Review: Cantera Negra Silver Tequila and Cafe Coffee Liqueur
Cantera Negra, which translates to “Black Quarry,” is led by Master Blender Don Alberto Becherano, who has over 40 years of experience making tequila. The brand sources their Blue Weber Agave from a remote region in central Mexico known for its volcanic rock, hence the name Cantera Negra.
Cantera Negra makes all of its tequilas with 100% Blue Weber agave, crafting them in small batches, fermenting them in stainless steel tanks, distilling them in pot stills, and aging them in both ex-cognac and bourbon barrels.
Cantera Negra Silver Tequila Review
The nose on this tequila is full and sweet with cooked agave, herbaceous aromas, and hints of vanilla bean and white pepper. The mouthfeel is silky and medium bodied — lighter than expected, which adds to the refreshing up front notes of herbs and hints of citrus flavors. Midpalate the flavors open up with rich sweet tropical fruit and pastry notes that often accompany cooked agave aromas. Vanilla bean and custard become more present after a few sips. The finish is spicy and peppery with white pepper dominating a rather long finish for an unaged tequila. The flavors are not subtle but also not overwhelming. This silver tequila is ideal for sipping neat but would also make a phenomenal tequila for cocktails.
80 proof. NOM 1554.
A- / $46
Cantera Negra Café Coffee Liqueur Review
It’s smart for the brand to make a coffee liqueur considering the popularity of coffee cocktails like the Espresso Martini and Carajillo, just to name a few. This premium coffee liqueur is made with 100% pure blue agave spirit and blended with Mexican coffee and Mexican sugar cane.
The viscosity is right where you want it to be, a little more viscous than a spirit but not too heavy so that it’s like syrup. All the flavors taste like authentic ingredients, with a silky texture. The coffee, sweetness and well balanced with notes of dark chocolate, hazelnuts, and rich bittersweet coffee flavors come through in a highly sippable drink.
40 proof.
A- / $30 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Cinco De Mayo is closer than it seems, so now is a great time to refresh your agave spirit selection and hone your favorite tequila cocktails. Try these recipes that celebrate the flavors of Cantera Negra.
Espresso Martini
2 ounces Cantera Negra Silver Tequila
1 ounce Cantera Negra Café Coffee Liqueur
1 ounce fresh brewed espresso
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well, double strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an espresso bean.
Carajillo Riff
1.5 ounce Cantera Negra Silver Tequila
1 ounce cold brew coffee
.5 ounce Licor 43
.5 ounce Cantera Negra Café Coffee Liqueur
1 pinch of kosher salt
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well, double strain into a coupe glass and garnish with an orange peel or a spicy pepper.
Gran Sol
1.5 ounce Cantera Negra Silver Tequila
1 ounce ancho chile liqueur
.5 ounce passion fruit liqueur
.5 ounce fresh lime juice
Rim a chilled coupe glass with Tajín. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake well and strain into the glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
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