Napa Valley is known for its wine, Seattle for its handcrafted beers and Champagne for its champagne. Until my trip to Puerto Vallarta, I had no idea that the Mexican state of Jalisco is the only place on earth where tequila is made. A five minute cab ride from Marina Vallarta brings you to one of the finest distillers of tequila in the state...and thus, the world.
Porfidio tequilas are a world apart from the spring break, margarita mixer stuff one frequently associates with tequila. This is sipping tequila, with a subtlety and complexity much like single malt scotch.
The distillery itself is small, and the tequila is made in small batches. The tour lasts about thirty minutes and takes you through the entire process. Like a winery tour, Porfidio focuses on education and we learned a great deal. Porfidio is 100% blue agave and uses no cane suger (which is what causes those lovely hangovers). The product is aged in oak barrels for up to 5 years for the really exclusive stuff.
The grounds at the distillery are very attractive, with peacocks wandering around and banana trees and agave plants growing everywhere. Each step of the distilling process has its own small building, so the place has a very open, spacious feel. Our three person group got a private tour and got to sample all of their varieties afterwards. Though expensive when compared to Sauza and Cuervo, we found their factory prices to be better than the liquor store across from our hotel as well as the duty free shop at the airport.
I learned a great deal on this interesting tour, and gained a new respect for the art of tequila distillation. Now that's culture!