The Cinco De Mayo Celebration is here to commemorate Mexico's epic victory over the Second French Empire. People are welcomed to join in the fiesta to witness the streets come alive with the sounds of lively Mexican folk music, as the famous mariachi bands take center stage. Spectacular parades, with dancers dressed in flamboyant traditional attire, are a sight to behold. And what's a celebration without food? Mouth-watering traditional eats like guacamole, made with millions of avocados, and other delectable Mexican dishes are enjoyed by everyone.
But beyond the traditional festivities, the tequila industry has also become an integral part of the Cinco De Mayo celebration. With limited edition tequilas and new brands making their way to the scene, tequila is outperforming all other spirits. Earlier this year, it surpassed American whisky to become the second most valuable spirit category in the U.S. and is predicted to overtake vodka as the biggest category by value by the end of 2023, according to the IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.
The Cinco De Mayo Celebration is a time to celebrate history, culture, and of course, indulge in some of the finest tequila the world has to offer. Here are some of the latest tequilas that made a feature at this year’s event.
1. Patrón El Cielo
SRP $129
Patrón Tequila's new addition is their first premium silver tequila, created through a four-time distillation process to achieve a rich, sweet, and citrusy balance.
How do you enjoy it: The structure and complexities of Patrón El Cielo make it an ideal sipper, over ice with a slice of orange.
2. Chrome Horse Society
SRP $75.49
Chrome Horse Society debuts with an ultra-smooth, premium blanco tequila that boasts notes of citrus and spicy pepper. Presented in a sleek bottle, this refined spirit is designed to appeal to sophisticated and modern consumers.
How do you enjoy it: The tequila is pure enough to sip neat or to use as the base for your favourite tequila cocktail.
3. Calirosa Reposado
SRP $59.99
Calirosa introduces Reposado, aged for nine months in red wine barrels, like the rest of the collection, instead of the usual whisky barrels. The delicate softness and fruity notes of nectarine and pineapple shine on the palate, while guava and orange blossom scents tantalize the nose.
How do you enjoy it: It’s these notes that lend themselves to the brand's recommendation of enjoying Calirosa Reposado in an espresso martini or paloma.
4. Storywood Tequila
SRP $39.99 (reposado), $73.67 (añejo)
Storywood's reposado and añejo styles use 100% blue weber agave matured for 10 years, followed by aging for seven or 14 months in single malt whisky casks.
How do you enjoy it: Storywood is best enjoyed as a slow sipping tequila; add a drop of water or block of ice to watch it evolve and open in your glass much like a single malt would. .
5. Casa Don Ramón
SRP $750
To celebrate their 25th anniversary, Casa Don Ramón unveiled a limited edition extra añejo tequila, aged for three years in American oak, French oak, and whisky barrels, resulting in a powerful, full-bodied spirit with hints of dark cherries, cedar, and caramel. The 5,000 Swarovski-studded bottles were crafted in collaboration with Mexican artisans who hand-placed 301 golden crystals on each bottle.
How do you enjoy it: Savour this neat.
6. Tequila Don Julio Rosado
SRP $125
Don Julio expands its portfolio with a reposado aged in ruby port wine casks for at least 4 months giving it a light pink hue that differentiates it from traditional reposados. Don Julio expands its portfolio with a reposado aged in ruby port wine casks for at least four months, giving it a light pink hue that differentiates it from traditional reposados. Dubbed Rosado, this tequila is crafted with a lighter profile in mind, ideal for daytime sipping by the pool or on the patio, with flavors of creamy strawberry, ripe raspberry, and a hint of bitter cocoa.
How do you enjoy it: Enjoy as a long drink with a splash of club soda and lemon wheel.
7. Celosa Rosé Tequila
SRP $129.99
Crafted from seven-year-old blue weber agave, the organic joven rosé tequila is rested in French oak barrels previously used for red wine, imparting a balanced blend of summer berries and vanilla sweetness with a smooth finish. The elegant bottle features a unique Mexican marble topper, making it a beautiful serving vessel.
How do you enjoy it: Celosa suggests serving this chilled and neat or substituting it for gin in a negroni.
