There once was an hombre from Jalisco.
Who grew blue agave because he liked to.
They were roasted and distilled,
Until his taste buds were thrilled.
Then he passed out until he came to.
- Gluttony Boy
A shot straight from the freezer! Sippin’ time…
Every so often, someone has a party. There are many occasions for celebration, but on this night it was an open house potluck hosted by friends that had built their dream home.
We arrived bearing green chili and cheese enchiladas, that my wife had made, and a chilled bitch of a wine, but I was not quite ready for what was on display in the kitchen. Food. So much food of all types and tastes that the strain on my shirt buttons increased as a reflex. And liquor! There was so much imported beer, wine, and other spirits that a tear of joy welled up in my eye.
As wonderful as this was, the host came by our table with a bottle of Don Julio Anejo Tequila. We gathered around him like refugees at a Red Cross truck bearing sacks of rice. Then he LEFT THE BOTTLE ON THE TABLE. I KNOW!!
I don’t recall much after that, apart from the beautiful home with a media room that reproduced frequencies so low that I’m sure I’m now sterile. I did chat with several interesting people as I went to and fro tasting this and drinking that. It was a gluttonously good evening.
The influences of the old world and the new are many. A treatise on such a vast topic would be a long an arduous endeavor. However, if the focus is narrowed, the results can be pleasant and at times sublime.
Take fruit for example, and citrus fruit in particular. The lime originates from the Himalayan region of India. Oranges are from Southeast Asia. Citrus fruit carried on seafaring vessels to fight scurvy, made their way to the Americas (a British sailor was called a Limey).
In the high arid climate of southwestern Mexico, an indigenous plant called the Blue Agave was being cultivated for its beauty and sap. It is the heart of this plant that is harvested after twelve years growth.
The intersection of old world fruit and this new world plant occurred when barrels of fermented Agave sap were in the hold of a merchant marine vessel whose Spanish name translated loosely to English as “Daisy”. The Daisy embarked on a journey north from the Jalisco area of Mexico along the Pacific coast toward British Columbia.
Atypical El Niño weather patterns wrought havoc on the ship a few months into the voyage. Wrestling with the stormy sea, the Mexican captain collided with a French freighter out of Hong Kong laden with limes and oranges. The resultant debris was strewn across the beaches near present day Malibu California.
A young man, walking his dog along the beach that afternoon, happened across the wreckage. He was lured by the smell of the debris that was churning in the frothy greenish seawater. Cupping his hand, he dipped it into a tide pool and raised it to his lips, smelling it carefully at first before tasting it. He savored the combination of sweet, tart and saltiness as he swallowed. After several dozen tastes the man unexpectedly passed out.
Later, a survivor of the maritime melee approached the man and revived him. As the young man came to consciousness, he introduced himself as James, James Buffett the second, an importer by trade. The survivor, who spoke mostly Spanish, said his name was José, José María Guadalupe Cuervo. José said he was a sailor of “La Margarita”. James offered José a taste from the tide pool and began discussing a business opportunity…
To recreate your own old world and new collision, empty a can of limeade frozen concentrate into a container that can be closed tightly and shaken without spewing its contents around the room or over your guests.
Serves one really big gluttonous glass or four to six normal highball or Margarita glasses. Enjoy with Mexican food and California beach music!
