It might have been raining outside, but it was hot, hot, hot inside El Capo on Monday evening.
I was amongst a group of specially invited journalists at the Midlands launch of Tequila Herraduras “Buy-the Barrel” program at the cantina on Broad Street in Hockley.
Now it seems I may be late to the party with Tequila. Thanks to other commitments, I was also slightly late to this particular party which saw the venue’s first barrel purchase, so my Tequila tasting was condensed into five minutes as opposed to the hour of seated tasting enjoyed by my companions.
Seated under a display of crucifix, which I’m assured are just for decor and each doesn’t bear our names in anticipation of the morning after, I manage to catch the tail-end of the tasting session of the Double Barrel Resposado with an explanation of from Stuart Fritz from Herradura Tequila. When I speak of parties, they have been, like many, my experience of Tequila in the past with the old salt, lemon, shot trick – I can never remember which way round it is – and so it was interesting to hear a little more about the drink which has the fastest growth in sales the UK at the moment, overtaking Gin!
This wasn’t an evening about who can drink the most shots, it was actually about celebrating Tequila as a product and a proper introduction to its flavour. Founded in 1870, Tequila Herradura (which translates as horseshoe) is one of the oldest and most celebrated tequila brands. It’s “Buy-the-Barrel” program offers select members of the bar industry the opportunity to personally choose their own bespoke barrel of Herradura Double Reposado. This is only the second barrel to have been shipped to the UK since the programme started in 2016, putting Nottingham and El Capo firmly on the map for Tequila lovers in the Midlands and beyond.
Peter Skelton, owner of El Capo, joined us at the celebration having personally selected the barrel which has been bottled into 240 personalised and numbered bottles shipped to Nottingham to share with Tequila-loving punters.
So what makes Herradura Double Reposado different? There is a misconception that Tequila is just a ‘cheap shot’. At 40% this particular beverage is super-premium, limited edition made from 100% blue agave. It is aged in bespoke toasted oak barrels for 11 months, longer than the legal requirements, with an additional month, spent in a new toasted oak barrel, made specifically for this extra maturation. Each barrel is completely unique meaning no two Herradura Double Barrel Reposados are the same. It’s adherence to traditional production methods earning it an unrivalled reputation amongst tequila aficionados. Still want to drink it fast? If you do you’ll miss out on its exceptional smoothness, with notes of cooked agave, dried fruits and sweet brown spice. Peter recommends sipping neat, to fully appreciate its complex flavour profile.
This was the first time I’d been to El Capo, which boasts one of the most extensive selections of tequilas in the UK. As Mexican cantinas go it certainly looks the part. Dark wooden floors, terracotta paint job, ornate ceramic tiles and ambient lighting transport you to the Hacienda, which is where owner Pete was invited to witness the traditional production process of Herradura. Following rigorous sampling (tough job, Pete) he selected the barrel from which we drank tonight.
To follow our tasting session we were treated to a selection of fiery dishes hotter than Mexico itself from the menu. Corn tortilla chips, Pan fried prawns in garlic and chilli oil, Corn on the cob tossed in chilli, coriander, butter and manchego cheese, Padron Peppers seasoned with smoked Maldon Salt with homemade chilli oil, Avocado salad, Pan Fried Chorizo in red wine, garlic and onions, Mac n’ Cheese and hottest Patatas Bravas I ever tasted. Thankfully we have Margaritas to cool our taste buds and top up our tequila intake for the evening.
Is this Gringo a convert? For a girl that drinks wine with her meal, I’m yet to be convinced of its merits on its own, but it sure gives the end of night whiskey or brandy a run for its money and with the cuisine from flavour town, it pairs beautifully.
**a 25ml measure of Herradura Double Barrel Reposado will set you back £5 and a 70cl bottle comes in at £110
For more information on El Capo, or to book a table visit: http://www.elcaonq.co.uW
For
Words and photos by Tanya Louise
Editor
@tanyalouise_
**Disclaimer – My food & drink was complimentary but my views are my own.
