SPIRITS OF MEXICO

Spirits Of Mexico

08/22/10

The Spirits of Mexico, the largest, oldest, and most comprehensive agave festival in the United States, will be held September 15-19 in Old Town San Diego. The festival will be the culmination of several agave-related events held in San Diego over a two-month period.

During the event, the public is invited to join master distillers, blenders, authors and tequila aficionados for samplings of blancos, anejos, reposados, mezcals, sotols, liqueurs, and more. Those thirsting for knowledge as well as agave spirits will have the opportunity to participate in multiple educational seminars held on site. The spirits of Mexico include tequila, mezcal, sotol and bacanora, each with its own denomination of origin and all distilled from the juice of the ancient agave plant. These and other finely crafted spirits from Mexico have quickly captured the hearts of the American consumer. The festival celebrates these spirits and their heritage.

“Old Town San Diego and the State Park are the ideal settings for this festival,” says Dori Bryant of the Polished Palate, festival producer. “It brings the gastronomy, history, culture — the heritage, together, in one festive setting, not dissimilar to what the festival itself encompasses. Enjoy cooking demonstrations, entertainment, and seminars on all aspects of bringing this spirit to market — from first planting to planting a cocktail on the bar. Authors, aficionados, master distillers, mixologists, and budding enthusiasts all gather annually to respect the heritage that’s present in every drop of this luscious spirit.”

On Friday, September 17, executive chef Rolfy Chavez of Barra Barra Saloon in Old Town’s Fiesta de Reyes serves up his alchemical agave-infused cuisine at the festival’s Tasting Reception and Awards Dinner. Guests will sample a variety of world-class agave spirits while savoring infused hors d’oeuvres before the formal dinner begins. Guests will participate in the Official Awards Ceremony where the winners of the 2010 Tasting Competition and Sangrita Challenge will be announced. (Cost: $85/$135)

“For agave enthusiasts and aficionados, the Spirits of Mexico competition is like the Oscars and Olympics rolled into one. Earning one of the competition’s coveted gold medals has proven an invaluable asset to the success of new brands of tequila and mescal,” notes Robert Plotkin, founder of Bar Media and co-host of the competition.

Saturday afternoon, September 18, is fiesta time. The Old Town Chamber of Commerce joins in the celebration, featuring The Taste of Old Town Fiesta of Flavors from 1-4pm. Back by popular demand, live performances will be featured in the in the Plaza de las Armas area of the State Park including the Gutierrez Andalusian Horse Show & Parade, Calpulli Mexihca Azteca Cultural Dance Ensemble, Chunky y Los Alacranes and more. A Tequila Garden will be on site offering a sneak peak of what’s to come at the main event. (Cost: free. Entrance fee for Tequila Garden to be announced soon.)

The festival’s Main Event takes place on Saturday evening, September 18, at the newly renovated Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant. All the stars will come out as more than 100 styles of featured agave spirits will be sampled ‘neat’ and accompanied by culinary delights from The Cosmopolitan’s kitchen. Seminars will take place at intervals throughout the evening along with the opportunity to meet and mingle with Maestro Tequileros and learn first-hand from the experts how these spirits are made. A silent auction featuring rare, often priceless collector’s items, will benefit the Sky Ranch Foundation which is celebrating 50 years of helping troubled youth. (Cost: $50-$75)

On Sunday, September 19, the annual Lobster Bus Excursion to Puerto Nuevo will take place. Hop on the bus for some Baja lobster hosted by Poco Tequila. (Cost: $80)

Through the generosity of Fiesta de Reyes, the vibrant and exciting dining, shopping, and entertainment complex located within Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, festival events take place throughout the Park. Fiesta de Reyes’s shops and restaurants are inspired by 19th century pueblo life, the essence of living in San Diego during its infancy from 1821 to 1872. Old Town San Diego has more than 150 shops and restaurants and, according to Chuck Ross, operator of Fiesta de Reyes, “It’s widely thought to be the country’s largest consumer of all things agave. We expect that singular accolade will increase significantly this September!”

Ticket prices vary according to event. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. Photo I.D. is required. Please polish your palate responsibly! (www.polishedpalate.com)