Yes, we got our hands on the Gold as well. Don’t we mean Reposado? Well no actually, this one’s being marketed as a Gold. Don’t panic it’s still 100% agave, the Gold classification can also be the result of blending a Silver Tequila with a Reposado and/or Añejo Tequila, whilst keeping it 100% agave. That or it’s been kept not quite long enough in the barrel to warrant the Reposado classification.

Tequila Details

Name: Pura Vida (Gold)
NOM: 1414
Distillery: Feliciano Vivanco y Asociados, S. A. de C. V.
Location: Highlands – Los Altos
Website: http://www.puravida.mx

Review Notes

As reposados go, this tequila leans to a lighter shade of amber on the color chart. Sometimes, for me at least, a reposado can have too much flavour, too much wood and too much vanilla, which is why you will typically find me drinking blancos. I think Pura Vida have headed in the right direction here and, regardless of whether they’ve left the juice for a shorter period in the barrel (which would have to be less than two months) or that they opted to blend various ages of tequila, have managed to create a balanced tequila with just the right amount of everything.

My instincts were telling me that this tequila wasn’t blended and was most likely matured in the barrel for a shorter period, but I wanted confirmation so I got in contact with Stewart Skloss from Pura Vida. As it happens my instincts were right, but not about everything. Stuart tells me that to all intents and purposes this is a true ‘Reposado’ and it is purely being market as ‘Gold’ in the US as most Americans have much more familiarity with the terminology ‘Gold’ compared to ‘Reposado’ when ordering this level of tequila. In Mexico however the branding on the bottle clearly states it’s authenticity as a ‘Reposado’.

The flowery undertones are present in both the nose and on the palate and, as previously mentioned, the balance of wood and vanilla is perfect. The astringency that can be found in the blanco can once again be found here, and in my options transforms this into a great sipper. Aftertaste is crisp due to the astringency, and this one’s got a bit more fuerte…although it takes a wee while while for it to kick in.

If I had to use one word to describe this bottle I’d go with balanced, and that’s not a word I like to throw around that often. This is definitely one tequila you should try at some point, if not only to allay your fears that all gold tequila is mixto and headache juice.

¡Salud y’all!

There were many things I intended to do on a recent trip to Mexico, things I wanted to see…but only one bottle on my list that I just ‘had‘ to pick up whilst I was there. Los Abuelos, or La Fortaleza as it’s know outside Mexico, is created by the legendary Guillermo Sauza, fifth generation tequila maker and decendent of Don Cenobio Sauza who originally founded the Sauza tequila company in 1873. Los Abuelos/La Fortaleza use only 100% estate grown blue Weber Agave, aged in oak barrels for 6-9 months to create their reposado, and they do it all in the traditional way.

Tequila Details

Name: Los Abuelos/La Fortaleza Reposado
NOM: 1493
Distillery: Tequila Los Abuelos, S.A. de C.V.
Location: Lowlands – Central
Website: http://www.losabuelos.com/

Review Notes

It’s probably worth mentioning as we kick this off that I’m more of a Highlands tequila drinker, as I browse through my collection it’s quite obvious that I’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth. No I’m not setting you up for a fall, but simply stating my preference to further emphasise just how good this bottle is. Oh and it’s probably worth mentioning too that this bottle is from Lot 7.

The bottle, that’s the first thing that grabs your attention. It is in itself a work of art. Made of handblow glass with an artisan designed bottle top,  hand-crafted by the workers at the distillery themselves, to represent the harvested agave Piña. Artwork of a horse grinding Piña with a Tahona stone graces the label and complete the classic look.

In my glass, as I pour with the greatest of care not to spill anyway, I notice it’s a dark amber in colour. The tequila has a somewhat oily consitency and it clings to my glass forming very slow tears. I know I should wait to see if those tears bead, but I just don’t have the patience. The first aroma to hit my nose is of wood, it smells thick and oily. The smell of the agave is resting there behind the wood enticing you to take that initial sip. I fight the urge to drink and inhale once more where I’m met again with that deep aroma of wood, which I could almost swear was pine.

