The Rich Flavor and Craft of Conciere Tequila's Traditional Expressions

The Rich History and Tradition of Conciere Tequila

Tequila has a long and storied history in Mexico, dating back hundreds of years. One of the lesser known brands that has helped shape the tequila industry is Conciere. While not as widely distributed or well-known as major brands like Jose Cuervo or Patron, Conciere has developed a cult following among tequila aficionados who appreciate its complex flavors and traditions.

The Origins of Conciere Tequila

Conciere was founded in 1992 in the Los Altos region of Jalisco, Mexico. This mountainous region is home to some of the best conditions for growing blue agave, the plant used to produce tequila. The founders of Conciere wanted to create a tequila that was an authentic expression of this terroir.

The name "Conciere" is a Spanish word meaning advisor or counselor. This name was chosen to reflect the wisdom and guidance the founders aimed to distill into their tequila. From the beginning, they committed to using traditional and artisanal methods to produce the highest quality spirit possible.

What Makes Conciere Tequila Unique?

There are several key factors that set Conciere apart from other tequila brands:

• Use of brick ovens - Conciere cooks its agave in traditional brick ovens, which imparts a distinct smoky flavor.
• Extended cooking time - The agave is cooked for 36-42 hours, much longer than most brands, which deepens the flavors.
• Use of a tahona wheel - A large stone wheel called a tahona is used to slowly crush the cooked agave. This preserves more organic compounds and leads to a more complex final product.
• No diffusers - Many mass-produced tequila brands use diffusers to extract sugars from raw agave. Conciere does not use this faster, lower-quality process.
• estate-grown agave - Conciere only uses agave grown on its own estates, guaranteeing consistent quality and flavor.

In addition to these production methods, Conciere ages its tequilas for different lengths of time depending on the expression. Their blanco is unaged, the reposado ages for 6-9 months, and the anejo ages for 12-24 months. The extra aging smooths out the flavors and adds notes like vanilla and caramel.

The Taste and Profile of Conciere Tequilas

So what does Conciere tequila actually taste like? Here are some tasting notes on their core expressions:

Conciere Plata Tequila

The plata (silver) expression is unaged and bottled immediately after distillation. It has a bold and intense flavor profile, with notes of pepper, citrus, vanilla, and earthy agave. It has a dry, mineral finish with a hint of black pepper spice. The complex aromas and flavors make it ideal for sipping or making tequila cocktails.

Conciere Reposado Tequila

Aged 6-9 months in American oak casks, the reposado has a lighter straw color. It retains the agave notes but gains oaky vanilla and spice flavors from the barrels. The finish is smoother and more mellow. It makes an excellent tequila for sipping neat.

Conciere Anejo Tequila

The anejo expression spends 12-24 months in barrels, taking on amber hues. It has a rich, complex flavor profile with notes of vanilla, butterscotch, fig, and honey balanced by agave and oak. The finish is long, velvety, and complex. Conciere Anejo is best enjoyed slowly, straight up in a snifter glass.

How Best to Drink Conciere Tequila

As a 100% blue agave tequila, Conciere expressions can be enjoyed on their own without mixing in cocktails. However, their complex flavors also make them shine in a variety of tequila cocktail recipes. The agave notes cut through other ingredients, while the oak-influenced reposado and anejo add depth.

Here are some classic tequila cocktails that highlight Conciere's flavors:

• Margarita - Conciere Plata makes a bright, flavorful margarita with fresh lime juice and orange liqueur.
• Tequila Sunrise - The Reposado's mellow oakiness pairs perfectly with orange juice and grenadine.
• Paloma - A refreshing cocktail with Conciere Plata, grapefruit soda, and a squeeze of lime.
• Tequila Old Fashioned - Aged Conciere Anejo substitutes beautifully for whiskey in a classic old fashioned cocktail.

In cocktails, Conciere adds subtle complexity while letting the other fresh ingredients also shine through. It can elevate standard mixed drinks into a truly memorable experience.

The Legacy and Influence of Conciere Tequila

Although not as ubiquitous as mass-market brands, Conciere has had an important influence on the tequila industry. As one of the earliest brands to reject modern shortcuts in production methods, it helped spark the artisanal tequila movement starting in the 1990s.

