In time to celebrate Día de los Muertos, Espolòn releases a Marigold-flavored reposado tequila as a limited annual release.
Marigold is a common annual plant found in flower beds across the Americas. These bright yellow and orange flowers are also commonly used to fill in the eye sockets of sugar skulls or Calaveras, brightly colored craniums made from sugar paste. These calaveras are displayed during Día de los Muertos, a Mexican holiday beginning November 1st, which honors loved ones who have passed. According to Mexican beliefs, Marigolds allow the deceased to return in spirit and visit family members. These flowers are also widely believed to evoke positive energy and joy. Infusing such happiness with tequila sounds like good times are afoot, so shake up a tasty margarita (recipe below) and raise a glass to a passed loved one in your life. Perhaps they’ll come back and join you
What’s In The Bottle?
Classic Highland-grown Blue Weber Agave is distilled at Espolôn's Casa San Nicolás and aged for about two months in new American oak. The tequila is then infused with marigold extract, known as Flor de Oro (meaning Golden Flower), and bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV). The liquid will be available leading up to Día de los Muertos with an MSRP of $43.
How Does It Taste?
Aromas of orange peel, oak, floral hints, and sweet caramel on the nose turn to classic roasted agave and vanilla flavors on the palate, where it meets a bitter marigold note balanced with cacao and spicy cinnamon.
- 2 parts Espolòn Flor de Oro Reposado Tequila
- 1-part Fresh Lime Juice
- 0.5-part Agave Nectar
Directions:
Combine ingredients and shake with ice until cold. Strain into a salt-rimmed rocks glass and garnish with a lime wheel and marigold flower, if available.
"Día de Muertos is all about family, tradition, and honoring those no longer with us. It presents an opportunity for me to reflect on memories of celebrations and traditions – rooted in food, aromas, and tequila – that my mother and grandmother taught me."
— Jesús Susunaga Acosta, Maestro Tequilero of Espolòn Tequila
John McCarthy is a spirit, travel, and lifestyle journalist, managing editor, and author of The Modern Gentleman and Whiskey Rebels: The Dreamers, Visionaries & Badasses Who Are Revolutionizing American Whiskey. McCarthy is also editor of Barleycorn Drinks and Director of Judging of the John Barleycorn Awards.