I succumb to my urge to drink and I’m unable to detect any bitterness on my palette and, as in the nose, there is an oily texture. It’s balanced and smooth. Agave heat is present, but not overpowering, and there’s a deep flavour of wood and earth. The heat from the agave remains warm on my tongue and as I feel it cooling I detect hints of butter and vanilla. My throat is still warm and as the agave heat subsides from my tongue I’m left with is the most amazing after taste of fruit and cinnamon. It really is quite something.

This bottle is all, and maybe even just a wee bit more, that I hoped it would be. Now perhaps my opinion is biased as this is something I’ve always wanted to drink, but I trust my senses and I know that the quality of this product isn’t just in my head. If you have the opportunity to try this in a bar don’t hesitate for one second. Should you come across this in a store, then rest assured it will soon take pride of place in your collection.

¡Salud y’all!

It’s not often that we take the time to review a mixto on this site, but more often than not most people’s first experience with tequila is with a cheap mixto rather than a 100% agave brand. Now I’m no tequila snob, well I am, but something enticed me to check this brand out and see if perhaps there was something out there that might stop people reaching for the standard bottle of Sauza or Cuervo.

Tequila Details

Name: el Zarco (Gold)
NOM: 1122
Distillery: Distillery: Casa Cuervo, S.A. de C.V.
Location: Iztacalco, Distrito Federal
Website: http://www.proximospirits.com/brands/el-zarco-tequila

Review Notes

Straight off the bat this tequila is gold by name and nature and has a watery consistency, it beads almost instantly. It’s got very little (if any) agave nose to it but perhaps this isn’t a bad point, mixtos in general tend to be a bit heavy on the alcohol aroma. On the palate I’m seeing that more subtle approach too. There’s clearly no Cuervo burn, but that pepper heat is missing just like our agave nose and that’s a real shame. The tequila itself is smooth and easy going, due to the double distillation method, making you believe that the goal was to show that a mixto doesn’t necessarily have to rip out your tonsils each time you take a sip.

All in all this isn’t a bad bit of drink but ultimately however it is a mixto, and although in this day and age there’s very little excuse for not drinking 100% agave, it’s a better place to start from than a lot of people have had previously.

¡Salud y’all!

Summer is fast approaching, although looking out the window you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise (my car was recently hammered with hail stones the size of golf balls). Stay positive, I’m sure summer is just around the corner now. One tequila I always tend to pick up around this time is a bottle of Sauza Hornitos reposado for those afternoon margaritas. I’ve always found that it does the job rather well, and it’s not too shabby straight up either. Unlike the bottle of Sauza that you’d typically find in restaurants and bars this bottle is 100% agave and it’s not that much more expensive, which makes you wonder why people are forced to drink the mixto!? Anyway…

Tequila Details

Name: Sauza Hornitos Reposado
NOM: 1102
Distillery: Tequila Sauza, S.A. de C.V.
Location: Lowlands – Central
Website: http://www.hornitostequila.com/

Review Notes

Hornitos reposado is pale yellow with a light agave nose. It has an intense floral smell, is lightly spiced and is somewhat earthy. The initial taste is sweet with a light alcohol effect, which isn’t the unpleasant burning sensation that you might be familiar with from the standard ‘mixto’ Sauza. There are hints of caramel and wood present with strong citrus fruit flavours, which is why I think it lends itself to making a great Margarita. The alcohol sticks around after swallowing, but not for an excessive amount of time, and leaves your tongue somewhat numb…but once again for only a short period.

Now, Hornitos is certainly not my first choice when I’m sipping tequila…but it definitely doesn’t offend me. If you’re new to the tequila scene and looking for a multi purpose bottle then you certainly could do far worse than picking up a bottle of Hornitos.

