Brands changing Distilleries

[Agfox]

Hey guys and gals. I'm fairly new around these parts, but I've been reading the old posts quite a bit to try learn from experience here.

What's your reaction when a big brand changes distilleries? Are you excited for new product, or worried that new is change that you aren't so sure about?

I'm not a very good taster, but I know what I like even if I don't know exactly what it is about it. (so don't worry about any reviews from me I tried several brands before settling on 1921 as my preferred brand for the price. (I love that reserva esp.) Then they changed distilleries. They kept all the same staff, so I didn't worry too much about it. I got to compare the blancos side by side. The new stuff is fine, but it definitely changed a bit. So I bought some of the old NOM bottles I could find to enjoy as much as I can. If I don't taste them exactly side by side, it's not too big a deal for me.

A few days ago Partida announced they are changing as well. Looks like they are trying very hard to get the same flavor profile in the new stuff. Do you think about that if it's one of your favorites?

Thanks,

Nathan

[MilesDavis]

Personally, when I find something I like the thought of a change turns me off. From what I've seen (tasted, I guess), change in distillery means change in flavor. But what do I know?

[ChavoCheque]

A change in distillery necessarily leads to a change in tequila, regardless of what the marketing people say.

Think about the water, to take only one element. It takes a LOT of water to make tequila. First, when washing the crushed agave. The resulting watery "must" is what will be fermented). Secondly, and possibly most importantly, water is put directly into the "finished" product to bring it down to 40% alcohol (80 proof). If you are changing distilleries, you are changing water sources, and that will affect the flavor of your tequila.

There are other factors as well: micro-climate variation means that even stills, fermentation vats and barrels built to the same specifications will behave differently in the new temperature, humidity, air pressure, etc. Add to that the fact that almost no one even _attempts_ to engineer a replica of the original factory, probably because almost no one can afford to build a brand new distillery to specifications. (The exception I can think of really proves my point: Patrón did their best to copy the production process of 7 Leguas to the letter, and the production manager came with them, so they had the recipe. Even so, I've never met anyone who thought the "new" Patrón tasted nearly as good as when it was made at 7L.)

FWIW, 1921 blanco was a favorite of mine, and I don't much care for the new stuff.

[Tequila Joe]

In my opinion, changing distilleries is not necessarily a bad thing like many believe. I think a good example of this is Cabo Wabo Blanco. The new juice I tasted yesterday is a great improvement to my taste buds. Obviously there are also stories of it happening the opposite way.

[RJC5XTC]

Actually I can agree with both thoughts - with a variation. If changing improves the taste it is a good thing. If not, not nearly as good and then I worry about how to get and keep some of the old "good" stuff.

Robert

[ChavoCheque]

Glad to hear a counter-example, Tequila Joe. I'll have to check out the new Cabo Wabo - haven't had any yet.

Originally Posted by Tequila Joe

In my opinion, changing distilleries is not necessarily a bad thing like many believe. I think a good example of this is Cabo Wabo Blanco. The new juice I tasted yesterday is a great improvement to my taste buds. Obviously there are also stories of it happening the opposite way.

[MrAgave]

I've heard the same about Chamucos, it seems more people prefer the new juice over the old.

I have my fingers crossed for 1921, time will tell.

[habañejo]

Originally Posted by MrAgave

I've heard the same about Chamucos, it seems more people prefer the new juice over the old.
.

Really? Not my experience at all. I get that "vinyl" smell and taste in the new stuff. Not as complex as well. Maybe I got a bottle from a bad batch (the very recent)?? I'll have to try a bottle from a different source.

[ChavoCheque]

I'm another person for whom the newer Chamucos is a downgrade. Ditto 1921, to my utter dismay.

Originally Posted by habañejo

Really? Not my experience at all. I get that "vinyl" smell and taste in the new stuff. Not as complex as well. Maybe I got a bottle from a bad batch (the very recent)?? I'll have to try a bottle from a different source.

[wichie13]

Thats a disappointment, well at least I have a bottle and a half of the old repo left....

Originally Posted by ChavoCheque

I'm another person for whom the newer Chamucos is a downgrade. Ditto 1921, to my utter dismay.

I agree with what everyone said it can go either way, but IMHO it goes south more often then not.

I did talk to Juan at the SOM about his distillery change, and he was very positive and frank about the change. He knows its not quite there yet but they are working hard on getting 1921 back to its former taste and quality it was before. Like CC said its new water and equipment, but I do recall him saying that they are getting the agave from the same source... could be wrong I drank allot of tequila that weekend...