Drawing: The year of freshmen, 1988.
Many bad decisions, tainted by agaves, have led me down a dark path, and at least to where those reading this (and who judge me less) have also been.
That’s what follows me, and even years later, I’ve been training at a very busy Atlanta Sports Bar and ultimately working as a bartender.
Evan Rosenthal, Food and Beverage Concept Development Manager at Walt Disney World, has heard similar stories.
“I was expressing to so many people, so they don’t drink tequila, so they had a really bad experience when they were young, and that’s not just for them.”
Usually, he says it’s a combination of situations. Like a poor quality spirit (check). Or a low quality mixer (check).
Or, you know, too many.
(I said that, but that’s true.)
Ask Amy Drew: Will the Spirit expire?
What he tells them is that tequila is not something they remember and they might love it, so they should give it a try again.
In solidarity, I’m here to back him up to celebrate National Tequila Day (July 24th).
About 15 years ago, I started taking tequila again. Straight on the ice. Usually there is a lime or lemon wedge. One of each.
It started with a swing, a clear, clean, edited representation. Over time, I began to get darker. Caramel-colored reposado (“resting”) aged in oak barrels for up to 2 years gives a minimum of 3 years of spicy, fruity, delicious old añoho. There’s even an extra añeho, but you know where I’m going.
Tequila wasn’t something I remembered. And I loved it.
The team at Rosenthal and Epcot’s latest adults-only lounge, GEO-82, are pleased that they are interested in expanding it, not just the level of tequila knowledge they are seeing among their guests.
“They are trying out brands and expressions they have never experienced before. They are passionate about who makes tequila and the small production and transparency around its ingredients.
My first one was “How much are they?”
It’s fair. You will need to enter the park before you can get there. But these 2oz pours are pretty high-end.
Lalo Blanco is currently a bunch bargain, recording time at $18.50, but the brand’s founder, Eduardo “Lalo” Gonzalez, has a pretty good pedigree. His grandfather is Laro, who produces only Don Giulio Gonzales (yes, Don Giulio) and Blanco Tequila, and his way of celebrating the family legacy in the industry.
“Tasting it really gives you the essence of cooked agaves, but there are notes too,” says Rosenthal. “Flavors like black peppers or fresh peppers.”
He says those looking for an older man’s expression are often intrigued by La Gritona Reposado ($28). Part of it may come from impressive bottles made from recycled green glass. Others feel that women’s distillery Mary Barajas and her entire female staff are selling points.
It is paleer than many other reposades. This is due to design. The manufacturer is trying to stunt the barrel notes to keep the spirit flavor crisp, even when wrapping around what is given to you by mature agave plants between the ages of 8 and 10.
Like Lalo, Lagritona only makes one type of tequila.
While it has long been a common practice in America, sipping bourbon, scotch and other spirits and interest on ice, tequila’s popularity focuses on shots and cocktails. And Rosenthal is certainly a fan of the latter (featuring Geo-82’s high brow tanga, $25, Tapatio Reposado, Ramazotti Amaro, Kola Nut, Lime Cordial, salt and foam).
Personally, I think it’s the perfect sipping choice for warmer climates, but Rosenthal’s growing popularity of ranch water cocktails (a simple tequila-based highball featuring lime and sparkling water) shows that there’s a gateway path in the center.
Smaller brands like Fortaleza become exceptional daytime pours, says Rosenthal.
“Decent or on a large rock. These artisan tequilas give you more to process your sensory experience,” he says.
GEO-82 Beverage and Beauty Epcot Lounge opens on Wednesday
The GEO-82 costs $40.
A quick check says that a 750ml bottle is about $110 in total for wine, but there is no magnificent possibility of a 17-minute music-tuned fireworks and fortune outside the living room window. If you’re lucky enough to have a slot at night, you’ll have a shot at this Epcot Lounge (Get the RES for the GEO-82 Fireworks Experience and it’s rock: disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/geo-82-fireworks-experience).
Of course, you don’t need to come here for a tequila tasting trip.
For Walt Disney World’s Tequila, this includes both Toledo and Dahlia Lounge at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, as well as Kutoriko and Enchanting Rose at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
For fans of the still trending Espresso Martini, Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Brown Derby (admission required) will be the popular version featuring Frecha Azur Reposad Tequila, Tia Maria and Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew.
Personally, I’ll pass on the latter and sample one of the whimsical large cubes of the Geo-82 in the shape of Fortaleza, preferably Epcot’s iconic spaceship Earth.
Rosenthal might be with me about this.
“At the end of the day, when you’re relaxing with friends and family, it’s incredibly fun,” he says. “You sipped it and slowly begin to realize that the producer wanted to show you.”
Find me on Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram @Amydroo, or Osfoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more food fun, join Let’s Eat and Orlando Facebook Group.
