El Rayo creates Tequila with highland and lowland agave

by Owen Bellwood

Tequila brand El Rayo has launched two 100%­ agave expressions made from a blend of highland and lowland agave.

Developed by Tom Bishop and Jack Vereker, El Rayo created its Plata and Reposado expressions to be mixed with tonic as a “refreshing alternative for summer drinking”. El Rayo, which means 'the lightning' in Spanish, is made using highland and lowland agaves to “harness both the citrus and floral notes of the highlands alongside the peppery, vegetal flavours commonly associated with the lowlands”. Created in partnership with maestro Tequilero Oscar Garcia, El Rayo is made using eight­-year-­old agaves that are roasted for 12 hours. The spirit is twice­-distilled and El Rayo Reposado is aged for seven months in American white oak whiskey barrels. El Rayo Plata is described as a “smooth and balanced Tequila” with flavours of pepper, pineapple and floral notes on the palate. The brand’s Reposado bottling is “sweet and delicate with silky caramel, almond and vegetal notes”. Bottled at 40% abv, El Rayo Plata and Reposado cost RRP £39.95 (US$50) and £43.95 (US$55) respectively per 700ml bottle. El Rayo is available to buy from specialist spirits retailers in the UK, including Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange.