Pasote Tequila Blanco

The aroma of this tequila is intoxicating. Instantly reminded me of a hot August day, right before a fierce thunderstorm rolls in. The smell of the mineralality from the hot earth, grass and paved surfaces. The sharpening magnetism and welcome break in the humidity as the breeze kicks up. I can almost see the distant haze over the cornfields loosening, the darkening skies approach closer and the thunder cracks rumble louder and louder. Superb use of the rain water in the distillation here. Very smooth and inviting nose with wintergreen, vanilla, citrus peel and slight vegetal notes rolling in. The body is smooth and velvety with a little added viscosity but remains very crisp and refreshing. The palate is rich with the above characteristics however, adds a touch of luxurious sweetness with hints of caraway, white pepper and black olive arriving late. Very approachable to even the newest Blanco tequila drinkers and very unique and robust for the seasoned connoisseur. A delicious and welcome addition to the Blanco market that is truly worthy of the modest price.

No color. When you first open the bottle it's quite closed and dry. However, that austerity goes away beyond the neck with a little bit of time and air. The nose remains somewhat muted with aromas of fresh agave, white pepper, a freshly opened ream of white paper, poblano, tomatillo, cement, lime, ash, red apple, a bit of diesel -- and for lack of a better term, some coca leaves or high-quality cocaine. Admittedly, I have very little experience with hard drugs. Still, I've served this to a couple friends more knowledgeable than I, and they have agreed that there is a certain South American accent to the nose. But, the star of the show is clearly the palate. Unctuous, oily, and earthy with flavors of dark chocolate, fresh fennel, dried blueberry, kirschwasser, a touch more citrus, grass, celeriac syrup, and cacao nibs. The dry finish is driven by the dark chocolate and cacao earthy notes with a bit of sea salt and hints of peanut and almond. It kind of tastes like some diabetic or hippy candy brittle that's actually good for you. Superb!

Produced in Pueblo San Julian, Jaliesco, Mexico, NOM 1584; 100% blue weber agave, stone oven, double distilled, no additives. Tasted neat, room temp. Clear and big coating lesgs in the glass. Nose is floral vegetal, briny yet sweet. Whiff of mineral smoke and lime. Rain on warm concrete. In the mouth, sweet grass, strong saline and stone minerals, sweet and funky and earthy (maybe more than smoky). Rich coating mouthfeel goes on and on. Only a hint of ethanol. A little dry lime, bluestem grass, and pepper shows up in the slow, vegetal finish. More of a funky, earthy, and mineral profile than citrus; funk clouds a clear agave flavor. I like the mineral part. Great coating mouthfeel and lingering aftertaste. Great tall bottle and minimalist labeling (not the old sprayed white paint Aztec design shown on the main listing). A nice earthy sipping blanco.

It smells fruity (tropical), minty, and sweet with some Earth backing it. There's a good amount of spice and enough Earth to control the sweetness. There's pineapple. The Earth is a bit drying and highlights the minerality. It's tasty, but has a couple of flavors that really trample the others. The fruit doesn't really get to make much of a statement. It's weirdly not that bitter despite being earthy. It's kind of cool, but it doesn't have a ton of depth and complexity. It's sippable barely. I'm not enthusiastic about this, though it would be a great mixer.

Fresh, peppery, lightly vanilla perfumed and vegetal forward nose. The agave comes through with flying colors. Very round mouthfeel with slightly creaminess on the tongue. The approach is clean, flavorful and has a white pepper spice on the back of the palate. A medium-long finish, with the vanilla coming out at the very end. A wonderfully evocative blanco that will have you sipping straight from a copita or elevating your platinum Margaritas.

Neat. Nose is rich with agave, minerals, cooked fruits, with brine, vegetal, black pepper, and citrus notes. Taste is sweet with fruity agave, brine, pepper, citrus, stone fruits, some herbs and vegetation. Finish is long, sweet balanced with tartness, pepper, citrus pith, and An excellent blanco. Rich with agave and fruit, balanced with complex, but nuanced flavors to discover over a sipping session