[Mike Morales]

Last weekend, my friend, Pete, threw a tequila tasting party for a group of us in Albuquerque who would've attended the 5th Annual New Mexico International Tequila Experience™. He figured it was a good way to drown our sorrows!

There were bottles of Buscadores anejo, Espolon silver, and 1800 silver. I brought along what was left of a bottle of Fina Estampa that importer, Todd Bowen was good enough to ship to me.

Both Fina Estampa, and Herencia de Plata--imported by Clark Munkel of Sailing Star, Inc.--will soon be available in New Mexico. It was such a kick to introduce our friends to more fine tequilas not previously available in our state.

I'll admit, I'm not much of a reposado drinker. I enjoy an occasional Cazadores, Penca Azul, and Espolon if I do order one, so when a new one comes my way, it better catch my attention.

At first sniff, Fina Estampa has a strong agave nose. At first sip, you might even think--if you were blindfolded--that you were tasting a silver. After the first swallow, the world opens up to your taste buds.

Fruity, full-bodied, and slightly smoky. The more I had, the more complicated it seemed. Don't let its light golden color fool you, either. There's a lot happening in that snifter of Fina Estampa.

This is certainly not your average, run-of-mill reposado!

With a classic, hand-blown bottle and elegant graphics on the box, Fina Estampa was a definite hit with my friends.

Look for it wherever you are. If you can't locate it, send Todd an e-mail through this forum. You won't be sorry!

By the way...

And I hope both Clark and Todd don't mind me letting this bit of good news out....

Fina Estampa and Herencia de Plata have both been selected in Wine Enthusiast's top 50 spirits! (More news on this to come in the near future!) Just to compare...

Only one tequila made the cut for the magazine last year!

If you haven't already...

Read about Todd and Fina Estampa at Tequilarte. Show your support for these two fine additions to the Agave World and ask for them by name.

[ianadmin]

Thanks for the tasting notes, Mike. I'm saddened that you have to go underground for your tequila fest, but it's our gain here.

And you've given me a few items to look for when I again return to Zihua, next year. Would you know if these are general shelf or Duty Free only items?
Cheers

[Mike Morales]

Ian...

Not sure about duty free. Todd would know better about this. Perhaps he can fill us in?

In the meantime...

I have received word that the both Fina Estampa and Herencia de Plata have made it on the truck and are headed to New Mexico!

Can't wait!

Salud!

P.S.: I may have some fabulous news about next year's Tequila Experience™ very soon!

[reifer]

You should be able to get Herencia de Plata in local liquor stores. I see it all the time in Vallarta and Mexico City. Have not noticed Fina Estampa so wouldn't know where you might find it.

[oregonparts]

As far as the Fina Estampa goes it is not sold in Mexico at this time, and is only in about 8 states here in America but is to be brought into 14 more states after the first of the year. We will be in Guadalajar Dec 6th for a week, Reifer if you are interested we can give you a tour of the Herencia de Plata distillery. You all have a good Thanksgiving and we will talk later.

[reifer]

Appreciate the invite but, unfortunately due to piss poor planning, I will be in the US until the 12th.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone

[jag]

oregonparts, on Nov 24 2004, 07:37 PM, said:

As far as the Fina Estampa goes it is not sold in Mexico at this time, and is only in about 8 states here in America but is to be brought into 14 more states after the first of the year.

Could you tell us which states it's already being sold in (and perhaps which shops/chains) and the same for the 14 additional states?

[oregonparts]

The States that it is being sold in at this time is Oregon, Idaho, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Michigan, West Virginia. If you would like to see what the product looks like you can go to www.finaestampatequila.com also the Herencia de Plata web site is www.sailingstar.com. I have also attached a file attachment on a story that was in the paper about how I started this venture with tequila. Thanks: Todd

P/S. I don't know if I did the attachment right.

[ruumis]

I didn't see an attachment. Not sure if Todd's referring to this article, but it's a good read!

I can't wait to try it! I see a distribution deal in New York is forthcoming, please keep me posted! I'll gladly make the drive from Connecticut to pick up a bottle.

[jag]

oregonparts, on Nov 30 2004, 06:47 AM, said:

The States that it is being sold in at this time is ..., California, ...

Cool, that'll save me a trip to Oregon :-)

Where though? I've checked the local BevMos (www.bevmo.com) and no go.

Also, if anyone knows of a place near San Jose where I could try a shot before buying the bottle, I'd much appreciate it.

[oregonparts]

Dear Jag: I do not know what stores have it in California but one of our distributors there is Pale Horse Imports and you could ask Erin where you might buy it, his number is 1-800-684-2143 and I also know that it is sold over the net and I believe it is www.hitimewine.net. Talk to you later: Todd

[Mike Morales]

Jag...

Not sure if they have it in stock, yet, but...

Tommy's in SF (yes...I know it's a drive! :( ) may be carrying it soon.

Fina Estampa is definitely of the caliber that should be included in any restaurant/bar that professes to have an extensive tequila menu.

You might want to call before driving all that way, or...

Just take the leap!

Enjoy!

[SILVER]

Really, do take the leap. the landing will by quite soft. Besides that, at least in Oregon, Fina Estampa is moderatly priced. It's cheaper than Herradura!

[jag]

Mike Morales, on Nov 30 2004, 04:18 PM, said:

Tommy's in SF (yes...I know it's a drive! :( ) may be carrying it soon.

Thanks, Mike!

Tommy's is on my "to do" list, and they're only an hour away, so I'll give 'em a call.

Quote

Fina Estampa is definitely of the caliber that should be included in any restaurant/bar that professes to have an extensive tequila menu.

The Mexican restaurant I frequent have a fair stock, and they're willing to try out new stuff*, I'll see if I can slip 'em Oregon Parts' contact info.

* I tried the Corzo reposado last week; can't say I liked it. I started out on añejos and haven't progressed to reposados yet, so I don't know if it's just reposados, or Corzo... I guess I'll have to give their añejo a try next year.

[jag]

SILVER, on Nov 30 2004, 05:55 PM, said:

[A]t least in Oregon, Fina Estampa is moderatly priced. It's cheaper than Herradura!

How much would that be? I can get it for around $48 + shipping from hitimewine.net, but the Herradura Añejo around here is only $42...

[Mike Morales]

Just got the news!

Congratulations to Todd Bowen, importer of Fina Estampa, and...

Clark Munkel of Sailing Star, importer of Herencia de Plata, for being voted in Wine Enthusiasts top tequilas.

They both are in the top 6 selections!

The current issue of Wine Enthusiast is on sale now!

...I know what I want in my stocking for Christmas! :D

[Mike Morales]

Tequilarte has just notified me that their Catador has also reviewed Fina Estampa.

Read what he has to say at Tequilarte