Their success helped prompt other distillers to focus on old-fashioned cooking and crushing techniques to highlight the pure agave flavor. This movement resuscitated traditional methods on the brink of disappearing forever. Conciere paved the way for the rise of other quality-focused brands embracing time-honored production.

In addition, Conciere's founder was instrumental in establishing Denomination of Origin regulations in Mexico. These strict legal standards guarantee quality and regional origin for tequila. The efforts of Conciere's founder ultimately led Mexico to protect tequila with its own Appellation of Origin like Champagne in France.

The brand has won numerous international awards over the years. Their anejo expression won double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2015 and 2016. The San Francisco International Spirits Competition also awarded the reposado double golds in 2012 and 2016.

Despite its modest size, Conciere has been distributed in over 20 countries. It continues to win over new fans worldwide who appreciate its fine craftsmanship and connections to centuries-old Mexican distilling culture.

Where to Buy Conciere Tequila

Conciere has limited distribution, so it may not be easy to find in your average liquor store. But it is worth seeking out to experience this high-quality craft tequila. Here are some tips on where to find Conciere expressions near you:

• Check premium liquor stores, especially ones dedicated to tequila and mezcal.
• Search online sites like Drizly, ReserveBar, and Caskers that focus on artisanal spirits.
• Visit high-end bars and restaurants that emphasize craft cocktails - they may stock or can source Conciere.
• Inquire at Mexican grocery stores and markets in your area.
• Order directly from the distillery's website, which ships to many U.S. states.

With its devoted following among tequila fans, more venues are catching on and stocking Conciere's range. But due to limited production, it may take some searching to uncover a bottle. The quest is well worth it to taste a unique tequila still crafted the old-fashioned way.

Is Conciere Tequila Considered a Luxury Brand?

While not as expensive as ultra-high-end brands like Clase Azul, Conciere is considered a premium tequila. Its prices range from around $50-$100 per bottle depending on the expression. This positions Conciere in the upper bracket of luxury tequilas along with other top-shelf brands like Fortaleza, Ocho, and Tapatio.

In addition to its higher cost, several other factors contribute to Conciere's prestige:

• Handmade production methods
• Strict use of estate-grown agave
• Longer cooking & distilling times
• Extended barrel aging for reposado and anejo
• Complex and refined flavor profiles
• Stunning bottle packaging and design
• High ratings and accolades from critics
• Boutique production levels - only 30,000 liters annually

Everything about Conciere screams attention to detail and premium quality. From the juice inside to the classy bottle exterior, it lives up to luxury status. Sipping Conciere is an elevated experience that justifies the higher price tag for tequila devotees.

Conclusion

Conciere tequila is emblematic of the rich history and painstaking craft that goes into producing Mexico's iconic spirit. By stubbornly sticking to time-tested methods, Conciere preserves ancient traditions while creating an award-winning modern product. Their tequilas have complex and alluring flavors that only get better with extended aging in oak.

Tracking down a bottle may require some effort and budget, but the payoff is worth it. Lovers of fine tequila will find Conciere's traditionally made expressions to be a rewarding sipping experience. The brand continues to earn new aficionados worldwide who appreciate its connection to the past and dedication to excellence through slow, artisanal production.

FAQs

What is Conciere tequila best known for?

Conciere is known for using traditional methods like brick ovens and tahona wheels to produce tequila with rich, complex flavors. Their expressions highlight agave while gaining notes like smoke, vanilla, and caramel from their production style.

What is the flavor profile of Conciere reposado tequila?

Aged 6-9 months in oak barrels, Conciere reposado has a lighter straw hue. It retains fresh agave aromas and gains oaky vanilla/spice notes. The finish is smoother and more mellow than the plata.

Where can I buy Conciere tequila?

Conciere has limited distribution but can sometimes be found in premium liquor stores, high-end bars, online spirits sites, Mexican markets, and directly from the distillery's website.

Is Conciere considered a luxury tequila brand?

Yes, Conciere is positioned as a luxury or premium brand based on its higher price point, handmade production, extended aging, stunning packaging, and complexity. It ranges from $50-$100 per bottle.