Aroma: very heavy on the bourbon influence. I also get a lot of cherry, cream soda, and vanilla. Flavor: very tame compared to the aroma, not a whole lot going on. There’s a hint of agave sweetness. Some of that bourbon influence appears. There is a slight vegetal undertone. Overall it’s good if a lot of flavor though. Finish: short with a solid burn in my throat and chest. Not something I really enjoyed. There isn’t a balance of agave and barrel that I typically like to see in a reposado. I feel like the barrel adds way too much aroma while not really lending any enjoyable flavor. Considering this is aged in ex cognac and ex bourbon for 7 months, I’d expect a lot more flavor from both barrels.
Bottled in 2022 Aroma: a lot of alcohol off the bat followed by black pepper, some herbal notes, yeast, chemicals (kind of chlorine), and metallic aromas. Flavor: alcohol and black pepper overwhelm the palate. There’s an earthy note but it’s followed quickly by a metallic flavor. I do get a little sweetness but it’s not enough to make up for the other concerning flavors. Finish: short Overall this isn’t the worst thing I’ve tried and it is confirmed additive free but for $42 at total wine there are so many brands I’d recommend before I got to this one. This to me is the type of bottle I’d recommend in a pinch if there were no other additive free brands.
Nose: some cooked agave, barrel spices, ripe peaches, raisins, and dried fruits Flavor: barrel spices are very forward, cooked agave is in the background, dried fruit, and a little earthy Finish is medium and peppery
Nose: oak, a lot of barrel notes, some cooked agave in the background, cinnamon, nutmeg, light citrus Flavor: barrel, cinnamon, not much else Finish: medium with black pepper
Nose: cooked agave, lots of barrel notes, nutmeg, orange zest, and butterscotch Flavor: oak, cinnamon, nutmeg, agave sweetness, and citrus Finish: short with black pepper
Forget Cristalinos and embrace some real agave innovation.