100 Bottles of Tequila on the Wall
For the tequila lovers among you, here’s some good news:
In Clarendon, Virginia, Fuego Cocina y Tequileria is fostering the tequila revolution in a big way, offering nothing short of 100 select artisanal tequilas and mezcals, with plenty of guidance for the novice and knowledgeable recommendations for established tequila aficionados.
Here you’ll find an abundance of sipping tequilas to savor, either on their own or in flights of three.
Those drinking 100% agave will find a bounty of affordable new entrants to the market, along with an extensive selection of boutique and unusual bottles marking their domain. All handcrafted with great care, expertise, and rarified equipment and ingredients, these pours signify a special occasion, when it’s time to indulge in one of the world’s best.
Among them are: AsomBroso Extra Anejo Tequila; El Tesoro de Don Felipe Paradiso Anejo Tequila; Leyenda del Milagro Romance; Gran Patron Burdeos Anejo; Herradura Seleccion Suprema Extra Anejo; Hacienda del Cristero Blanco; Don Julio Real Extra; and Casa Dragones.
“Blancos” or the youngest of the tequilas, are well represented on the list by popular names like Jose Cuervo as well as the extremely select Gran Patron.
Tequila is still predominantly a partnering liquor, however, and the most common way to consume the sugar-based spirit is in the Margarita. Because experience tells us not to mess with success, the bar capitalizes on the festive drink’s popularity, from ‘Tradicional’ to more creative options like the Frozen Hibiscus [Sauza Gold, Triple Sec, Hibiscus Extract and Salt Rim] and the Amor Prohibido [Strawberry-infused Tequila, Triple Sec, Strawberry Purée, Lime Juice, and Arbol Chili Salt Rim.]
Scott Clime, Passion Food Hospitality’s Beverage Director, is always on the lookout for less traditional ways to use tequila by developing variations of cocktails that don’t ordinarily contain the spirit. He and his team of mixologists further stimulate the senses by infusing ingredients such as Jalapeño, Cucumber, Avocado, spices, and other flavors that extend the notes of tequila – try the Mala Suerte [Habenero-infused Tequila, Triple Sec, Grapefruit Juice, Lime Juice, and Sugar Rim,] or the Gherkin Fresca [Sauza Blue Silver, Hendricks Gin, Jalapeño Simple Syrup, Cucumber and Lime Agua Fresca.]
Fuego Cocina y Tequileria, 2800 Clarendon Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia (map), offers the broadest selection of tequilas north of the border and the authentic Mexican cuisine to go with it. Whether you’re looking to quench your thirst, experience a rare distillation, find the perfect accompaniment to your feast of tacos, or throw back a celebratory shot, Fuego has got the tequila for you.
(Photo by Dany Sabadini)
