SHORT REVIEW: El Tesoro Reposado Tequila (Batch R-022)

Produced at distillery La Alteña (NOM 1139) and overseen by one of the modern tequila world’s top master distillers, Carlos Camarena (a fifth generation agave farmer and tequila producer), El Tesoro Reposado is a high quality, traditionally made, and always reliable workhorse tequila that makes for both a delicious daily sipper and an excellent mixer.

Made with brix (sugar) rich 100% Blue Weber agave from Jalisco’s Highlands, the reposado is produced using stone/brick ovens, extraction of the sugars (aguamiel) using a traditional 2-ton volcanic tahona stone wheel, open-air fermentation in wooden tanks with agave fibers added for extra flavor, double distillation in a copper pot still, and deep well water. It is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV), which is at or near the distillation proof.

COLOR: Very light yellow

AROMA PROFILE: Sweet Cooked Agave & sweet-aromatic Baking Spices including Cinnamon; a very prominent sweet Citrusy/sweet-sour Fruitiness (reminiscent of a Middle Eastern Sweet Lime); Vegetal/Grassy notes; some Black Pepper; Oak/Barrel influences; hints of Vanilla & Caramel; Earthiness; bright Minerality

PALATE: Cooked Agave sweetness; Cinnamon & sweet Baking Spices; prominent Black Pepper kick & some Alcohol warmth; Vanilla; Caramel; slight Anise-like bitterness that melds with the sweetness; Citrusy Fruitiness (less than the nose suggests); Earthiness; Minerality

MOUTHFEEL: Creamy/Oily/Buttery

FINISH: Medium

PRICE POINT (IN MY AREA): $67-85

VALUE: Easy to find, high quality, reposado tequila that’s great for sipping & cocktails

ALWAYS ON SHELF/BUY AGAIN? Yes.