcal can be called Tequila. "Tequila is distinguished from mezcal the same way Cognac is distinguished from brandy," he said, describing it both as subsets of spirits made in specific areas.

The energetic question-and-answer session went well past the anointed closing hour. It seemed the audience just didn't want to let this Big Smoke Las Vegas Weekend end. Around 2 p.m., the final audience members walked out the door, smiles on their faces, already planning for next year when they hoped to return.

CLICK BELOW TO READ ABOUT THE OTHER SUNDAY SESSIONS
Charlie Palmer Breakfast
Roll Your Own

CLICK BELOW TO READ ABOUT THE SATURDAY SEMINARS
Fathers and Sons
Cigar Rolling
Cuba
Cigar Blending
Lunch With The Experts

CLICK BELOW TO READ ABOUT THE FRIDAY AND SATURDAY EVENING SESSIONS
Friday and Saturday Night

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