by Andrew Chalk
FROM THE WIRES...
"Mijenta Blanco is our first expression and was created with a strong feeling for the land. We wanted to develop a tequila that encapsulated the biodiversity, aromas, flavours and colour of the land of the region of Arandas", adds Mijenta Co-Founder, Juan Coronado.
From farm to bottle, Mijenta is committed to sustainable practices, minimizing environmental impact and maximizing the community’s energy efficiency. All paper-related components (label and box) are made of agave waste and the organization actively supports local businesses and communities by purchasing all packaging elements from Mexico. Mijenta has joined forces with Whales of Guerrero to boost community-driven conservation in the region. Whales of Guerrero preserves whales in the fishing village of Barra de Potosi and the southwest Pacific State of Guerrero, Mexico.
Mijenta achieves its distinctive flavour profile through traditional methods, ranging from the selection of agaves from the best plots, which are grown using zero pesticides and herbicides, to the fermentation of slow-cooked, unfiltered agaves to careful distillation in pot stills. Mijenta only uses fully mature, certified 100% Blue Weber Agave from the highlands of Jalisco, with a single plant taking six to eight years to reach maturity for harvest. The higher elevation of the Mijenta agave fields produces a smoother tequila with more fruitiness. Mijenta is also not filtered, which enhances its unique character and each bottle is individually numbered by hand.
THE TEQUILA
Blanco, the first expression from Mijenta, presents the brand’s core offering
Mijenta Tequila Blanco – Tasting Notes:
On the eye: Bright and transparent with a powerful body.
On the nose: Intense aromas of cooked agave, vanilla and caramel enhanced by the slow cooking process and floral and fruity notes of cantaloupe and peaches with a generous and round finish.
On the palate: Rich flavours of cooked agave, vanilla, fresh fruit and spices such as cinnamon.
Signature Serves: Mijenta Tequila is best sipped on the rocks or mixed into a margarita.
Quite opposite to The Caribbean’s views on spirits that lurk in the living world, Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead) is a day to celebrate loved ones who have passed, as they awaken to join in on the merriment. The holiday has become well-recognized around the world due to its irresistible symbols: the sugar skull and marigold flowers, and the allure of the holiday’s festivities.
The blanco spirit from Mijenta, an artisanal small batch tequila inspired by Mexico's heritage and traditions, lends notes of honey, vanilla, caramel and floral notes, along with flashes of tropical fruits to complement the autumnal flavors in each concoction.
THE COCKTAIL...COLOR OF THE MARIGOLD
INGREDIENTS:
1.5oz Mijenta Tequila Blanco
.5oz Oloroso sherry
0.25oz ginger syrup
.75oz lime juice
0.25oz pumpkin syrup (Coronado recommends Monín)
METHOD:
Shake all ingredients vigorously with plenty of ice
Strain into a chilled coupe glass
Garnish with nutmeg and a pumpkin chip, or sugar skulls and marigolds if you have them!
ABOUT MIJENTA
Mijenta is a new award-winning, sustainable, and artisanal tequila from the highlands of Jalisco. The spirit was created by a passionate collective who believes in doing well by doing right and is crafted by Mexico based Maestra Tequilera, Ana Maria Romero. Inspired by legends, Mijenta celebrates the best of the land, culture and people of Mexico, exclusively using fully mature, certified Blue Weber Agave from the highlands of Jalisco, a region renowned for its rich red soils and microclimate. Mijenta Blanco was recently awarded 97 points by the distinguished Tasting Panel Magazine in the US and also won the 2020 Silver Medal at the prestigious LA Spirits Challenge.
Instagram: @mijentatequila
Facebook: @mijentatequila
Community - The Mijenta Foundation, a non-profit foundation committed to promoting the preservation and protection of ancestral skills, has been set up. Mijenta works hand in hand with local businesses and communities, directly re-investing a portion of profits, offering healthcare assistance and providing assistance for team members and their families.
Culture - Preserving and sharing the cultural heritage of the people of Jalisco’s history and traditions, Mijenta collects legends and myths that are centuries old and have been passed from farmers to jimadores and craftsmen to artists. Notably, the “Centzon Totochtin” is a folk story that tells the legend of Mayahuel, the goddess of the agave plant, and Patecatl, the god of Pulque, whose union produced 400 mischievous rabbits with a taste for good company, good spirits and good times. This fable is the inspiration behind Mijenta’s logo.
Sample