How far will a bartender go for good liquor?

Four Seasons Austin’s bartenders continue to outdo themselves; this time making a special trip to bring back some one-of-a-kind imported custom blends, just for Central Texans.

Only 240 bottles (and counting) of the Herradura reposado tequila are available, exclusively at Four Seasons Austin this spring. (Reposado is tequila that has been aged in oak for anything from two to twelve months.)

In preparation for this special offering, two bartenders from Four Seasons Austin traveled to Jalisco, Mexico, where they toured, tasted and blended the exclusive double barrel-aged reposado before bringing it back to fill Central Texans margarita and cocktail glasses.

“The day spent at Hacienda Herradura was the most comprehensive tequila experience I have ever had,” said bartender Matthew Foster. “Smelling the air in Amatitán and tasting every level of the distilling process made me realize how their tequila is truly a reflection of its terroir and people. It has transformed how I taste spirits.”

Two specialty cocktails make up the menu for the special Herradura reposado. The first one is La Arboleda or The Grove, which is inspired by the citrus trees that grow on the Herradura hacienda and made by Foster. The fruit that falls from the hacienda trees is left to sit on the ground until the microbes travel to the vats of fermenting agave through the natural composting process. The process helps bring a subtle citrus flavor into Herradura’s tequila. I found the drink to be very much old-fashioned style and enjoyed it.

However, my favorite drink on the limited edition menu is the 1870. This cocktail is made by bartender Bre Hart and is named for the year Herradura tequila was founded. The 1870 is made of the flavors from a traditional mole sauce – fruit essence, chili peppers and chocolate. It is said the semi-sweet cocktail complements the vanilla and oak from the Four Seasons barrel without compromising the natural flavor of the tequila.

The Four Seasons Austin’s Herradura is also available at the hotel’s in-room margarita cart for $22.

Cover photo courtesy Four Seasons Austin