Pasote Tequila Reposado

Rating: 16/23 I don't remember if I've had another Pasote before. Heck, it's been so long that I don't even remember what this brand is. Hopefully it's some sort of hidden gem. N: Not a ton coming through here. As I dig, I get some faint woodiness mixed with light agave. Little bits of brine, mint, and fresh-squeezed lemon. Hints of earthiness It smells elegant, but lacking in fullness. P: Smooth and clean with creek water and lots of caramel from the stewed agave, though less of the actual cooking process. A little oil. Elegant wafts of green olive, lemon, mint, and spices (pepper and a pinch of cinnamon) come through. There's sort of a chalky or starchy character; I think I probably don't like it, but I'm not totally sure. I get perhaps a vague sense that this was in a barrel for a bit, but I'm not sure I would guess that if nobody prompted me. Faint tropical fruits like mango and green banana come through at times, but I don't get a lot of them. F: Oil and brine with some stewed agave. Surprisingly moreso than on the palate. - Conclusion - This is a really solid tequila. It's a bit light and subtle for mixing, but it's an enjoyable sipper. It beats the likes of Prospero Blanco and Partida Blanco. This is in about the Cabeza range, but with more elegant flavors instead of that big forcefulness. It's a tough call between the two. I think I'm looking at a 15 to 16 for this. I was thinking of a 15, but I think that this barely crosses the line into 16 territory. Thanks @ctbeck11 for sharing this.

A very light pale straw color. Menthol, lemon, cooked agave, anise seed, fennel, fresh mint, pine, orange oil, dill, baby diaper, and licorice aromas. Almost like a very dry, clean, and low-proof absinthe. On the palate it's buttery soft with sweet menthol, fresh mint, herbs, orange peel, a bit of vanilla, and a whisper of cinnamon. The finish is loads of caraway, fennel, and orange blossom reminiscent somewhat of a refined and delicate aquavit. I have to admit, I didn't really enjoy this when I first opened it. It definitely lacks the intensity and minerality of the blanco. However, after avoiding it for a while, it seems to have pulled itself together. Would definitely like to see a higher-proof version as it is so light and delicate. Not on the same level as the blanco, but unique and worth trying at this price point if you enjoy herbaceous spirits.

If you haven't read any of my other reviews I'll warn you I don't focus as much on the tasting notes as much as things like my feelings and price point. Had this been a blind taste test I would have rated this lower. But Pastote has spectacular bottles. Sitting on my shelf I admire this and ask why doesn't it taste like sweet, sweet clase Azul. I'll admit I purchased this bottle based on looks and extremely high NOM rating. There is agave and then bitter minerals, while it is still interesting it is not my favorite. I got the googlepod out and looked into the terroir and origins of this tequila and see that it uses rainwater as the primary source of water. This explains the minerality of it and I can't help but increase my feelings/rating for this reposado and brand in general. An interesting use of the environment to influence the product.

Nose - sweet cooked agave, briny caramel, vanilla, baked apple, pronounced minerality, buttery oiliness, nutmeg, cinnamon, lime, subtle mint, anise, mild ethanol bite. Taste - sweet cooked agave, vanilla bean, toffee, buttery creaminess, cinnamon, nutmeg, lime zest, floral notes, subtle oak, mint, mild black pepper, anise, earthy minerality, mild alcohol bite, finishing moderately long with lingering agave, mint, spicy pepper, and salty caramel flavors. Truly a delightful sipper. Well balanced flavors with heaps of delicious agave forming the backbone of the experience.

The oak comes through with a woody shading cradling the agave, creating a darker sensibility that adds a layer of depth. On the palate, the experience is heightened with a toffee-like character that adds sweetness, warmth and smoothness. The body is terrific, with a full mouthfeel. At the finish, which is fairly long, some dry, woody notes comes out and leave on a slight tannic farewell. This is a great sipper and a perfect tequila to use in more complex cocktails such as a Tequila Sour or Tequila Old-Fashioned, as well as Alex Valencia's El Gavilan.

Nose: salt, spice, and agave up front, followed by brown sugar and cinnamon. Palate: Agave and caramel, finaihing with black pepper and a lingering sweet agave/vegetal finish. Overall: I thoroughly enjoy this tequila and will continue to purchase and drink.