August 24, 2009
The St. John's University Young Alumni Committee Happy Hour
Series got sophisticated on Thursday, August 20, 2009 with its
first tasting event. Viva Tequila boasted an intimate crowd of 26
gathered at the Village Pourhouse to learn more about the finer
side of tequila. The night mixed tequila connoisseurs who prefer to
sip with guest who prefer shots. According to Sauza Tequila
National Ambassador Jaime Salas, the mixed group was perfect for
this type of event. “Tequila can be sipped and savored,” says Salas
“One of my objectives is to showcase how far tequila has come. It’s
not just a party drink.”
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Victor Saljanin '98SVC and Adrianne Palazzola '97SVC were
intrigued by learning about tequila and decided to make this their
first Young Alumni event. “I’m not really a tequila drinker, but
this looked interesting. It’s something new and different for St.
John’s,” noted Saljanin. Palazzola liked the types of events the
Young Alumni Committee have been planning so far and is looking
forward to more recreational events and networking events. “I get a
lot of the emails about the events, but had not made it to one yet.
This seemed different and fun!”
The
tasting included six tequilas, two each from the Plata, Reposado
and Anejo families. Alumni and friends were surprised to learn that
tequila is currently the most expensive alcohol to produce because
the agave plant takes six to nine years to mature. Guests were
taught to inhale the aroma of the agave plant and notice the subtle
difference between Sauza’s Hornitos Plata, Reposado and Anejo and
the 3Gs Plata, Reposado and Anejo. Platas are clear and are the
tequila most people are used to shooting, Reposados are darker
which is attributed to their contact with wood and have a sweet
spicy flavor, and Anejos can be mistaken for bourbon in the glass
until the first whiff of its smoky aroma. The tequilas were
experienced in their respective families with palette cleansing
between each.
Thomas Gerrity '04C, '09L experienced Sauza Tequilas for the first
time and as a lover of tequila was very pleased with the event. “I
usually sip my tequila and this was a great way to learn more about
something I already love,” he said. “I think its great St. John’s
is doing events for different groups and different ages. Kevin Ryan
Esq. '98C, '01L agrees and is looking forward to more events in
Long Island and the New York Metro area. “I saw the event on the
web and invited my friends because it looked fun. I hope St. John’s
continues theses events and adds more informal ones in Queens,
maybe even close to campus. “
Committee
member Daniel Jean-Toussaint '06CPS was pleased with the turnout
and feedback he received from the attendees. “I think this was a
great start to these tastings,” he said. “The committee will want
to continue to build this base, everyone I’ve talked with is having
a great time.” Confirmed Anejo drinker John Kendrick '06CPS was the
raffle winner and was glad he made time for the event. “This was
close to work, so very convenient for me. I prefer Anejo but it was
great learning more about tequila and the different types.
Assistant Director of Student and Alumni Engagement Elisa
Douglas '05C is happy the YAC events are striking a cord with
alumni. “We have been listening to what our alumni want and have
seen a great response to our current social, networking and
enrichment events. We have many more planned and hope that our
alumni continue to respond.”