IZO 100% Agave Tequila Extra Añejo Cristalino Tequila, made by San Diego manufacturer IZO Spirits, has been awarded as Tequila of the Year at the fourth London Spirits Competition held on March 17, 2021.
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Ranked according to three criteria – taste, presentation and value – the latest creation from the distinctive IZO Spirits collection has already become an instant classic. Developed under the watchful eye of Master Mezcalero Jose Gonzalez in the tradition of founder Gaston Martinez, the smooth and compelling spirit is part of their bid to bring traditionally crafted, premium agave spirits to the world.
“We are delighted to have won this award. We believe that everyone should be able to drink good quality agave spirits that are full of quality and flavor. Our approach is all about extending the legacy of an age-old process, and we are thrilled it has been recognized by judges at the London Spirits Competition,” says Martinez.
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Distinctive smoky taste
The IZO Spirits collection is known for its award-winning Mezcal. The mezcal is artfully blended and distilled from wild-harvested agave picked at the right moment by skilled Jimadores in the hills of Durango. The hearts of the Weber Blue Agave, which weigh up to 250 pounds, go through a special roasting process featuring organic oak and volcanic lava. This results in a distinctive smoky taste, that when mixed with well water for a balance of sugars results in pristine quality and flavor.
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The bottle that tells a story
As well as taste, the judges at the London Spirits Competition were judging on presentation. After the nectar is sealed and fermented to reach an alcohol content of 40% or higher, it is twice distilled and then finally rested for a further three years to produce an authentically aged Extra Añejo. One last step comes in the charcoal filtration process, resulting in a crystal clear ‘cristalino’ appearance. When poured in a glass, the Extra Añejo Cristalino Tequila is transparent and icy and exudes a bouquet of delicate notes of herbs, fruit and spices
On-shelf appeal was another criteria, and here IZO 100% Agave Extra Añejo Cristalino Tequila excelled. Even the bottle itself tells a story. Hand-corked and hand-labeled by a team of craftsmen, it evokes a tale of heart and soul. Subtle smokiness of the Mezcal comes through in the shaded smoke rising from the bottom of the bottle, earthy fire pits are evidenced in volcanic rock imprints as you run your hand across it, and hand-applied labels allow the light to shine through and reveal the spirit’s sparkling clarity.
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Available in San Diego and nationwide
The judges also considered value. IZO Spirits Extra Añejo Cristalino Tequila adheres to a national government-issued Appellation of Origin legally recognizing the locale as the only Mexican state where tequila may be produced. It is thus unique and special, yet as part of IZO’s dream to allow everyone to drink premium tequila that has been aged to perfection, represents remarkable value and is available in stores across the country.
You can find it being served at Javier’s at the UTC Mall, Cantina Mayahuel, Brigantine, and other restaurants and bars around San Diego.
Congratulations to the team at IZO for being recognized as 2021’s Tequila of the Year!
Stay healthy, San Diego!
