Aha Toro!

It's still Tequila time at Hillside Liquor Store, and today we want to introduce you to some of the best tequila currently available in BC- Aha Toro. One of the most interesting aspects of tequila are the unique bottles, and Aha Toro is no different. Aha Toro is available in hand-blown glass bottles with labels that are embossed by Mexican artisans. The colour of the bottle is different for each type of tequila produced.
Hillside Liquor Store has the three-pack of 200 ml bottles: Blanco, Reposado and Anejo.
 The Reposado and Anejo are also available in the 750 ml bottles.

Aha Toro is produced in the state of Jalisco, approximately 6300 ft above sea-level. This region is optimal for the agave plant as it is cold and semi-arid, with 6-10 overcast weeks each year which keeps the plant fresh and favours the sugars. There is a 100 km radius plantation of agave, surrounding the town of Jesus Maria, where the Aha Toro hacienda is located. The cultivation of the weber agave, used for Aha Toro, takes up to ten years from the time of plantation to harvest. The 'pineapples' (as the centre of the agave plant are called) are roasted in a hand-made brick oven for 2 days, and then left to rest for a considerable amount of time before the amber-coloured honey and pulp is collected. the liquid and pulp is then ground and left to ferment with the natural agave sugars and juices, and a special wild yeast strain.
After carefully controlled distillation in the copper-pot stills, a blanco tequila is mad, which is then either bottled, or placed in oak barrels, destined to become reposado, anejo or extra-anejo tequila.

Aha Toro Blanco is a tequila that has been bottled within 60 days of being distilled. The flavours of the un-aged tequila are stronger and with more pepper than those that are aged in oak barrels. many experts are of the opinion that Blanco tequila is the only true tequila. Blanco tequila is popular in mixed drinks such as the Margarita, but it can also be consumed neat, as a sipping beverage.  Red apples are dominant with a hint of minerals and honey. Soft and fruity opening, followed by minerals and honey, with a sweet fruit and peppery finish.

Aha Toro Reposado has been aged in oak barrels for at least 2 months, and up to a year. The more time the tequila spends in barrels, the moer flavours it acquires from the oak. The Aha Toro Reposado is more mellow than the Blanco, with a light amber colour and a softer, more flowery flavour. A fresh bite of fruit, honey and a surprisingly light oaky flavour are characteristics of this Reposado tequila. Opens softly with a fresh, relatively sour bite, followed by fruit, red apples and honey. Finishes with pepper, chocolate and cedar wood. While it could be used in mixed drinks, the Aha Toro Reposado is better enjoyed neat.

Aha Toro Anejo has been barrel-aged for at least one year, often up to three years. It has a much darker colour then the Reposado, and its flavours are more complex.Distinctively sweet aromas of brown sugar, fruit, light chocolate and nougat. This Añejo opens with a round taste and aromas from the barrel followed by cedar wood and nougat flavours. Long finish with chili, brown sugar and a hint of coffee.


 Aha Toro Anejo will appeal to the single-malt whisky drinker, or for those who enjoy fine cognacs. This is a fantastic sipping tequila!