Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). While a minor holiday in Mexico, the fifth of May has evolved into a cultural celebration in the U.S.
There are many traditions from parades to full-blown festivals. While tacos and margaritas are the go-to for many parties today, if you're looking to truly get a taste of Mexico, consider this: One of the most authentic Mexican libations is tequila, which has to be produced in a specific region of the country in order to even be considered tequila.
Made from the blue agave plant, tequila is named after its place of origin, an area surrounding the city of Tequila. There are three main types of tequila: Blanco, reposado, and añejo -- all of which make for a perfect Cinco de Mayo celebration.
The Blanco, commonly known as silver, is Blue Weber agave in its purest form, typically unaged and clear. Blanco tequila is probably the best representation of naturally distilled agave flavor. It can be bottled directly after distillation or stored in stainless steel tanks to rest for up to four weeks.
Pair this tequila with our Queenside for a twist on a citrus margarita. Queenside’s blood orange base flavor adds the right amount of citrus while balancing the bite of a Blanco tequila with a creamy French vanilla finish. It just might be better than an actual margarita and you don't even have to worry about mixers.
If you're looking for something with a little more complexity, try a reposado. This tequila goes through the first stage of resting and aging. Typically aged in wood barrels, which impart even more flavor, a reposado takes between two to 11 months to progress. The spirit absorbs a golden hue and a balance between agave and wood flavors. Sometimes, reposados are aged in old liquor barrels and will take on flavor notes of the previously aged liquor.
Combine resposado’s barrel flavor with that of Castle Long’s non-barrel aged flavor. The vape’s Kentucky Bourbon note adds depth to the inherently oaky taste of the rested and aged tequila. Castle Long’s coconut, roasted almond, vanilla bean, and caramelized brown sugar additions sweeten the load, perfect for an after-lunch treat. And if you're feeling daring, try pairing a reposado with Grandmaster.
Last but not least, is the añejo, an aged tequila. Distillers are required to age añejos in barrels no larger than 600 liters in order to properly darken the tequila, imparting both the right amount of barrel flavors and amber color. Anejo tequila is typically smoother, richer and more complex in flavor.
It also makes for a great after-dinner drink, especially when sipped alongside the enriched Black Flag Risen. Forget coffee, this vape already has infused flavors. Take Black Flag Risen’s decaffeinated cappuccino, light truffle cream, mocha dusted black walnut and a hint of flue-cured sweet Virginia tobacco leaf, add a rich oaky -- on the cusp of smokey -- añejo and you have yourself one helluva nightcap.
Also, remember to serve your tequila neat, as they do in Mexico, and you're well on your way to not only celebrating Cinco de Mayo but honoring the heritage from which the holiday came.
