Norm and I were invited to the 2009 Phoenix Tequila Fest by Jonathan Ganch and Debbie Medina . We had been to wine tastings on a large scale, but never tequila. Even though it was a small gathering with 20 or 30 displays, it was quite interesting and happy we experienced the event. The music, festive atmosphere and great hosts enhanced the event.
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I met Debbie about 2-1/2 years ago when she attended a writing workshop. A year later, after she had met Jonathan, they had formed a partnership to bring Senor Rio to the market. When they told me of their endeavor to bring a secret family recipe of premium tequila to the market, I felt it could be a difficult process. However, they pursued their dream and Senor Rio tequila was born on Cinco De Mayo 2009 in the little town of Tequila, Mexico. The first shipment arrived in Arizona on May 29, 2009.
We are not tequila experts by any means, so this event was a real experiment. Debbie encourage us to go to the booths and tastes the different tequila’s. I tasted more than Norm as he was driving. We tasted all different price ranges. Much to my delight, we both liked the Senor Rio best. It was nice to be able to tell them they achieved the “pure elegance,” for us.
Like many other tequilas, it comes in blanco, reposado and anejo. Our preference was for the medium bodied. Senor Rio is now being distributed in California and Arizona. Its story is fascinating. When you check out the website, you can find the stores and restaurants that feature Senor Rio. If you try it, let me know what you think. We went to Total Wines to get a bottle for ourselves. I love the bottle and so does everyone else I know that has seen it.
Senior Rio has all sorts of cocktail recipes on its website, including lower calorie choices.
Dancer Cocktail from www.senorrio.com
1 part Senor Rio tequila
1 part blackberry liquor
.5 part Malibu
5 parts pineapple juice
Mix together with ice or in a blender and garnish with a pineapple slice.
Good luck and thank you for having us as your guests at the 2009 Tequila Fest.
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Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
