A New Way to Enjoy Tequila – Given Liqueur Review

Who doesn’t love tequila? Who doesn’t love lime with their tequila ? Exactly, so when I first heard of a new product that infused the two together to create a uniquely flavored liqueur I just had to get my hands on it. Given (pronounced Jee-Vahn), is a unique blend of premium agave tequila, all natural lime juice, and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, hand crafted through an infusion process in the Cognac region of France. Wait what? Pump the breaks. If you’re like I was, your left eyebrow is probably highly elevated right now. Tequila from France?  Well don’t worry tequila aficionados, it’s only infused there. The tequila is as authentic as it gets, imported from Jalisco, Mexico aka the center of the tequila industry. As for the Sauvignon Blanc Grapes, well you know the French had to throw in their two cents before calling it their own.

First things first, the presentation on this one is amazing. It comes in a sleek and sexy black bottle that looks like my wife’s little black dress. And to top it off , it comes supplied with a cork style enclosure rather than the traditional screw top. So far I’m impressed. Lets hope this Gold Medal Winner at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition of 2010 can live up to the hype.

Aroma: Tequila, tequila, and more tequila. If I poured this in front of you, you would swear it was Cinco De Mayo. A second sniff and you should be able to notice the citrus tones underneath caused by the lime and grapes.

Taste: I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I prepared myself for the intense tequila flavor that I was sure would be coming to match it’s intense smell but instead I was met with a great blend of citrus, sour, and tart flavor. Tequila was apparent but took a back seat to all the other flavors which I actually believe help make this drink work. It almost carries a heavy similarity to a wine, like a moscato. I decided to pour this one for all the adults in the house. My first instinct is to use this as a shooter, but after playing around with a few ingredients as well as trying some recipes available at www.Givenliqueur.com, both I and my guests will agree Given is not one dimensional. You can shoot it, sip it, or combine it with ingredients of your choice to make your own signature cocktail. Something as simple as club soda to something as complex as basil leaves and you’ve got your self a party in your mouth. Those familiar with other tequila based liqueurs are probably eager to know how it stacks up against the competition. Well I can honestly say that having tasted several brands such as Tequila Rose, Agavero, Almendrado liqueur, Patron XO, and several other tequila based liqueurs, that Given has a unique and impressive taste that has me wanting more. If I had to compare it to one, it would be the wildly popular Agavero, but only in the sense that they are both going to be enhance cocktail recipes. If I had three hands this one would get three thumbs up, but then that would be awkward and I’d be in a different profession. This drink works on so many levels to accommodate the tequila lover and the soft drinker all in one. Check out GivenLiqueur.com to find out how you can go about purchasing a bottle.

Given Bisou (Signature Cocktail)

• 3 oz Given
• 1 oz Champagne
• Fresh Mint Leaves

Pour Given with mint leaves into a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a champagne flute. Slowly add champagne and garnish with a cherry.

Given G

• 2 oz Given
• 1.5 oz Gin
• 4 Basil leaves

Muddle Basil leaves in shaker. Add gin and given into the shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass filled with ice.

Given Punch

• 2 oz Given
• 1.5 oz Cachacha
• 1/2 oz Agave Nectar
• 1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
• 5 Fresh Raspberries

Muddle raspberries in shaker.  Add ingredients to the shaker with ice.  Shake well with ice cubes and strain into goblet or rocks glass with ice cubes.  Garnish with lemon wheel

Given Liqueur – A New Way to Enjoy Tequila

Sample courtesy of Given Imports Ltd.
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