Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila

Rating: 12/23 Nose: This has a richer, somewhat oilier nose than Lunazul Reposado does. I get floral and vanilla notes, but also just substantial agave vegetal scent with a bit of herbal character. There isn't much going on here, but it toes the line between light and rich fairly well. Just smelling this, I can imagine the agave being stewed. That isn't true for Lunazul Reposado. Palate: I recall this having tons of vanilla, but although it does still have quite a bit of vanilla, it has way more stewed agave than I remembered. It's on the light side, but it's quite natural and has a nice bit of oiliness. I get a mix of vegetal, light savory, faintly herbal, and kind of briny flavors. There's nothing special going on here, but it is pretty solid. There's also quite a bit of cardboard Definitely a good choice for mixing, but it's also sippable. It really just isn't that interesting though. Finish: The cardboard remains the most, along with a vague creek water sweetness. There are suggestions of the agave flavors and vanilla, but nothing too strong here. This is kind of a disappointing finish. Lunazul Reposado is more complex, but also more immature and also a bit harsher. Both of these are fine enough and considering the price I think I'd go for the Lunazul, but between the two, I do find the Cabo Wabo to be a bit more enjoyable. It may be less complex, but I get a bit more of that natural agave flavor in it. I'm thinking 12 or 13 for this one. I compared it with Lunazul Reposado and El Mayor Añejo and determined that this was the middle one. Most likely, their ratings are 11, 12, and 13. I can imagine them being 11, 13, and 13, or even 12, 13, and 13, but I really think that 12 is what this probably deserves. For a simple cross-category comparison, I think I'd rather have Jim Beam Black than this, but I'd rather have El Mayor Añejo than Jim Beam Black. Jim Beam Black is a 13, but sometimes maybe a 12, so this is clearly a 12, unfortunately.

The aroma is light, sweet, and floral, with distinct vanilla and a somewhat vegetal note adding depth. There might be a subtle smoky scent as well. The taste includes some sweet minerality with vegetal squash mingling with tropical fruit. There's a bit of spice, but not much. It leans sweet but is well-balanced. A hint of mint is present, but not overpowering. I don't detect the strong vanilla from before, possibly due to having just tasted another añejo. A touch of a meaty quality balances the sweet squash. It's quite good, but not exceptional. Certainly superior to a certain popular brand and even its aged counterpart. It doesn't compare to a specific blanco, though. The flavor is fine, with a nice vanilla overlaying a standard tequila taste lacking depth and complexity, but it does have richness. It's not as good as a specific añejo, but it's better than another common brand, despite having less complexity.

Nose: Notes of mushroomy earth, tree bark, black pepper, squash, vegetal and herbal elements, cooked agave with a salty profile, orange zest, cinnamon, allspice, aged wood, a hint of vanilla, and moderate alcohol burn. Palate: Flavors of cinnamon, dry vanilla, black pepper, ginger, nutmeg, briny vegetal earthiness, green pepper, indistinct herbal or floral notes, citrus zest, light cooked agave, a mild to moderate alcohol sting, with a short, slightly sweet, salty, and musty finish featuring faint agave and pepper notes. This is a well-crafted tequila with an average nose and palate. Nothing is particularly objectionable, yet nothing is outstanding either. At around $30 in my area, the price isn't excessive, but I'd opt for an Olmeca Altos Plata for slightly less. Thanks to a friend for providing the sample.

It began with a slight sweetness, then shifted to pepper and spice flavors, concluding with a hint of warmth. While not exceptional, it's a solid tequila I would happily drink again.

Mineral notes with a touch of tropical citrus. It definitely benefits from lime to enhance the flavors. Rather uninspired, with a bit of salt and undertones of smoked vanilla. Nothing remarkable.

Initially, notes of fruit, salt, and agave are present. These swiftly give way to pepper, cinnamon, and warmth. A welcome upgrade from standard blancos for a small price increase.