Tequila Penca Azul was awarded the American Taste award of Excellence. The 2000 American tasting award is given by the National Board of American Tasting Institute.

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Alcohol Reviews.com
by Kevin Kossar

At a party the other night, someone broached the subject of tequila. Some of the responses were predictable- furled brows, scowls, references to lime, salt, and obscene behavior in a college bar setting, swears to 'never-ever do tequila again' and so forth.

On the bright side, though, there were a few people who expressed a sincere love for fine tequila. Some had traveled to Mexico, others had picked it up from sophisticated friends.

Ignoring the 'never do it again crowd', I mentioned Penca Azul. Nobody had heard of it, which isn't surprising, since this Reposado was brought into the U.S. only recently. Penca Azul is made by Agave de Plata and imported by R&A Imports of Pacific Palisades, California. Avid readers of Alcohol Reviews.com might recall that these are the same importers who brought us those tasty Zone Vodkas. Penca Azul is distilled twice and aged in oak barrels for six months.

Penca Azul is water clear and almost colorless. It noses a little smoky, much like a fine mezcal before showing off soft agave. In the mouth Penca Azul is crisp, with a touch of lemon, smoke, and a super smooth close. It is disturbingly easy to sip. Bravo. (Rating****)

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Beverage News
May 2001

Two weeks before Christmas 2000, Penca Azul tequila started showing up on the shelves of some of Los Angeles upscale, off-premise locations. Retailers couldn't keep up with the demand . Imported by R&A Imports, Penca Azul is the masterpiece of four generations of the Ruiz family of Mexico. It is the result of 100 years of experience in the art of making fine tequila . This award winning tequila is made from 100 percent blue agave plants that, ripened, are cooked in brick ovens, fermented naturally and double distilled. Production is made in small batches so that every detail can be supervised to deliver the premium Penca Azul. It is rested for six months in the family's collection of fin oak barrels to achieve the extraordinary smooth finish and herbal aroma, reflecting the perfect balance of agave and wood spices. The limited edition bottle by designer extraordinaire, Hipolito Gutierrez, and eye-catching gift box that doubles as a POS display, makes Penca Azul a real treasure both inside and out.

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Patterson's California Beverage Journal
May 2001

Penca Azul: A Family Tradition

Penca Azul is the result of 100 years of experience in the art of making fine tequila. Maria-Norma Ruiz has continued the family tradition as it has been passed on to her.
"My father spent his life at the distillery ,"says Ruiz. I grew up smelling the sweet agave. I would go with him to the distillery; the business is in my blood.
"Ruiz revamped the product and explains , "With my insight in the tequila industry and my knowledge of the brand , I knew I could come up with something innovative, a new presentation.
"Last Christmas, Penca was launched in Los Angeles. Ruiz continues, "L.A. is a niche market, and consumers prefer quality to quantity. Quality has a price, but Penca Azul is and ultra-premium product that allows us to share and perpetuate our inherited traditions."