Have a Little Money Left Over This Year? Treat Yourself with Casa Noble Selección del Fundador Volume II

By Sam Slaughter December 13, 2017

A Casa Noble tequila barrel stack. — Casa Noble Tequila/Facebook

You’ve worked hard this year. Not just at your job, but at being a human in today’s day and age. I mean, can you count how many political posts you’ve scrolled through this year?

As far as we’re concerned, you’ve earned a $1,500 tequila to end 2017 on the right foot (as well as a ton of other stuff, which you can conveniently find in our holiday gift guides). Don’t know of any tequilas that match that price point? Well, aren’t you in luck. We’ve got just the thing.

Casa Noble Seleccion del Fundador Volume II — Image used with permission by copyright holder

In an effort to expand their luxury portfolio, Casa Noble (which was named “Tequila Producer of the Year” at the 2016 International Spirits Challenge) recently released Selección del Fundador Volume II, a triple-distilled, 41.5-percent ABV extra añejo tequila — for a limited time (that time being until the 300 bottles worldwide are sold).

Aged for eight years (extra añejos must be aged at least three years) in new Taransaud 114-liter French white oak barrels (and not aged in anything larger than 600-liter barrels), Selección was created using 100-percent organic Blue Weber agave, which was planted in 1997 to commemorate the founding of Casa Noble.

Founder and maestro tequilero Jose “Pepe” Hermosillo said in a statement that this tequila is as much about honoring the heritage of Casa Noble as it is about looking forward to the future.

“Selección del Fundador Volume II is an exquisite spirit showcasing our philosophy that making exceptional tequila is truly a noble pursuit. This tequila has been 20 years in the making; I hope people can enjoy sharing this treasured creation with us,” he said.

Amber in color, the liquid is silky and smooth on the palate with cooked agave playing against vanilla and chocolate notes while the French Oak barrels contribute notes of flowers, dried fruit, and cinnamon spice.

Need a bottle of tequila, but can’t drop $1,500? We’ve got you covered with our favorite bargain tequilas. Then, of course, you’ll need some ideas of what to do with the juice once you’ve got it.

Feature image courtesy of Casa Noble Tequila/Facebook.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Sam Slaughter was the Food and Drink Editor for The Manual. Born and raised in New Jersey, he’s called the South home for…

Food & Drink

How to start your own home bar: the tools and mixers

the best home bar glassware version 1612854960 for your 2021

So you're building up your home bar. You've got the essential spirits in. You've added a selection of liqueurs and bitters to combine them with. Now, it's time to add the finishing touches. From mixers to tools to glasswear, we're rounding up everything else you'll need to turn a corner of your kitchen into a great home bar.
Speaking of the kitchen – this is, in my experience, the absolute best place for a home bar. While I love a good bar cart for a living room (or even an office, if you have that kind of job!) these are really more decorative than a practical place to mix drinks. The problem with using bar carts for serious cocktail making is twofold: One, the surfaces are usually too low, at below hip height, so you'll be bending over uncomfortably while you try to make your drinks. That's not chic, and it's hard on your back too. Instead you want something that's counter level, hence opting for the kitchen. The second issue is access to ice and a sink. Mixing serious cocktails requires a large amount of ice and frequent washing of glasses and tools. Sure, you can get an attractive ice bucket for your bar cart, and that certainly makes a fun decorative accessory. But you'll still be running back and forth to the kitchen to use the sink all the time anyway.
If you love the style of a bar cart, I certainly wouldn't want to stop you having one. They are great fun, and stylish to boot. I have a bar cart myself in my living room, which I love and use for very simple mixed drinks like negronis (though even then, you still have to go and fetch ice every time you want a drink). It's a great place for occasional special bottles, particularly beautiful glasswear, cocktail books, and other decorative accessories.
But for serious cocktail making, you want an area of clear counter space, near to a sink and to a freezer full of ice, and with easy access to all your bottles and tools. I find a small kitchen island perfect for this purpose, tucked into a corner of the kitchen near the appliances. Store bottles and equipment on the lower shelves of the island or on wall-mounted shelves to save space, and make sure you have a lamp or decent overhead lighting so you can see what you're doing while you mix. You'll want a small chopping board as well for slicing citrus and other fruit, and a small, sharp knife that you can borrow from your kitchen equipment.
Then it's time to turn your attention to home bar tools.

Essential home bar tools

Food & Drink

Big Green Egg brings back a fan-favorite item for a limited time

However spend your evenings outdoors, the Big Green Egg Chiminea is there to help keep things warm

The Big Green Egg Chiminea.

Love good times by the fire on a chilly night? Want to enjoy a few drinks in a toasty spot after a long day at work? Of course, we all do. But throwing some logs in a pit in the ground doesn't quite do it. If you want a cozy evening, Big Green Egg brings the wow with the release of a special Chiminea to celebrate 50 years in business, and it will take your gathering around the fire to a whole new level.
The Big Green Egg update

Big Green Egg has been the go-to for outdoor grillers and smokers looking for an outdoor cooker for decades. But if you want to hang out in the fresh air without cooking, the Chiminea is what you need. Freestanding fireplaces aren't new, and Big Green Egg isn't trying to reinvent them. The vintage version from 1999 is the starting point, with upgrades worthy of a 50th anniversary.
What's cracking with this egg
If it's not broken, don't fix it, right? But even the littlest changes will make something feel fresh. For those who aren't the best at starting a fire and keeping it going, the Chiminea comes with Lava Rocks to keep the flames roaring more evenly and for longer. Made from NASA-grade ceramic, the quality isn't something to worry about, either. And, yes, it's still in that gorgeous, signature deep green color.

Food & Drink

Far older than you think: A beginner’s guide to Mexican wine

Mexico has a great unsung wine scene

White wine glass tip

Wine has been produced in Mexico since the 16th century. With Spanish rule came mandatory vineyard plantings, wine-loving missions, and a steady flow of vino.

Today, the country is responsible for some exciting up-and-coming wines. The Baja region, in particular, is home to more than 125 producers and is beginning to get some serious industry recognition. Beneath the fine agave spirits and beach-friendly lagers, there’s quality wine on Mexico’s Pacific coast.