¡Salud y’all!

My expectations are always low when I’m looking for tequila in the drink section of an English supermarket. Chances are that they usual ‘mixto’ subjects will be there and the possibility of a 100% agave tequila being on the shelf ranges from slim to none. However, to my surprise I’ve noticed Don Agustín appearing in more and more places. I never shy away from a bottle that I’ve never drunk (as long as it says 100% puro de agave on it) and Don Agustín is one of the reasons why you shouldn’t either.

Tequila Details

Name: La Cava de Don Agustín Reposado
NOM: 1456
Distillery: Tequila Supremo, S.A. De C.V.
Region: Highlands – Los Altos
Website: http://mexplaza.udg.mx/arandina (no longer active)

Review Notes

Light amber in colour this reposado has a moderate agave presence with a clear caramel nose. Additionally there are floral tones as well as an oaky aroma. It is sweet to the taste with that clear caramel smell coming through onto your tastebuds. I’m also sensing something nutty in the mix, perhaps hazelnuts. The finish is smooth, a little bitter, with a strong peppery aftertaste. This is a somewhat complex and powerful tequila offering some serious value for money.

Originally named La Arandina, after the town that houses the distillery, the company was founded in 1938 by Don Jose Agustín Camerena, a visionary man with an entrepeneur spirit who forged a family tradition based on one dream: to produce the best tequila, taking the best agave flavour from Los Altos of Jalisco, not only to Mexico, but to the rest of the world.

Tempted?

¡Salud y’all!

There are tequila bottles that are hand blown, those that are crafted from pewter and then there are the simple bottles, the ones who’s functional is clear. Keep the tequila in! Herencia de Plata offers tequila at a reasonable price in practical packaging that is never going to win a beauty contest. For that reason I grabbed hold of this bottle one afternoon to find out if it really was all about inner beauty.

Tequila Notes

Brand: Herencia de Plata Reposado
NOM: 1124
Distillery: Tequilas del Señor, S.A. de C.V.
Region: Highlands – Los Altos
Web Site: http://www.tequilasdelsenor.com.mx

Review Notes

This reposado is golden in colour with a caramel, oak and vanilla nose to it. You instantly taste the agave as well as spicy (cinnamon) flavour with a deep woody flavour. It is worth noting that this is a very sweet tequila that may not be to everyone’s tastes. The agave finish is hot but not unpleasant and your left with a delightful aftertaste of vanilla and fruit.

This is a great bottle of tequila for your money, and would be a great starting point for those beginning with tequila drinking.

¡Salud y’all!

I’ve been meaning to write this for quite sometime now but I just seem to end up either working too much or forgetting that I should be sitting down and reviewing this legend of the tequila world, after all Herradura have been making tequila since 1870. I’ve actually had this bottle open and it’s been going around my dinner table since Christmas, it’s starting to look a little on the empty side. That’s got to be a good thing right!?

Tequila Notes

Brand: Herraduro Reposado
NOM: 1119
Distillery: Brown – Forman Tequila Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V.
Region: Lowlands – Central
Web Site: http://www.herradura.com

Review Notes

This reposado is a light golden colour with a very strong floral nose. I’ve drunk this from both a caballito and a long stemmed glass and I’ve got to admit that I personally prefer it from a caballito as the long stemmed glass really intensifies that floral aroma. I’m not saying it’s necessarily a bad thing, it’s just my that for me I’d prefer to smell the oaky caramel that’s advertised. Under the floral aroma the agave is clear and I also pick up earthy and fruity undertones, making me think of apples (almost reminiscent of calvados). This reposado is initially light on the tongue but is yet somewhat sweet and spicy (cinnamon) all at the same time. It has a relatively short finish with only the alcohol sensation choosing to go the distance.

Considering the bottle is waining it’s clear to say that I don’t dislike this tequila, but for the money you will most certainly find a better reposado for sipping.

