This blanco was one of the first traditionally-made tequilas that I tried and initially it was a bit rough – but my palate has evolved a lot over two years and now it’s one of my favorite blancos. Named after Los Códigos (traditional customs), Código 1530 uses Jerusalem Cross from the Jalisco coat of arms in its logo. Master distillers in the Perez Ocampo is a 5th generation tequila producer at distillery Varo Destileria (NOM 1616) in Amatitán in the Jalisco Valley. Mature Blue Weber agave (32+ brix levels tested before harvesting) is cooked in a low-pressure autoclave before being cut using a self-designed chopper before a roller miller extracts the aguamiel. It is fermented using local bakery yeast for 12 days in a stainless steel tank and 2x-distilled in a stainless pot still. It is brought to bottling proof (80/40% ABV) using water from local freshwater pools in the “Los Bajos” region and with rainwater filtered through volcanic soil. It is aerated and cold filtered.
This review is based on 4 mini bottles (LNV044BC040 bottled in September 2022; LOT LNV042BC040 bottled in September 2022) and 1 full-sized bottle (LNV145BC040 bottled in November 2024). This review is based on multiple tastings using a Denver & Liely Mezcal glass over four months for all bottles.
COLOR: Crystal clear with shards of silver in the light
AROMA PROFILE: Herbal/vegetal/grassy notes including mint are strong followed by lime & lemon peel, cooked agave a& raw musky agave, black pepper, minerality, earthiness, vanilla, & some floral notes.
PALATE: Very earthy; Straightforward, earthy blanco – Cooked agave & baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves), robust black pepper, lime & lemon peel, musky raw agave, minerality, distinct natural vanilla, salinity, floral notes, earthiness, vegetal/grassy notes (green bell pepper), mint, & a light smokiness on the back palate.
Let this open up in the glass & the flavors balance out & really pop with natural sweetness amidst the herbal & peppery notes.
MOUTHFEEL: Medium viscosity with slow-forming tears & coats the glass well with pearls (unexpectedly creamy/viscous mouthfeel)
FINISH: 7-8 seconds finishing with agave sweetness, black pepper, & a warming “Jalisco hug”
VALUE: Phenomenal earthy blanco & makes fantastic cocktails.
ALWAYS ON SHELF/BUY AGAIN? Yes.
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