Well balanced anejo coming out of 1123 with great aromas and flavors that are not barrel heavy. Cooked agave is present with great complexity of barrel notes that follow the agave. Nose: cooked agave, cinnamon, vanilla, oak, black pepper, caramel, minerals, butterscotch, baking spice, and barrel spice. Palate: the nose follows through to the palate with the barrel spice picking up in the finish. A nice long finish of barrel spice that lingers with a great mouth fill. A fantastic anejo that comes at 94 proof!
Nose: First impression? Fresh out the oven agave - it’s warm, rich, and a little toasty. Sure, there’s oak and sugar in the room, but the agave still tells the story - like it just survived the barrel and came out even more itself. Then, there’s a soft drift of caramel in the background. You’ll catch hints of stewed orchard fruit - think baked apple or poached pear, before a pop of orange zest lifts it all up. There’s a bit of vanilla too, but it’s subtle. Palate & Mouthfeel: The cooked agave stays at the center, with its earthy sweet backbone holding firm. Around it swirl notes of light caramel, roasted fruit, and citrus peel, all softened just enough by the bourbon barrels to feel plush but never overdone. The higher proof gives it a little spark - just enough heat to make you pay attention, without turning the whole thing into a dare. It sips bigger than most reposados, but not heavier. Finish: Clean, warm, and gently spiced. The fruit and caramel taper off, but the agave hangs on, like it should. A faint flavor oak shows up late, just enough to remind you this spent some time in a barrel. Final Notes: This is not your typical sleepy, overly oaked reposado. Chava gives us a blend of traditional tahona and roller mill that’s clearly built for flavor.
Nose: The nose leads with deep, well cooked agave - it’s earthy, & slightly sweet. It’s followed by a clean thread of wet stone and a hint of salty brine. Lime zest and grapefruit rind cut through with sharp citrus energy while subtle layers of fresh mint and a pinch of cracked black pepper lend complexity without overwhelming the agave. Palate & Mouthfeel: The high proof makes itself known, but never feels harsh. Cooked agave leads again, followed by an almost flinty mineral streak that grounds the palate. The citrus notes sharpen, zesty lime and grapefruit pith - bringing a refreshing brightness that balances the richer base. A solid core of black pepper builds steadily, joined by cool mint and a persistent vegetal edge, some green bell pepper, raw herbs, even a touch of jalapeño. The mouthfeel is full and oily, with just enough heat to remind you this is still strength, but it’s incredibly clean. Finish: Long & dry. Brine and mineral notes return first, followed by fading agave sweetness and a light herbal bitterness. The black pepper lingers on the back of the tongue, and the final impression is one of clean earth, green herbs, and sun-ripened agave. Final Notes: It doesn’t try to impress with flash. Every element feels purposeful: the agave is bold and beautifully showcased, while the layers of mineral, citrus, spice, and vegetal notes build around it. It’s not just high proof for the sake of strength, it uses that extra intensity to reveal more nuance.
Took a while for this to open up, nose is cinnamon, cooked agave, caramel and light barrel spice. Palate- agave, cinnamon, black pepper, barrel notes Finish - nice heat, sweat cooked agave, black pepper.
Nice barrel palate and finish
High-proof tequilas, once only for hardcore drinkers, are now being released at a steady pace. Why?
While aficionados tend to prefer blanco tequilas, and imbibers of dark spirits usually gravitate towards añejos, the reposado category is often overlooked.
Nose: Agave jumps out first, followed by bright citrus and a grounded earthiness. There’s a layer of cracked black pepper and dry hay, with subtle anise threading through. Cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering, rounding out a familiar but well-balanced aromatic profile. Palate & Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with a coating texture that sits nicely on the tongue. Sweet agave forms the base, but the cinnamon dominates - bold and assertive, but not abrasive. Butteriness brings softness, while a distinct minerality lends salinity that keeps things dynamic and textured. Finish: Creamy and sweet with lingering cinnamon heat. It’s warm, smooth, and persistent in all the right ways. Final Thoughts: A classic profile executed with precision. This is a wonderful example of a quality blanco - clean, expressive, and deeply satisfying.