April 2007 Archives

These are the best of times for tequila. Interest in the spirit has been nothing short of phenomenal propelling the category to grow ten percent in the United States last year, the steepest increase of the light liquors, outpacing the growth of vodka (6.7%) and rum (5.0%). Considering that the Mexican import constitutes only 5% of the American spirits market, there appears to be a tremendous opportunity for continued growth. 

I learned, or more accurately re-learned an important lesson as the co-host of and judge at the recently concluded 2^nd annual International Cane Spirits Festival held in Ybor City, Florida. Over the two-day event, we evaluated and rated nearly 80 premium rums, rhums and cachaças in the competitive blind tasting.