Being a fan of Tequila & Mezcal – both Geographical Indicator protected terms specific to Mexico – I was intrigued to hear of an Australian company growing agave with the intention of releasing an agave spirit.
Whilst researching for my Whisky In Africa blog I also happened to come across a distillery in South Africa already marketing a Karoo Agave drink.
Both of these companies immediately attracted my attention.
Neither of them can use the terms ‘Tequila’ or ‘Mezcal’ – but that is essentially what they are making.
Using agave plants – which can be grown outside of Mexico – to make the spirits using similar techniques the results would make for a very interesting tasting.
Would you be able to discern the difference between the 3 drinks?
I’d certainly love to try them!
What about you?
Sláinte
Explanation of what a Geographical Indicator is from World Intellectual Property Organisation website here.
I’ve previously encountered their Ginger Beer – which I enjoyed – but hadn’t tried this Root Beer before so was tempted on spotting it in my local supermarket.
There’s a lot of ingredients on the back label – so how does it taste?
The colour looks like a dark stout – courtesy added caramel.
The nose – to me anyway – is quite artificial.
Light carbonation with a sweet dark cherry thing going on. A bit unusual to my tastes.
Makes for an alternative style of soft drink – despite it being labelled a beer – but I think I’ll stick to the ginger variety myself.
Cognisant of the rise in non-alcoholic drinks – when this American Malt appeared in my local SuperValu I was intrigued enough to purchase one.
Promising a taste experience similar to bourbon – other offerings are available – could it deliver?
It certainly looks like a bourbon – although the legs are watery & limpid.
It even nosed like an entry level bourbon – caramels, vanilla & hints of toasty oak – despite no 51% corn or virgin oak barrel ageing.
On the palate it fell apart – watery & weak mouthfeel – but recovered on the finish leaving a warm spiciness that lasted a long time.
I’m not exactly the target audience – but the branding is good, the presentation is fine & despite the watery experience – it possesses some bourbony qualities.
Non-alcoholic drinks are clearly a growing market & Lyre’s appear to be leading trend setters.
I wish them well – but think I’ll stick to the real thing myself.
Real whiskey geeks across the world are already booking their holidays & planning trips to coincide with an array of whiskey events that take place throughout the year globally.
I’ve been to a few of these events – and thoroughly recommend them.
Why?
A room full of whiskey for you to sample. Often staffed by the people that make it. Whiskies you’ve never even heard of or can’t afford to buy.
A room full of fellow whiskey enthusiasts. Chat, compare, contrast. Conversation is easy with like-minded folks.
A room full of tasty food pairings & bottled water. It’s bad form to get too drunk so keep well fed & hydrated.
And a room full of whiskey knowledge, whiskey talks & whiskey tales that would take a lifetime to amass on your own steam.
Need any more reasons?
Below is a short itinerary of shows around the world I’ve either been to – or would like to attend.
Looking forward to bumping into you at one of them!
January
Well it’s a bit late now – but Burns Night on 25th January is an annual celebration of the Scottish Poet accompanied with whiskey & haggis! There are many local events held throughout the world. Check press for details.
Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fair kicks off Dublin’s events. Although mainly craft beer – there are a smattering of distilleries showing. The main item this year will be the imminent opening of The Pearse Lyons Distillery in the Liberties. By the way – Pearse Lyons is a Dublin born business man who happens to be the founder & president of Alltech.
March
With low-cost airlines making a trip across to the UK affordable – I’m tempted by Whisky Birmingham. It’s only a stones throw away but from previous knowledge the range of whisky on offer is often different from that available in Ireland. That’s what I’m hoping for anyway – as well as an opportunity to see how a whisky club manages to put on a big show!
April
Whisky Live bills itself as ‘The Worlds Premier Whisky Tasting Show’ and is a global event taking place in prestigious venues across the globe throughout the year.
The Whisky Live roadshow continues it’s global reach down under in Sydney on 5th to 6th May and Canberra on 26th to 27th May. I managed to catch the Melbourne show last year.
June
Bloom is all about gardening – but there was a fabulous beer & whiskey tent last year!
Whiskey In Summer is a new event to Dublin on 30th June. I’ve teamed up with them to secure 3 Whiskey & Food tickets for only 13 euro each. Contact me if you would like to join myself & others in attending this new show.
July
If you want fabulous whisky in a fabulous setting – Whisky Live Hobart is the place to be! Award winning whiskies & stunning scenery.
August
The 21st International Berlin Beer Festival sounds like a fun event – and it’s free!
September
The Irish Craft Beer Festival has some whiskey stalls too. A wonderful array of craft beer & whiskey for all tastes. Great craic! 7th to 9th September.
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 