¡Salud y’all!

I love going to Spain, of course it’s sunny, the people are friendly and there’s nothing better than sitting on a terrace eating tapas and watching the world go by…but my main love of Spain is that I always can pick up a bottle of Corralejo whilst I’m there. For some reason my sources in the Netherlands are never able to get one in for me. Okay, I could order online…but that just takes away the romance of it all!

Tequila Notes

Brand: Corralejo Reposdao
NOM: 1368
Distillery: Tequilera Corralejo, S.A. de C.V.
Region: Highlands – Los Altos
Web Site: http://www.tequilacorralejo.com.mx/

Review Notes

The first thing that strikes you is the long blue glass bottle before you. The bottle attracts you’re attention when you see it and you should take note. Pull the stopper out and you’re hit with a sweet caramel oak aroma. There is a light agave nose there too and just a minor tone of vanilla and honey. The tequila itself is a golden straw colour. What strikes me most about the taste of this tequila is the fruity body that accompanies it, both lemon and lime are noticeable. Corralejo reposado is an incredibly smooth tequila yet contains a strong agave flavour which somehow balances perfectly on your tongue. One more noteable thing about Corralejo is that is has a failry long finish, and it’s all good which is why Corralejo reposado is always to be found in my cupboard. This is a seriously good value-for-money tequila!

During the agave shortage in the late 1990s and early 2000s agave prices rose to an all time high and Corralejo stopped producing 100% agave tequila a dropped to 70%. Luckily those times are behind us and Corralejo are back to producing 100% agave tequila, let’s hope they don’t stop!

¡Salud y’all!

How can you resist the look of this fine looking bottle!? The second you see it in the store you know that you should own a bottle of it. I’d even planned to empty the bottle, fill it with water and use it as a book-end at work….but that’s just me! As always I reach for the reposado first although this time the colour of the other two bottles.

Tequila Notes

Brand: Aha Toro Reposado
NOM: 1079
Distillery: Agave Tequilana Prod. y Comercializadores, SA CV
Region: Highlands – Los Altos
Web Site: http://www.ahatoro.com/

Review Notes

The tequila is light in colour and the first sip is sweet with a very low alcohol taste. The tequila itself has a woody taste with a sweet agave flavour thrown in to the mix. It finishes with the agave flavour rising to the surface and an aftertaste of fruits lingers.

It’s widely noted that this tequila is certainly not as amazing and extravagant as it’s bottle would suggest. That said it’s certainly in no way a bad tequila.

¡Salud y’all!

It’s never been easy to pick up tequila from the store in the Netherlands. I used to have two places that I could always get a good bottle from, recently that changed to just one as the owners of one such store choose that it was time to retire. Come January next year the other store will shut down and I’m going to be looking for another source.

Anyway this weekend I picked up a bottle of Cava Don Anastacio reposado and took it for a test drive in my sunny garden.

Tequila Details

Brand: Cava Don Anastacio Reposado
NOM: 1433
Distillery: Tequila Quiote, S.A. de C.V.
Region: Highlands – Los Altos
Web Site: http://www.tequilaquiote.com

Review Notes

Cava Don Anastacio is a light amber tequila and one of the first things that struck me was the incredible sweetness of it. The second I opened it the perfumed aromas of fruits just hit me, peach and oddly enough banana. This tequila is soft! So soft in fact that my wife, normally who only goes near tequila when in a cocktail, stated that even she could sit and drink it. Admittedly ‘On-The-Rocks’ but at least it’s a step in the right direction. Cava Don Anastacio is a dry-yet fruity medium to full bodied tequila with just hints of roasted pepper and peppery spices. The peppery taste is there in the finish too…but the fruit/sweetness of the tequila remains prominent.

I’ve got to admit I was hesitant when I saw the price tag. Paying more money for tequila is not always a guarantee that it is going to be of higher quality. This time however, it was the case.

¡Salud y’all!