Tequila Joven

• Joven tequila produced in Amatitán, Jalisco, by Destiladora La Roca (NOM 1646)
• Maestro Tequileros Héctor Dávalos and Gabriel Montes
• Blend of 65% blanco tequila and 35% añejo tequila
• 100% estate-grown organic Azul aka Blue Weber (Agave tequilana) matured 6–7 years
• Cooked for an average of 26 hours in 24-ton brick ovens
• Crushed using a roller mill
• Open fermented in stainless steel tanks for 72 hours using deep well water with proprietary yeast and ambient yeasts
• Double distilled in pot stills; the first distillation in a stainless steel pot still and the second in a copper pot still
• Añejo tequila aged 26 months in Willet and Old Elk whiskey barrels
• USDA Organic certified
• Additive free
• 47% ABV

In tequila, the recognized classification “Joven” (or “young”) refers to a blend of blanco tequila with aged (reposado and añejo). The historic origins of “gold” tequila, joven tequilas at their best can retain the vigor and bright vegetal vibrancy of unaged tequila, while providing soft layers of subtle baking space and a hint of warm oak influence from the barrel’s influence. While the term “gold” has generally fallen into disfavor, due to its association with caramel coloring and sweet additives, forward thinking artisanal tequila producers have been increasingly embracing the historic method under this new name, inspired by the delicate balancing act and the unique nuance of flavors which joven tequila can bring to the table.

Cabal’s first Joven release is a delightful one. Marrying two expressions, distilled by two different maestros of the Montes clan, Cabal Joven is created solely using blanco tequila and fully rested añejo tequila – reposado not included. Blending a blanco from Las Viboras estate with agave reaching 29–39 brix, distilled by Gabriel Montes, with an añejo from the El Crucero estate with agave at 28–33 brix, distilled in 2023 by Héctor Dávalos and for aged twenty-six months in Willet and Old Elk whiskey barrels, this first foray for Cabal into the category is an ambitious show-stopper. Bottled in their iconic “horsehead” bottle, with a potent red colorway inspiring cinematic flights of fancy, this unique release is sure to capture the imagination for this Year of the Horse….