Legado Añejo at 43 ABV, Lote 1 Barreling: American oak ex-bourbon sherry casks and French oak ex-cognac Martell VSOP barrels Rested 18 months, then fully blended 50/50 at cask strength Tasting Notes: Nose: barrel notes, caramel, vanilla, apricot, anise. Gets sweeter as it opens Taste: sweet cooked agave, caramel, vanilla Finish: warm (mild heat) and dry Other Notes: Sipping out of a riedel glass Color is light for anejo Viscosity is nice, also dry Legs are nice; not too thick; not too quick Overall: easy sipper, another winner from Legado and Cascahuín!

43% ABV

This was a very enjoyable tequila. Well balanced, and full of warm character without losing the agave at its core. On the nose, you’re greeted with rich cooked agave layered with warm cinnamon and soft vanilla. There’s a mellow oak presence that brings depth, along with notes of caramel and a hint of citrus brightness. Baking spices weave through it all, and there’s a subtle mineral edge that keeps it grounded and clean. On the palate, the cooked agave is still front and center, which I love. It’s complemented by a gentle cinnamon spice and a touch of oak that adds some structure without dominating. Black pepper gives it a little kick, while silky vanilla and caramel provide sweetness and roundness. There’s a whisper of brine and anise on the back end, and the mineral note carries through for a dry, satisfying finish. This reposado hits a great balance. Rich but not overly sweet, and still very true to the agave. A thoughtful barrel influence adds complexity without overshadowing the core spirit. Definitely one I’ll revisit.

My all-time favorite tequila is Calle 23 Criollo. This is in the ballpark. Mint, cooked agave, black pepper heat, anise. This is just a beautiful, well-made blanco. It's hot as hell, but it's 54.5%, so it's no beginner tequila. I'm grateful to have a few of these gems.

On the nose: Minerality, jalapeño, cooked agave, pepper, classic caschuin notes but they are bold! On the pallet: It’s balanced and blended, it’s soft and warm with a punch of pepper, cooked agave, earth, minerality, jalepeño, Delicious hit from Chava, though I’m not surprised. What he really nailed here was an elevated version of caschuin’s blanco. It’s bolder, more balanced with deeper flavors.

This was a really enjoyable pour. Bold, clean, and full of character. On the nose, it opens with a strong hit of cooked agave, which is always a great sign. There’s a solid punch of black pepper and earthy vegetal notes, followed by bright citrus zest and refreshing pop of mint. Herbal and mineral undertones round it out nicely, given it a crisp, natural aroma that feels very true to the agave. On the pallet, the cook agave shines again, rich and slightly sweet, balanced by a warming black pepper spice. There’s a zesty citrus note that keeps it lively, and then you get into more complex layers. Cool mint, some herbal greenness, a bit of jalapeño heat, and a touch of anise that adds a nice twist. The briny and mineral notes give it a dry, savory edge on the finish, which lingers in a really satisfying way. Overall, this is a flavorful and well crafted still strength blanco. It’s got good intensity without being overpowering, and it feels like a great expression of traditional methods and high-quality agave. A solid pour for me, worth sipping slowly, and sharing with friends who appreciate a bold still strength.

Very complex, constantly evolves in the glass. Hits all parts of the palate: bitter, sweet, salt, umami, a real journey if you slow down and savor it. 109 proof, but the alcohol is never assertive. a great bargain in the high proof blanco space.