Código 1530
66 Kampong Bugis
Kilo Kitchen
21 Tanjong Pagar Road
Kilo Lounge
Online Store
https://codigo1530.com/
Several photos in this post were not shot by me; these are credited to Código 1530.
This was an invited media review. I did not pay for the meal during the free hosted tasting session.
Attended with representatives from Heat Branding, and Geeky Elephant.
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| Código 1530 Range Of Tequilas |
A Tequila For Those Who Know
(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 9
Product Lifespan: 1 - 2 years
Product Quality: 9
Value for Money: 9
Budget about SGD $138 per 750ml bottle.
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For generations, a select group of Mexican families and jimadors have been enjoying a nameless, unlabeled tequila, privately created by a small, family-owned distillery in Amatitán city, in the Jalisco state of Mexico. With little commercial pressure to bring this private recipe tequila to market, 'El Tequila Privado' existed solely to satisfy its creators, and the discerning palates of its benefactors.
Now, funded by the same group of Mexican families, 'El Tequila Privado' is being brought to the world. Named Código 1530, this honours 'Los Códigos', the respected codes, customs, and centuries-old tequila brewing traditions of the region's tequilieras and jimadors. As part of its heritage, each bottle of artisanal Código 1530 tequila proudly bears the Jerusalem Cross from the Jalisco Coat of Arms, which dates back to 1530 when Amatitán was officially recognized as a city.
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| Painted Alley |
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| The Bar |
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| Seating |
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| Ready For A Masterclass |
Driven by a purpose of making Código 1530 the most selective tequila in the world, only fully-matured (8-year aged) agave tequilana / blue agave plant hearts are used. This ensures a consistent high standard for the agave's brix (sugar) level. The rich volcanic soil and high altitude (more than 1,500 metres) of the area also contributes to the quality of the agave tequilana / blue agave plants grown here.
Once the juice has been extracted via a proprietary chopper, pure mineral water from the area's freshwater pools is added. The fermentation process is highlighted by an organic bread yeast, sourced from a small family bakery in Amatitán city. There are no chemicals, artificial flavourings, or artificial sugars used to make this tequila. Finally, it's aged in French white oak barrels, embracing the wine making spirit. All this contributes to making Código 1530 a truely unique tequila, and it's little wonder that it has won several international awards, such as 'Best in Class Tequila' from the International SIP Awards.
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| Código 1530 Logo, Source Credits |
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| Glasses Line-Up |
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| Código 1530 Range Of Artisanal Tequilas |
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| Bottles Of Tequila, Source Credits |
The Código 1530 Blanco Tequila (SGD $118) is a reflection of pure taste. This unrested spirit goes straight to the bottle, and has an earthy, mineral character balanced with a delicate citrus sweetness. I love that it lacks the sharp acidity of other tequilas, coming across as refined and elegant on the palate.
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| Código 1530 Blanco Tequila (SGD $118), Source Credits |
The Código 1530 Rosa Tequila (SGD $138) is rested for 1 month in uncharred French white oak barrels, which were formerly used to store Cabernet Sauvignon red wine. This allows the tequila to incorporate some of the red wine residue, imparting a subtle pink hue. Each barrel can only be used once, hence the higher price. This spirit leads with a bright sweetness, and finishes with soft floral earthy notes. It's also great as a base for various cocktails.
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| Código 1530 Rosa Tequila (SGD $138), Source Credits |
The Código 1530 Reposado Tequila (SGD $138) is aged for 6 months in Napa Cabernet French white oak barrels. The barrels are charred by hand, on-site at the private distillery. Perhaps best embodying the classic time-honoured traditions of tequila making, this spirit has bright sweet notes, with the added complexity of vanilla, toasted caramel, and cocoa powder notes from the aging process. Subtle hints of the signature flavours found in most whiskys, with a good depth of character.
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| Código 1530 Reposado Tequila (SGD $138), Source Credits |
Lauded as one of the finest tequilas, the Código 1530 Añejo Tequila (SGD $198) is aged for 18 months in Napa Cabernet French white oak barrels. A truely elegant spirit, expressive with hints of fruit, oak, vanilla, and some spice notes, very refined and rounded on the palate. This tequila has flavours and character most like whisky, you can barely tell the difference. Best drunk neat, which is how the Mexicans like this.
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| Código 1530 Añejo Tequila (SGD $198), Source Credits |
Regarded as among the most decadent Extra Añejo available, the Código 1530 Origen Tequila (SGD $498) is aged for 6 years in Napa Cabernet French white oak barrels. As one of the oldest and most refined spirits, the premium pricing reflects the difficulty and overall time spent producing this - 8 years to grow the agave tequilana / blue agave plant, 6 years to age, and with around 70% of the tequila going to angel's share. It has deep aromas of spice, vanilla, and oak, with a robust, mature body teeming with earthy fruity sweet spice notes of dried fig, cinnamon, and toffee. A fine example of tequila as luxury.
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| Código 1530 Origen Tequila (SGD $498), Source Credits |
The Masterclass allowed us to sample a house-made Rosa Margarita Cocktail, an expression which features the Código 1530 Rosa Tequila as a base, mixed with fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, and club soda. Served in a salt studded glass, the alternating flavours of salty sour sweet earthy in this cocktail makes this so addictive. I couldn't stop drinking this!
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| Rosa Margarita Cocktail |
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CONVERSATION