One Tataki, two Tatakis, three Tatakis…The Tataki Filet at the Island Way Grill in Clearwater is grilled to perfection, almost rare, accompanied by watercress, fire-roasted fingerling potato salad and, with the shaved asiago, the dish borders on the bold. Adding the eloquently outspoken Chinaco Tequila makes the perfect pairing. In fact, it was such a delicious combo, I ordered three Tatakis, one for each Chinaco expression.
Chinaco Blanco Tequila speaks pure agave. It speaks of its earthy aromas. Dry but rich and full-bodied, its recalls a freshly planted garden just after the first rain. This style is carried meticulously through the Reposado and Anejo expressions, an art form performed by generations of the Gonzalez family.
La Gonzaleña distillery was founded in 1977 by Guillermo Gonzalez, grandson of Manuel Gonzalez, a Chinaco General who was President of the Mexican Republic from 1880-1884.
In 1965, Guillermo had been agriculture minister of Tamaulipas, his home state in Mexico, when a hurricane destroyed almost all of the local crops.A good deal of the local Tamaulipas farmers’ blue agave, the only agave used in making Tequila, survived the storm. Back then, however, Tequila was only permitted to be produced in the state of Jalisco. So, in the ‘70’s, leading the charge, Guillermo persuaded the government to include Tamaulipas and 3 additional states to be designated for the production of Tequila.
The sun was about 2 inches from setting so I dove into Tataki #2 with Chinaco Reposado. This Reposado is aged 8 months, much longer than the required two, resulting in a mellow richness and powerful vibrancy not found in most Reposados. This expression works particularly well with grilled and marinated dishes. Chinaco isn’t shy; its overlay of smoke and pepper enhances such dishes. Surprisingly too, the spice, floral and caramel flavors hint at sweetness.
The three of us (me, myself and I) lingered longest on Chinaco Anejo. Feeling pleasantly fullish, Tataki #3 was wrapped for take-home dessert. This occasion begged for the perfect nightcap, the ‘Cognac’ of Tequilas, Chinaco Anejo. Here is that same smoky-floral-pepper richness. I detected just a tad anise (maybe from living in Tarpon Springs-aka Greek Town-these past few years, where ouzo rules). The visual-layers of purple, orange, sea blue & fuschia swirling the setting sun-and the victual-the symphony in the glass-were competing for my attention.
But wait! Is that the General I see, in the low lying clouds, leading the sun on its continuing journey west? Ay caramba!
Sip them neat or try Chinaco’s refreshing signature cocktail, the Tamaulipas Margarita-2 parts Chinaco Blanco, 1 part Pages Grape Sugar Syrup and 1 part fresh lime juice, served on the rocks (salt rim optional).
Chinaco Blanco, Reposado & Anejo Tequilas earned Gold Medals at the Spirits of Mexico Competition held annually in San Diego, Imported by Preiss Imports, the starting retail price (Blanco) is about $35.
All three Chinaco Tequila expressions are served at Island Way Grill and available at Paul's Liquors & Fine Wine & Spirits in Tampa, Ace Liquor & Delivery in Clearwater, North Beach Wine & Spirits in Clearwater Beach and Norman's Liquors in St. Pete Beach.
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