Each spring, Skurnik hosts one of its most popular spirits tastings of the year: R(h)um and the Spirits of Mexico, lovingly referred to as the MX/R(h)um Walkaround. These tastings showcases some of the spirits championed most passionately by hospitality professionals—tequila, mezcal, sugarcane distillates from the Caribbean and beyond—and expands upon these categorical touchstones with destilados, liqueurs, eaux-de-vie, and more. The energy at these events is palpable, not only because of the breathtaking expanse of bottles on display, but because of the producers and professionals gathered in the unified purpose of celebrating such rich distilling heritage.
Though focused on a specific roster of categories and places, these are still events of substantial size. Whether you have an hour or an afternoon to explore its embarrassment of riches, it can be challenging to know quite where to begin. With that in mind, the Skurnik Spirits Team has curated a few “tracks” that might help you dive into the day with practical purpose. And if you wander off the path? Even more delights await…
First, a few useful tips:
Cue Up the Skurnik Digital Tasting Book
Whether exploring the room at a glance or diving into the details of a particular spirit, the digital tasting book (or “DTB”) offers Skurnik-curated information with a swipe of your phone. Check table order, item details, and practical info like pricing and per-ounce cost just by scanning the QR code prominently displayed upon check-in and throughout the space. Each table will also feature its own individual QR code—scan it to jump directly to that table within the DTB and instantly view the spirits and producers being showcased.
This tool will help you navigate the tasting in real time and flag items for later review. When logged into your Skurnik trade account, you can take notes, build lists, and star items—all of which will be sent to you in an Excel file the following day. And once the bustle of the day is done, the tasting book remains digitally available for another three months.
Ask Your Rep for Tasting Suggestions
Your ultimate tour guide to the producers and items at hand, your Skurnik Sales Rep or Spirits Specialist can preemptively highlight not-to-be missed items tailored for your account or personal interests. Don’t forget to take advantage of your built-in resources and feel the satisfaction of walking through the door with a personalized game plan!
Snap a Picture
The palate may be willing, but the memory can be fuzzy after a day of tasting and talking. If something really stands out for you, take a quick picture of the bottle for later reference.
Snack and Hydrate
Water, cheese, crackers, and fruit will be on hand not only to help you avoid tasting on an empty stomach, but to help cleanse your palate between rounds. Don’t be shy!
Visiting our California Tastings? Possible Ways to Navigate our MX/R(h)um Walkaround Tastings:
Track 1: New to Skurnik
If you’re a veteran of the Skurnik book and looking to bone up on its most recent additions, check out this list of new core, premium, and limited spirits guaranteed to breathe some fresh air into your spring and summer offerings.
- MX-XGA-02-NV | Armonico, Mango Gin
- MX-XCA-01-NV | Alma Tepec, Chile Pepper Liqueur, ‘Pasilla Mixe’
- MX-XTE-01-02 | Tequila Cabal, Tequila Blanco
- MX-XRE-01-NVL | Respeto, Artisanal Agave Syrup
- HT-XSB-03-NV | Saint Benevolence, Mango Rum
- MQ-XJM-31-NV | Rhum JM, Rhum Agricole, ‘Atelier – Epices Creoles
- JP-XKT-02-NV | Kokuto De Lequio, Yambaru Spiced Rum
Track 2: Classics Worth Revisiting
It’s easy to get distracted by the next new thing and even easier to presume familiarity with an established brand, but sometimes a solid revisit can yield a fresh perspective or simply remind us of an undeniable banger that got lost in the shuffle. You may think you know, but when was the last time you tasted these essentials?
- MX-XDS-01-NV | Santanera, Tequila, ‘Kosher Blanco’
- MX-XTM-01-NV | Tosba, Mezcal, Espadin
- MX-XAS-01-NV | Flor de Azar, Triple Sec
- MX-XAM-06-NV | Amatitena, Tequila ‘Barrancas’ [Wild Mango, Mamey, and Plum]
- MX-XLM-01-NV | La Medida, Mezcal Espadin, ‘Quiatoni’ (Don Celso)
- MQ-XJM-07-NV | Rhum JM, Rhum Agricole ‘Terroir Volcanique’
- GY-XED-12-NV | El Dorado, Super Premium 12 Year Old Rum
- JM-XRF-01-NV | Rum Fire, White Overproof Rum
Track 3: Quickfire Edition
Here for a good time not a long time? We certainly understand a busy schedule or a shift that can’t be moved, but don’t underestimate the value of even a short visit. If you have only an hour to spare, snag a pour of the following spirits for a qualitative sense of what makes Skurnik’s MX Spirits and R(h)um portfolios some of the best in the country.
- MX-XVM-07-NV | Viva Mexico, Tequila Blanco, ‘Madera’
- MX-XCD-02-NV | Claridad, Mezcal, Espadin Capon
- MX-XLA-02-NV | Lamata, Destilado de Agave, Ensamble Tradicional, ‘Tamaulipas’
- MX-XCU-28-NV | Cuish, Destilado de Agave, Ramirez (Agave sp), ‘Francisco Garcia Leon’
- ZA-XMR-01-NV | MHOBA Rum, High Ester Overproof Rum, ‘The Shaldon’
- MQ-XJM-30-NV | Rhum JM, Rhum Agricole, ‘Atelier – Jardin Fruite’
- HT-XSB-01-NV | Saint Benevolence, Rum Clairin
