Local events and festivals can be a great way to get out and experience some of the best your state has to offer. Luckily, these events continue to grow and adapt to newer age groups and audiences. In the past, my attendance at events has been very limited, but my goal is to change that. Since beginning to date Matt, my bingo card of places visited has far more stamps on it. Now, I find myself clicking on links or even searching out new events in or around the area.
A few weeks back I saw an add for the Royal Oak Tequila Fest which happens to also be in the Metro Detroit area. I have always had an appreciation for tequila drinks; from margaritas to palomas to the classic tequila sunrise. So upon inspecting the flyer and the website, it seemed this would be a perfect event to attend. I texted a few friends, got a group together, and made a plan for a fun night out!
In an active mindset of drinking responsibly, though we took a ride share to and from the fest, we made dinner reservations at Iron Horse just half a mile away from the Farmer's Market. Filled up with tacos and pizza, we had a nice carb base going into a drinking-centric event. Upon entering the facility, attendees are given 10-15 drink tickets (depending on the ticket they'd purchased) and a souvenir glass with a complimentary pour of Padre Azul Reposado Tequila. This was a great tequila to start with: it was smooth and warm with very little bite. Though I wouldn't go out of my way to order it, if a bartender suggested this, I would be more than happy to sip it back.
We purchased VIP tickets, which allowed us to enter the festival at 6:00, an hour early, and granted us 15 drink tickets each. Taking in the event location prior to most people arriving, it was certainly an interesting environment. Though the lines were short and we could get our drinks faster, it really seemed more like a barn wedding reception after most people had left. The atmosphere felt far more appropriate for a tasting event once the crowds had arrived. With 33 booths to potentially visit, we clearly didn't taste everything, and admittedly didn't even use all 15 of our tickets. Here are the drinks we tasted and what I thought of them:
Mijenta Reposado - I didn't even need to taste this one to know it is my favorite tequila. Unfortunately it isn't currently sold in Michigan so we pick up a bottle every time we visit Illinois. Incredibly smooth with hints of vanilla, this tequila comes from an all female run company in Mexico. I will continue to support them, happily so.
Mijenta Blanco - Though not right after the resposado, we had to go back later for the blanco. While the resposado is perfect for smooth sipping, the blanco definitely is the way to go for a mixed drink or an effortless shot.
Dos Hombres Mezcal - I quickly remembered why mezcal is not my favorite. The overwhelming smokiness is just too much for me. One of our friends tried many mezcals, as she is a fan but this still didn't meet her preferences.
Corralejo Tequila Sunrise - The first of many "mixed drinks" we had throughout the night. Unfortunately with batch mixed cocktails, as they settle it becomes difficult to taste the liquor. The sweetness was overpowering and just left me feeling so-so about the tequila.
Dr. Stoner's Hierba Madura- Exactly as it sounds, this tequila is infused with cannabis. Intrigue is all that encouraged me to try this drink as I am not one who partakes in weed related activities. Which, if you are similar and the smell/taste do not appeal to you, do not try this. I took one sip and dumped the rest out, unfortunately the taste remained in my mouth for quite a while.
Party Can RTDs - I actually searched this one out because it kept coming through my tiktok and instagram feed as the amazing canned margarita you can get at Trader Joe's. I should have known, based on my palette, that I would not appreciate this drink at all. Full of sugar and tasting a bit like Windex, I will continue walking if I pass it on the shelf.
El Mayor Gingered Peach Margarita - Yet another batch mixed drink, I appreciated the change up in flavor, but once again couldn't taste the tequila. Mostly juice, it was tough to tell if the tequila was any good, though it blended in nicely.
Codigo 1530 Peach Old Fashioned - Apart from Mijenta, this was my second favorite tequila at the festival. Made with the Codigo 1530 Anejo, peach bitters, and simple syrup this drink showed that tequila can be featured in such a classic drink as an old fashioned; a drink which highlights the liquor instead of covering it up. This drink was pleasant, refreshing, and a welcome alternative to the mixed drinks we'd had already.
Codigo 1530 Rosa - Once I had discovered that I liked the Codigo Anejo, I took the opportunity to test out their Rosa as well. Though I couldn't differentiate any flavors from a classic reposado, the pink hue was attractive and it easily could have been that I had tested too many tequilas to pick up on subtle flavors.
Altos Pineapple Margarita - I honestly can't say much about this drink as it was bland and not very memorable. Though my friend had their mezcal colada and seemed to enjoy it.
Hornitos Spicy Watermelon Margarita- This was the most balanced of the pre-mixed margaritas we sampled. With a lower level of sugar, a hint of spice, and a decent tequila flavor, it was well rounded and a good example of how batch made drinks should be done.
With our drinks, we had free access to a photo booth section which was fun and a great momento. It was certainly an experience, and a night out with friends is always a good time, but I don't believe I would attend again. While all promises from the flyer were fulfilled, I found I was a bit underwhelmed by the whole event. I don't know exactly what I was expecting but it wasn't what I walked in to. I do believe I will attend similar event in the future, but I think the Royal Oak Tequila Fest will be a one and done situation for me.
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