Bill Dowd photo
Juan-Domingo "Dobel" Beckmann, sixth-generation tequila maker now heading most parts of the Jose Cuervo empire, not only has introduced a new vodka to the market, he's apparently hoping it also ushers in a new category -- diamond vodka -- to go with the traditional styles. It is being released this month in selected American markets, and I had the opportunity for an advance tasting.• Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila
This is a pleasing blend of differently aged tequilas -- blanco/silver, reposado and aƱejo/aged. Beckmann and his tequila "maestros," Marco Anguiano and Luis Yerenas, are calling their product "the world's first-ever diamond tequila."
But what, precisely, is a "diamond" tequila?
The company's PR people say you should judge it as you do a diamond, by the four C's. In diamonds that is color, cut, clarity and carat weight. In vodka, they say, the four C's are clarity, complexity, craftsmanship and crispness. So, that's the way I looked at Maestro Dobel.
Clarity? It is, like virtually any vodka, crystal-clear.
Complexity? Good, since it is a clever blend of three types of tequila.
Craftsmanship? Good, no doubt about it, and its packaging is superb -- an attractive metal-based bottle, heavy decanter-style stopper, raised glass agave plant design, raised-lettering silver and black label. That would seem to be overdoing it if it were a less expensive tequila that would be polished off rather quickly. But at its super-premium price point, this is more of a special occasion drink so the snazzy container will be appreciated longer.
Crispness? It comes through in a lightness of body, slight bite of citrus and floral notes. Either at room temperature or opened with a cube of ice in a sampling glass, Maestro Dobel is a pleasing product that has a warm, lengthy finish with ethereal hints of thyme, allspice and honey.
Suggested retail price: $75 for the 750ml bottle.
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6 comments:
Mr. Dowd,
What are the markets that it’s available?
Bill,
Nice Photo and nice article on ‘diamond’ tequila.
Hi Bill
Have not tried this tequila yet, sounds great - have you tried Ocho tequila?
Goose:
The first marketing step, says the company, is release at high-end cocktail hotspots in NYC, Chicago, LA and Miami, plus “selected outlets.”
That last part can be translated as meaning only big-volume big-city vendors until enough buzz is generated to create the demand to push the tequila through more mainstream vendors. Stay in touch with your favorite spirits shop manager.
Great!
I’m a club promoter in Manhattan and often get asked by owners and managers what the new hot spirit is. I will definitely pass along this info and hopefully we’ll add ‘Diamond’ to our bottle service list soon.
Thanks again.
Ever since I grew up and put my college drinking habits aside, I've discovered tequila is a wonderful, sophisticated drink. What caused the old "blackouts" and barfing was mixed junk masquerading as tequila.
Maestro Dobel sounds like a great addition to the world of top-shelf tequilas. I can't wait to try it.
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