Aromas of cinnamon spice, oak, vanilla, caramel, and some alcohol. The flavor is mild and lightly sweet, with notes of oak, vanilla, and butterscotch. Vanilla and oak on the finish, with some agave, as well as a lingering heat. A decent reposado overall.
A solid repo, priced right, light barrel notes with light vanilla and cooked agave
For the price point, a solid blanco for sipping or mixing
For many years, Don Pilar offered a blanco, añejo and extra añejo. “Donde estas, donde estas, Reposado?” Fans of the brands (like us) were excited when we heard that one was on the way, and we wondered how long it would be aged. Would it be a light-touch
Other than the oak, what are extra añejo drinkers looking for? Do they still want the presence of agave, or are they hoping that extra time in the barrel will bring more complexity? Or, is it something else entirely? We conducted a blind taste test with 2
Tequila is taking over bars, cocktail lists and palates all over the Bay Area and as we reported this week, several young companies are jumping into the booming market for Mexico's national spirit.
It’s said the national drink of Mexico has magical properties: It closes contracts and opens doors, makes shy people bold and helps form friendships.
Juan Contreras is the son of Don Pilar, the guy whose name is on the bottle. He's also the brand ambassador and marketing director. I met him at Zazil for some tequila.
The primary notes on the aroma are of a sweet orange zest with a damp and earthy minerality. The aromas carry through into the flavor, with tones of sweet orange, some herbal notes, light agave, as well as a Stevia-like sweetness. On the finish, a bittersweet combination of alcohol, earthy agave, and a lingering taste of Stevia sweetness.