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Brad Japhe
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Olympic Champion Bode Miller Presents His Dad, Woody, with a Specially Designed Box of Tequila
A $125 bottle of tequila seems extravagant. A $125 bottle of Cuervo tequila seems like a joke. But
Reserva De La Familia is no laughing matter. The elegantly packaged expression, made from 100 percent blue agave, and aged for more than three years in French oak, is one of the most contemplative Mexican spirits on the market today. Brand spokesman and Olympic champion skier Bode Miller thinks it's the perfect gift for dad this Sunday. Although he's far more recognized in the world of winter sports than he ever will be for pushing booze,
Miller is no stranger to the allure of alcohol. Hear him out.
"When you sip Reserve De La Familia, you don't need any coaching," explains the gold medal Olympian. "If you did a blind taste test you would know that this is the best one. Instinctually, its the taste; there's a level of care that you can tell is just a higher level."
Cuervo approached Miller earlier in the year about designing a special package of Reserva De La Familia for his dad on Father's Day. The connection was forged around the familial bond. Cuervo has been family-owned since 1795, with the ritual of agave cultivation and tequila production passing through 11 generations. Miller mastered the skill of ski racing from his dad, who had him on the slopes of New Hampshire since infancy. These respective traditions converged in a box of tequila adorned by the trail map of Miller's hometown hill.
Miller presented his dad with his one-of-a-kind box earlier in the week. For the common consumer, Reserva comes in a case skillfully rendered by Mexican artist, Enrique Rosas. Naturally, it's what's on the inside that matters most, and the aged juice in question comes correct. "It appeals to me in the same way as a fine wine or scotch," swears Miller. To my palate, the 2015 Reserva drinks more like a cognac or aged brandy. Rich, oaky, earthen aromas, and a gentle, molasses-like finish are redolent of the high-priced spirits of France. Similarly, this tequila is for sipping neat out of the snifter. Ironic as the advice is coming from Miller, he's spot on when suggesting to enjoy this one patiently, rather than racing to the finish line.
When introduced in 1995, Reserva was the first tequila to officially earn a designation of 'Extra Añejo' — aged in-barrel for three years or more. Since that time, many competitors have followed suit, with some releases fetching near $500 a bottle. At $125, Reserva De La Familia is a relative bargain.
Released annually, the 2015 edition is now available at BevMo and many other fine bottleshops across the city. Feel free to jazz up the box however you see fit. Dads will likely be more impressed with what's inside.
