A Passion For Tequila

We recently met up with Mark Carlston at Encinitas’ El Callejon to experience his Crotalo Tequila, which the distiller founded in 2003. The brand’s triple-distilled Plata, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo Reserva, and Extra Añejo Gran Reserva have received special permission from the CRT (Certified Registry of Tequila) for its proprietary barrel aging process. In 2011 Crotalo Extra Anejo Tequila earned the coveted and rarely awarded title “Best of Show” title at the Spirits of Mexico Festival in Old Town San Diego. One of the highest accolades in the agave industry, a contestant can only receive “Best of Show” if all contest judges give a spirit a universal high score — the award has only been given on one other occasion thus far. Salud! (www.crotalotequila.com)