Tequila Sauza: history and overview of types
Briefly about South
According to an unspoken tradition, today's acquaintance with the world of tequila usually begins with Sauza. Its sweetish caramel flavor, due to the presence of a little corn sugar in the drink, somewhat hides the agave flavor, which is unusual for a neophyte. At the same time, the agave presence, even in mixed varieties of the mentioned brand, is much brighter and richer than in drinks of the same category produced under other brands (for example, the same Olmeca).
The strength of Sauza tequila for export is usually 40%. At the same time, in some cases, there are 38-degree modifications. An example of this is the Tres Generaciones line.
The history of Sauza tequila
Sauza has a rich history of almost a century and a half. It began in 1873, when a young farmer's son Senobio Sauza used his own savings to buy one of the oldest distilleries in Tequila, La Antigua Cruz, and a state license to produce agave spirits.
The start-up potential of the novice entrepreneur, who later received the honorary name of "the father of tequila", consisted of a wealth of professional experience gained while working at the respected Jose Cuervo distillery, a penchant for bold innovation and extraordinary perseverance...
The latter circumstance is reflected in the new name - La Perseverancia (Spanish. Perseverance), given by a young tequilero to his distillery.
It was Senobio Sauza who introduced the now classic standard "100% Blue Agave", in particular, which excludes the use of other species of this plant for the production of real tequila.
He was also the first to use steam autoclaves instead of pre-industrial underground ovens for the primary processing of raw materials for the future drink. This innovation made the taste and smell of Sauza products more neutral, which allowed Don Senobio to become the first exporter of the national Mexican drink to the United States and Europe.
The main achievement of Senobio Sauza's fifth son and heir, Eladio, was the preservation of the family business during the Mexican Revolution. A clever young man began to present the tequila he produces as a national symbol of the country and the personification of the folk traditions of revolutionary Mexico.
The name of the grandson of the founder of the legendary brand, Francisco Javier, is associated with the adoption of a state law that established geographical regulation of tequila production.
Since 1988, the Sauza distillery empire has lost its family status.
The current owner of the brand is Beam Suntory, a medium-sized alcohol corporation based in Chicago (USA).
The legendary tequila brand itself ranks second in the world in terms of popularity, behind the palm tree Olmec.
Types of Sauza tequila
Sauza Silver
Better known in the post-Soviet space as Sauza Blanco - an unaged mixto cocktail and table drink for the uninitiated.
The smell is characterized by fruity and malt flavors. The sweet taste is slightly offset by the peppery citrus bitterness present in it.
Sauza Gold
Another unaged mixto cocktail and table drink that is a regular in post-Soviet supermarkets.
It has noticeable caramel notes in the smell and taste.
The highlight of the drink is a warming spicy aftertaste that warms you up.
Sauza Blue Silver
A transparent unaged drink, like all the following, consisting of 100% distillate of Blue Agave juice.
This is a core classic aperitif, goes well with a substantial appetizer.
It is characterized by citrus bitterness in the aroma and sweet notes in the taste, accompanied by a bitter grapefruit undertone.
All this ends with a warm but short aftertaste.
Sauza Blue Reposado
Beautiful aperitif straw-colored, aged in oak barrels for at least two months.
The taste and aroma are characterized by citrus notes, enriched with woody and vanilla hints.
Sauza Conmemorativo Añejo
Straw-colored digestif, sometimes distinguished into a separate line. At least one and a half years aged in bourbon barrels.
In some cases, it is produced by blending several spirits obtained from Blue Agave.
Aroma - smoky and grassy with a hint of allspice.
The taste is smoky and peppery. Has a long, moderately rich smoky aftertaste, moderately rich smoky aftertaste.
Sauza Cucumber Chili
A relatively new, experimental flavor designed to create original cocktails, including Margaritas.
Has flavor notes of chili pepper and fresh cucumber.
Hornitos Plata
Young, clear premium tequila.
Worthy of aperitif or a spectacular ingredient in showy cocktails.
The main difference is creamy and spicy notes in the taste and aroma with a slight hint of citrus.
Hornitos Reposado
An elite golden-colored drink that has been in oak containers for two months. A perfect and thoughtful aperitif.
The aroma has spicy and apple notes with a dominant theme of peppermint.
The flavor has a distinctive spicy-fruity hue, complemented by woody hints.
Hornitos Añejo
Amber annual digestif.
The aroma is characterized by notes of vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, dried fruit and wood smoke.
They are also present in the unusually multifaceted taste of the drink.
In addition, there is a deep and long aftertaste.
Hornitos Black Barrel
Refined aristocrat of dark amber color.
After a year in a regular oak barrel, this tequila goes for a four-month refinement course in a burnt wooden container; then it rests for another two months in specially dried oak containers.
As a result, it boasts a balanced combination of vanilla, smoky-woody, peppery and citrus flavors in the taste and aroma.
The expressive, long finish features sugar, caramel and woody motifs.
Tres Generaciones Plata
This and the next two triple-distilled drinks, produced in limited batches, were created to celebrate the company's centenary.
This is a transparent elite alcohol intended for moderate consumption in its pure form.
The aroma has floral and citrus notes.
The flavor has echoes of spicy herbs with a peppery undertone.
Tres Generaciones Reposado
Rests for 4 months in American oak barrels.
The fragrance contains motifs of spices and herbs with a light woody undertone.
The rounded sweetish taste is characterized by notes of spices and dry wood.
The drink leaves a warm aftertaste with a distinctive white pepper theme.
Tres Generaciones Añejo
Light amber digestif, aged for a year in barrels of specially dried oak.
The flavor contains smoky woody motifs with a vanilla and caramel hint.
The taste has interesting notes of brown sugar, gradually turning into a soft aftertaste with a hint of woody cognac associations.
As you can see, the Sauza brand is a real hobby club. The main thing is not to forget that Sauza Blanco and Sauza Gold are just the beginning of the world of Blue Agave drinks.
Update: 18.10.2021
Category: Tequila