This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Vida Tequila, an ultra-premium tequila whose owners live in Utah, was honored recently during the"Best of the Best" Awards competition in Denver, Colorado.
The company's Tequila Reposado was one of 12 spirits recognized in the 2011 Highland Reposado category.
Unfortunately, the only way to get this award-winning spirit in Utah is by special order or by going to a restaurant that carries it such as Pago, Takashi, Frida Bistro and Silver in Park City.) The list price for a 750 ml bottle is $53.
Utah state liquor stores do carry VIDA's tequila blanco which costs $50 a bottle.
The Vida Reposado is made from 100 percent Agave Tequilana Weber and is aged in American white oak barrels for six months, creating a spirit that has smoky flavor with light citrus undertones. The company is owned by Utah residents John and Lisa Barlow.
More than 277 products were submitted in the competition, which is sponsored by Tequila.net and recognizes the best "Spirits of Mexico" including tequila, mescal and agave liqueurs. Judges conducted blind tastings in 16 different categories before selecting winners.