My four day educational experience in Jalisco is one I will never forget. Francisco Hajnal Alfaro, President of, La Academia Mexican de Catadores taught a four day “Expert Seminar on Tequila”. Two days consisted in theory classes in Guadalajara’s luxurious Hotel, Victoria Express. During our stay in Guadalajara we got to visit the Tequila Regulatory At the C.R.T. we learned from scientist that explained the scientific approaches behind the tequila process and “Terroir”.
During our last two days we visited six different distilleries. Three in Los Altos (highlands) and 3 in the “low lands,” Tequila Jalisco. We learned from Maestro Tequileros, jimadores (harvesters), chemist, distillery managers, and brand owners. The distilleries visited were: La Primavera, El Centenario/ La Vencedora, Quiote, La Fortaleza, La Alborada and La Rojeña.
Our graduating ceremony was held in the José Cuervo gardens. Just before our award ceremony we toured “La Rojeña, the first ever licenced tequila distillery (1795). We were priveledged to fill our own Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia bottle, dip the top with wax, glue the required labels and take home this great gift. We even got a chance to go down to their private cellar and drink right out of their aging barrels. Our evening concluded with Aztec dance representations, folkloric dancers, a musical group, delicious dinner and finally our Maestro Catodor (Master Taster) and Expert on Tequila certificates. Thank you everyone that helped us with this “blue dream”.
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Salud!
Mario Alejandro Márquez
Tequila Ambassador
Cafe Coyote y Cantina
