Casamigos Reposado Tequila

Not one to leave well enough alone, I picked up this Reposado alongside the Anejo. I bought both with the intention of using them in mixed drinks, like a Tequila Old Fashioned with the Anejo and a Tequila Sunrise with the Reposado. I'm new to tequila, so this might be frowned upon by enthusiasts. The aroma of this Reposado is quite similar to the Anejo, just without the butterscotch undertones. These tequilas seem to share an herbaceous, citrusy scent. This one, however, has a brighter, sweeter aroma – perhaps some vanilla? The taste is much closer to the fresh-cut grass and earthy notes I associate with tequila, especially compared to the Anejo. It also has complexity and a subtle sweetness on the palate that reminds me of sweet pineapple juice. It's not intense and appears briefly, but it's a fleeting flash on the palate. I wish that pineapple sweetness would linger a bit longer. The finish brings back that familiar herbaceous, cut grass and pepper. A hint of tobacco leaf adds a slight tannic bite, and then, surprisingly, the finish turns sweet. Exhaling through your mouth at the end of the finish provides a surprising whiff of caramel chews. That was unexpected. Tequila is offering me a completely new tasting experience as a dedicated whiskey drinker. While I'm not sure it will ever surpass whiskey for me, it's a pleasant change of pace from my usual.

This one initially astonished me upon first sip/sniff, primarily because it was novel to me then. It still possesses that potent, cotton-candy essence, perhaps reminiscent of grape candy rather than wine. It presents berry characteristics. However, with subsequent tastings, I've found the finish to be somewhat overly sweet and the initial impact a tad too intense. It's proven difficult to incorporate into cocktails, as it dominates the beverage. I've questioned whether this distinct flavor originates from the agave, its aging barrel, or perhaps… additives? The more I consume it, the more it strikes me as slightly artificial.

The nose features agave and a noticeable amount of vanilla. Agave and vanilla dominate the palate. The vanilla is extremely prominent! The finish is more earthy and subdued, with notes of sand, clay, and wet stones. There's also a hint of smokiness, almost like mesquite, along with lingering agave. It's enjoyable from beginning to end. My only minor issue is I'd prefer it at a higher proof. Having become accustomed to 92-100 proof from my favorite whiskeys, this 80 proof spirit feels a bit weak. The texture is somewhat oily, and a smoky aftertaste persists.

Agave and vanilla flavors are present with a smooth feel. It's excellent considering its cost and how easy it is to obtain. I was uncertain if the reputation matched the actual product, but yes, I can envision regularly enjoying this in tequila old fashioneds, neat, or when sipping. It's so good for a reposado that I know is reliably available at the store. Truly, exceptionally good. Update: While I'm not fond of the added sweetness in the blanco variant, it harmonizes well in the reposado. The vanilla complements the aging beautifully. Delicious. 8/17/22

Terrible vanilla additives. Anyone who enjoys this might as well drink Vanilla Coke. This isn't genuine tequila; it's made for uninformed people who enjoy sugar. It's in the same category as Don Julio 1942 and Clase Azul – all trash tequila brands that exploit clueless customers. This is loaded with additives; yes, tequila can legally contain up to 1% additives by volume without it being stated on the label. This is disgusting and a mockery of the name Tequila.

Still exploring tequila, but this is my top choice from the Casamigos selection. I've bought this bottle more than any other tequila. As the distiller's tasting notes mention, it's very adaptable. Its quality makes for a premium Paloma or classic Margarita. However, I prefer drinking this on the rocks. It's quite rich with a good blend of sweet and spice.