New Bottle Highlight Series: El Tesoro Reposado Single Barrel – VA ABC (Lot B009-L336; June 2024)

*Produced by distillery Tapatio/La Alteña (NOM 1139)

*6-9 year-old Blue Weber agave plants used (fully mature) grown in Arandas, Los Altos, Jalisco

*Agaves cooked in a stone/brick oven (horno) for 48 hours

*Tahona extraction of the aguamiel

*2x-distilled (copper pot stills) – Distilled very near bottling proof & not a lot of deep well water added, leaving fuller flavor profile direct from distillation

*Aged 7 months in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels, likely from Suntory/Jim Beam; Aged less than the regular blended reposado (9-11 months)

*Bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV)

*The aroma & flavor profiles of this single barrel are very, very similar to the regular blended reposado’s, just a bit more robust & punchy.

The flavors include cooked agave & baking spices, sweet, fresh citrus fruits (Middle Eastern sweet limes & natural limeade, some orange blossom), herbs, light caramel & vanilla, hint of oak/barrel, & an inherent earthiness.

On the palate, this single barrel has more prominent oak/barrel notes throughout & particularly on the finish with prominent oak tannins, anise, black pepper, & citrus peel. This single barrel has a bit more viscosity, too.

Tasting sessions & notes-taking ongoing!

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Documenting my journey into agave spirits along with a smattering of other spirits after many, many years away – This blog is meant to take note of this journey including tasting notes, bottle photography, and other related topics.