Multiunit operator Cameron Mitchell Restaurants in September unveiled a new signature barrel-aged reposado tequila from Herradura. The CMR food and beverage team selected the barrel during a visit to the Herradura Distillery and Hacienda in Jalisco, Mexico, in November 2019.

They looked at six barrels for each selection that Ruben Aceves, Herradura’s global brand ambassador, had selected prior to their arrival. “We tasted each spirit at barrel strength and with dilution, and picked stylistically the one that best fit the profile we liked,” says CMR’s director of beverage, Andrea Cornwell.

What was special about the Herradura Double Barrel Reposado? “This tequila was the winner because of its multiple layers in flavor, velvety texture and interesting finish,” Cornwell says. “We felt that it would be just as easily enjoyed alone as it would in a cocktail—buttery, sweet, with bright spice notes and an earthy undertone.” 

Columbus, OH-based CMR operates 16 concepts, including the Ocean Prime national brand. The tequila is available at all CMR’s Columbus restaurants, and is mainly promoted as a sipper, Cornwell says, though a Margarita made with the reposado, Grand Marnier and fresh lime juice is offered at all concepts.

What are some of the signature cocktails CMR has developed for the Double Barrel Reposado? One is a specialty Margarita at the Martini Modern Italian restaurant, made with the reposado, house-made limoncello, Campari and fresh lime.

Another concept, The Barn at Rock Fork Creek, offers a Tequila Cider with the reposado, local apple cider, velvet falernum and lime. And CMR’s The Avenue Steak Tavern makes a Hemingway Reposado with the tequila, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, grapefruit and lime. The CMR specialty cocktails are priced at $12 each.