Tequila shots are out and tequila tasting is in. At the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, Ariz., groups can now become experts on the Southwest’s popular libation with a variety of tequila-focused offerings.
Mixing a team-oriented activity with an experience of the region, the Tequila Infusion Class for groups of 10 to 60 is led by Carlos Ruiz, the resort’s Tequila Master.
“Tucson is a melting pot of three main cultures, including Native American, Mexican and Cowboy,” said Dan Carraher, the resort’s director of sales and marketing. “It was only natural to incorporate the love for tequila of our Mexican culture.”
During the Tequila 101 tasting, participants learn about the differences between reposado, anejo and blanco as well as gain an appreciation for infusions, flavor profiles and pairings. Attendees can chose from seasonal ingredients, many sourced from the on-site garden, or local farms, such as berries, peppers, citrus, herbs and spices, to select and prepare their own infusions.
Based on group size, options such as a tequila education station at a reception, a hands-on tequila infusion station including a take-away bottle of tequila, or a margarita mixology setup can be executed on-property with the Tequila Master.
On the resort’s Salud Terrace, groups can continue their tequila education with the Legend of Arriba, Abajo, a nightly ritual where the tale of Gen. Pancho Villa is shared while toasting with one of the resort’s more than 150 artisan tequilas.
