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If you think there are tons of tequila brands in the U.S., you should see the stores in Jalisco, Mexico where the stuff is made. Hundreds of bottles compete for shelf space. The major difference between the two markets: money. New tequilas here in the states vie for upmarket dollars -- and Vida Tequila is no exception. Beautifully packaged in a short, squat, squarish bottle -- with an oak stopper instead of cork -- Vida's three tequilas (blanco, reposado and añejo) are the latest ultra-premiums to hit our shores. The company is new, but the distillery where the tequila is made is not: Compañía Tequilera de Arandas, S.A de C. V (www.tequileradearandas.com). The distillery makes many tequilas and is, according to the press release, the fifth largest distillery, by capacity, in the world.
Vida's reposado, aged in American white oak for six months, has a light golden-honey color, which makes sense: blanco, by comparison, has not been aged and is clear -- and añejo, which is aged at least a year, is usually dark amber. Like many good reposados, this one has some wood and smoke aromas, but it doesn't drown out the natural agave flavor. There is an appealingly earthy aroma and a clean, crisp taste that certainly has some citrus going on, too -- as well as pineapple, vanilla and coconut in the finish. It's 40 percent alcohol by volume, has a little sting going down and seems a tad watery, but ultimately shows terrific balance. Try it straight, on the rocks or with grapefruit soda, like they do (sometimes) in Jalisco.
-- James Oliver Cury
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