In my late 20’s I was introduced to premium liquor, starting with my whiskey/scotch revelation! Well, in reality I thank my cousin Jonathan, who when I was 19 introduced me to the wonder that was Oban. Roof top at the bar at the Hotel, where I was taught lessons of life, love, and booze, by my older and much wiser cousin. This was my early introduction to the high end spirits, that would eventually (when I could finally afford it myself) change my life.

We all have stories, as your people, of overdoing it with booze in one way or another. Most people have bad memories of tequila shots, or poppers, in high school and university, that spoiled us for years, if not decades. This can change, you just have to know what to drink. Agreed, some people just wont like a certain spirit. Nothing to be done about it, but you don’t know until you try. I never had a tequila incident, but I never liked the taste. That is, until I found premium “sipping” tequilas.

The Jimadors, skilled workers who harvest the agave

I had a chance to sit down with Eric Brass, one of the founders of Tromba Tequila, and a local Toronto boy, recently and learned all about Tromba and tequila in general. Fascinating stuff. Oh, and by the way you are NOT supposed to shoot tequila. Revolutionary, isn’t it? Think of it like you would a fine scotch, and sip on it, as if you were a proper Mexican. This specially crafted alcohol has nuances of flavour that you are missing if you shoot it like a frat boy (or girl).

"n Mexico, no one shoots tequila. Tequila is meant to be savoured and sipped much like a fine wine or scotch,” said Brass. “My goal is to change the negative perceptions about tequila by providing people with a high-quality premium option at an accessible price point."

Tromba has two styles of tequila, their Blanco and Reposado, and we tried both side by side, along with one of the famous Tromba Margaritas! Great way to spend an afternoon, no?

“Made from 100 per cent pure blue agave, this premium tequila brand contains fresh botanical aromas and sweet floral flavours resulting in an extremely smooth flavour…created by Marco Cedano, Mexico’s pre-eminent master distiller. ”

They don’t lie, either. Both Tromba tequilas are very smooth and have great flavour. I definitely preferred the reposado, for its dark and caramel notes, that are achieved by barrel aging.

“A lot of tequila available here contains 51 per cent agave and 49 per cent low-grade sugar cane distillate, which is why it has such a harsh taste and effect. Tequila Tromba is made from 100 per cent agave and is produced according to time honoured traditions, so it goes down smooth and tastes delicious,” said Brass. 

I definitely recommend picking up a bottle of either the Blanco or Reposado to add to your bar, you wont be disappointed. At $49.95 for the Blanco (Reposado coming soon), the Tromba is quite a deal for a premium tequila. Also, look out for Tromba at more than 150 bars and restaurants, including The Drake Hotel, SPiN Toronto, Reposado, ONE, Nyood, The Thompson Hotel, Goodnight, Spoke Club, La Carnita, Playa Cabana, Yours Truly and 416 Snack Bar.

Do you prefer cocktails over drinking your liquor neat or on the rocks? Well, you are lucky because Eric has shared their recipe for a Tromba Margarita.

Tommy’s Margarita

60 mL Tromba Blanco
30 mL fresh squeezed lime juice
30 mL agave syrup
Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a glass with ice and serve.

Click here for some interesting facts on tequila. http://www.tequilatromba.com/the-truth/5-shocking-facts/