on tequila
Ian Wilson Ace Mercado
Real tequila is made of 100 per
cent blue agave, and bartender
Ian Wilson explains that the
Mexican spirit falls into three
broad categories: blanco (white),
anejo (brown), and reposado
(aged). There’s also mezcal — a
peatier, smokier agave spirit that
can be made of different agave
varieties.
Ace Mercado has around
100 different tequilas to choose
from, and all are meant to be
enjoyed neat. Wilson says this
variety ensures that there is
something for every taste and
every price point (ranging from
$8 to $200).
If Ace’s long list seems daunt-
ing, Wilson suggests starting
with the Casamigos Reposado
— it’s a toasty, smooth tequila
with notes of caramel and cocoa
and a slightly sweet finish (that
should erase all memories of
dance-floor tequila shots chased
with salt and lemon).
Tequila can be enjoyed at
room temperature and is served
in a snifter. At Ace Mercado,
Wilson suggests pairing it with
spicy food or enjoying it as a
digestif — either way, you won’t
be offered salt and a
lemon wedge with
your order. Good te-
quila doesn’t need to
be masked by suck-
ing a lemon, Wil-
son says. Instead,
you’ll be offered
a small glass of
verdita (a home-
made mixture of
mint, cilantro,
pineapple, and
jalapeño) to sip
with your spirit.
celebrating 50 years
oF canadian art
OVER 13,000 SQUARE FEET OF GALLERY SPACE
FEATURING 175 CANADIAN ARTISTS
PAINTINGS, MIXED MEDIA, PHOTOGRAPHY
FINE ART PRINTS & CUSTOM FRAMING
C A N A DA’ S L A R G E S T G A L L E RY O F A R T
1771 ST. LAURENT BOULEVARD
1 (613) 526-1562 • 1 (877) 526-1562
KOYMANGALLERIES.COM
canadian/native/inuit art and craft
Since 1962
83 Sparks St. Mall 613.232.2213 snowgoose.ca