Mezcal: nectar of the agave plant
All tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. Tequila is made from a single variety of blue agave, not a cactus, but a succulent similar to the lily. Mezcal, the larger definition of the spirit, is made from this succulent too, but can be made from up to five different kinds of agave (including blue agave). Tequila is governed by more specific guidelines than mezcal. Tequila is distilled two or three times, while mezcal is usually distilled only once.
The distillation process vaporizes the liquid and while the contents are suspended, their specific components separate. This separation allows distillers to gather the 'sweet spot,' a portion of the vapor with the least harsh flavor. Each time a liquid is distilled the sweet spot becomes more refined. Re-distilling a spirit makes it smooth, but can also rob it of its personality.
Mezcal, including Tequila, is categorized by the amount of time it is allowed to age or 'rest.' Blanco or silver versions are aged for a few months, while gold mezcals are usually aged a touch longer. Blanco is aged in stainless steel. Gold versions can be aged in oak, but many are not. Some contain color additives to give them the amber color of an oak aged spirit. Reposado has been aged in oak for a year and an?ejo mezcal or tequila has been aged for one to three years in oak barrels. Oak mellows the spirit and adds complex flavors, similar to what it does with wine.
The worm was a brilliant marketing ploy thought up by a mezcal producer in 1950. He discovered mezcal made with agave infested by a butterfly caterpillar tasted different. This mezcal became very popular. He pickled these caterpillars and added them to his product and over time folk lore evolved equating the worm with mystical powers. Mystical or not, mezcal and tequila have become very sophisticated and gain new stature and enthusiasts each day.
Case Discounts
Libations Wine & Spirits offers 10% discount on all cases of wine mix or match.
Join us most Wednesdays to sample wine, beer, and spirits in-store, at no charge.
Every Wednesday from 4:30pm to 7:00pm we pour samples for you.
Join us on selected Fridays too.
Upcoming Tasting Events
August 5th,2009
Oak Ridge Wines
3 Girls Chardonnay
Double Medal Lodi Int'l Wine Awards
OVZ Zinfandel
Triple Medal Lodi Int'l Wine Awards
3 Girls Pinot Noir
3 Girls Cabernet
Double Medal Lodi Int'l Wine Awards
August 12th, 2009
New Wines in Stock!
Aurora Cellars Brazillian Wines
Propietary Red and Chardonnay only $10.99
Chime Chardonnay only $11.99
96 points RedWhiteandRose.com
Gundlach Bundschu Mountain Cuvee Blend only $19.99
August 19th,2009
Global Vinyard Importers
Calcu 2009 Rose only $12.99
Tercos 2006 Malbec only $12.99
Tercos 2006 Sangiovese only $12.99
Ricardo Santos 2007 Malbec
August 26th, 2009
Grand Vin Distributing
Angeline Sauv Blanc
Chardonnay only $13.49
Cabernet only $20.49
90 points Wine Enthusiasts
Rex Hill Pinot Noir
As always, you will receive a 15% discount on wines,
and a 10% discount on beers during all tasting events!
SPECIAL PRICING DURING TASTING HOURS
Wednesday tasting hours are 4:30 to 7:00 pm.
Each sample is a one ounce portion to adults 21 and older.
Limit four different samples per person.
Libations Wine and Spirits is a full service liquor store serving
Aurora, Parker, Centennial, Tallyn's Reach, Saddle Rock,
Pride's Crossings, Shenandoah, Park Villas, Inverness, Meadow Hills, Foxfield,
Cottonwood, Pleasant Run, Heritage Eagle Bend and Littleton, Colorado area.
Libations has a comprehensive wine inventory, award winning beer selections,
all of your favorite spirits and few unusual items as well.
Whether you are driving from the DTC, (Denver Tech Center), downtown Denver, Parker,
Aurora, Castle Rock, Franktown or Inverness, Libations is on your way home.
We are located in Southeast Aurora, near Cherry Creek Reservoir, at Arapahoe Crossings.
Our staff are knowledgeable about wine, beer, liqueurs, and spirits, and are
always eager to serve you.
You must be 21 years or older to shop at Libations Wine & Spirits.
Libations Wine & Spirits
Arapahoe & Parker Roads
Northeast corner at Arapahoe Crossings
6554 South Parker Road, Aurora, Colorado 80016
Monday - Saturday, 10am to 10pm
Sunday from 11am to 6pm
Phone: 303-766-0575
info@libationswines.com
libationswines.com
coupon
July 29, 2009 swing by on Wednesday to sample some great summertime cocktails.
We know man cannot live on wine and beer alone!
We have assembled a collection of fun, ready-to-go cocktails.
Their tasty recipes have are crowd pleasing appeal,
but are perfect for the cocktail savvy sect.
They are convenient, no mixing or measuring.
You only have to buy one bottle and
you can pour yourself a glass anytime you like.
Just add ice!
We are pouring samples from 4:30pm to 7:00pm.
