La Cava del Tequila Bar
Inside the Mexico Pavilion, in the World Showcase in Epcot, there’s a little watering hole called La Cava, “the cave”. It’s a well-known haunt for locals and residents and prior guests who like to revel in the flavors of the Agave plant.
This little bar has a small, cozy lounge inside where guests can sit, or stand at a tall table, and enjoy the Tequila based libations for as long as they like. It looks like an old Mexican style Cantina someplace deep in Mexico, literally “a hole in the wall”. Worry not my fellow traveler, what they lack in size, they more than make up for in punch!
Like many people I used to have a fear of Tequila … well, let’s call it a healthy respect. I simply didn’t drink it much. I almost never did shots of it. I nearly made myself sick once, and from then on Tequila became my last choice of alcohols, and certainly never something I’d want to take home with me. I’m sure many of us have been there; although, not anymore!
Now, let me back up for a minute. I’m not a Tequila drinker … I never really cared for Tequila. I’m a Whiskey/Bourbon/Scotch kind of guy. After that my booze of choice is a good Vodka. I have my favorites and preferences like everyone else, however, I almost never drink Tequila. I just never liked what I had over the years, and it got boring. If you’re like me, pay attention, and give this place a try. My eyes were opened, and my taste buds were AMAZED!!
I have recently found a new affinity for Tequila, because at La Cava, they have this wonderful thing called a Tequila Flight. A ”Flight” of something is a small amount, more than 1-2 drinks/cups/shots of various types or flavors of beverage (usually three; however more are also common). While visiting La Cava on a whim in 2018, there I was, staring over the menu at a tall table not knowing what to have or what I liked. I had no idea what to get. I went in to try something new, expand my horizons, and be on an adventure. I decided to try their Premium Flight of Tequilas.
What Did I Know?
After speaking to the bartender, I realized I didn’t want a Margarita. I talked to the her in more detail, we talked about what I wanted, what I liked, and how I was kind of “afraid” of tequila; so I wanted a decent or high quality experience. She knew just the thing! She flipped to the back of the menu and pointed me towards the Premium Tequila Flight. I agreed to try it. So there I was, a complete noob, going in on 6 half ounce shots of Tequila I’d never heard of before. To say I was a tiny bit apprehensive would be an understatement.
Fortunately, I found some new friends who were in line behind me at the bar, and were all wondering what I ordered. I explained it to them as best I could and they seemed interested. So I shared sips of my Premium Flight with them, and we all vastly enjoyed these wonderful tequilas.
Tasting Review
In the flight, Left to Right (or Right to Left depending on your orientation to the table) as they are served on the board: Tapatio 110 Proof Blanco, Suerte Reposado, Volcan Christiano Anejo, Avion 44 Extra Anejo, and Casa Dragones Joven.
Tapatio 110 Proof Blanco: Smooth for as strong as it is. It has a hint of lime. A definite punch in the mouth. Some burn, but not overpowering for a 110-proof alcohol.
Suerte Reposado: Gooooood, slightly sweet, not bitter. Ha a slightly syrupy taste, but not thick like a pancake syrup, and not sugary. Goes down well. A good sipping tequila for those who like a little sweeter taste. No harsh aftertaste.
Volcan Christiano Anejo: Starts out smoky, light yet bold flavor. A well-rounded representation of what a Tequila should taste like. In your mind you’ll think it’s the ideal tequila. It’s a filtered alcohol, and the crispness can be felt when you sip it.
Avion 44 Extra Anejo: The perfect tequila. Smooth, warm, and flavorful, no bite, not overpowering, and no punch in the mouth. It was tasty and enjoyable. My second most favorite of any tequilas I’ve ever had. If the Casa Dragones Joven wasn’t on this list, this one would easily be my favorite. I would call this a perfect tequila. It’s as if someone took all the best tequilas and mixed them together perfectly. They didn’t; the taste will make you happy you tried it.
Casa Dragones Joven: Has a hint of smoke, like a gentleman’s rustic pipe. Easy drinking, smooth and full of flavor and won’t punch you in the mouth. Easily my favorite Tequila ever. I would buy this in the store if it wasn’t $300 a bottle. This is the tequila your friends don’t know they love and want. I would call this a perfect tequila. I have to assume there are better; however, this is by far my favorite so far that I’ve tasted.
Mezcal Montelobos Espadin Blanco: It has a distinctive flavor profile compared to the rest of them. It was “grainy” like from wheat, almost like a Hefeweizen beer of Tequilas. It didn’t have a harsh bite to it, no punch in the mouth. It did have a pronounced flavor compared to the others before and was served with an orange slice rather than a lime wedge like the others. It wasn’t terrible; however, after the others, it was distinctly different and I didn’t care for it as much. My least favorite. Not something I would ever buy. For people who love the Mezcal style of Tequila, this is certainly a “Go To” Tequila.
This was a new experience for me. I’d had Beer Flights before, and there were only 3 beers in each flight. Here I was with 6 different Tequilas! WOW!! I was almost freaking out; but when it was all said and done, and the flavors were tasted, it was such a tremendous and worthy experience.
I know people don’t think about going to Walt Disney World and having such an enlightening, thought provoking, learning experience; however, this was one of those times where I really grew. I realized I really DO like tequila. Tequila gets a bad reputation, unfairly so. I think the bartenders and Cast Members at La Cava would be thrilled to help you have a wonderful drinking experience and expand your horizons or try something new. Feel free to ask for their recommendations on Tequilas. They have over 70 Tequilas to choose from.
I’m just getting started; won’t you join me?
TIPS FOR A BETTER EXPERIENCE:
- Take sips of water between sips of tequila.
- Try to cleanse your palate as much as possible before your next taste.
- Enjoy!
- If money is no object, or you’re wanting an exceptional experience, start with the Premium Flight then go higher.
- Never go down once you’ve had the Top-Shelf Tequilas.
What you should take away from this experience is that Disney, or whomever it is that runs La Cava’s Tequila list, has all of their proverbial ducks in a row. They know what they’re doing here.
#2disneyenthusiasts