August 16, 2008

Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila

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:

Anonymous said...

Mr. Dowd,

What are the markets that it’s available?

Anonymous said...

Bill,

Nice Photo and nice article on ‘diamond’ tequila.

Anonymous said...

Hi Bill

Have not tried this tequila yet, sounds great - have you tried Ocho tequila?

William M. Dowd said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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.