Código 1530 Rosa Tequila

I bought this on a whim from Total Wine. I checked the reviews here first and thought it might be worth a shot. I suppose it was, to an extent. On the nose, it's light and sweet. There's a bit of roasted agave, slight ethanol, a hint of powdered sugar, and some berry notes from the wine. On the palate, it's very light, slightly sweet, with some fruitiness in the middle and the faintest hint of white pepper as it fades. It's quite delicate. In a tequila martini, this is completely lost. It doesn't work. I would not recommend this tequila for any kind of cocktail, as it seems a bit watery and light. It has a pleasant enough flavor profile and is easy to drink neat. Serve it on ice, or add another ingredient, and it fails immediately. I imagine this would be pleasant if I kept it in the freezer and offered chilled shots to friends by the pool on a hot day. It doesn't completely miss the mark when sipped neat from a small glass. However, that doesn't justify its cost.

Nose - Cooked agave, white pepper, sweet confectionary notes, brown sugar, aromatic spice, grated nutmeg, tomato, citrus rind, earthy vegetal notes, yeast, mild to moderate sting from alcohol. Taste - Baked agave, sweet confectionary notes, salted brown sugar, white and black pepper, ginger, citrus rind, aromatic spice, grated nutmeg, mineral notes, mixed spice, yeast, herbal and floral notes, mild to moderate alcohol burn, with a medium-length finish featuring baked agave, sweet baking spices, smooth vanilla, and citrus flavors. This is quite similar to the unaged version, perhaps even brighter with some added effervescent citrus notes. The wine cask is most apparent in the conclusion, where it ends with a slightly more astringent and citrus-forward palate than its counterpart. My evaluation of the unaged spirit also applies here, although this costs $10 more, so I perceive even less value. Overall, this is a satisfying spirit to drink on its own, but superior choices exist within this price bracket.

Smell - Pickled vegetables, air freshener, blossoms, sweet grains, and a touch of alcohol. Taste - Nutty, green grape, floral sweetness, agave sweetness, tart apple, and tangy pickles. The finish is of moderate length with underripe fruit, toasted agave, and noticeable alcohol. I acquired a tasting set of unaged tequila purchased on sale for $13. This is the second one I've sampled from the collection, and it's wonderful. I suspected the pink hue might be a marketing tactic, but the short period in wine barrels truly enhances it. I would certainly consider acquiring a bottle from this producer in the future.

A complex, aged Blanco Tequila from Codigo 1530 Distillery NOM 1616 in Amatitán, Mexico; it was rested for one month in French White Oak Napa Cabernet barrels. It begins with an aromatic profile featuring floral and vegetal notes; its bold character adds notes of citrus, agave, hints of red fruits, dried cranberry, apple peel, and green bell pepper; culminating in a dry, earthy finish of medium length with a touch of salinity. January 2020

A complex, aged Blanco Tequila from Codigo 1530 Distillery NOM 1500 in Amatitán, Mexico; it was rested for one month in French White Oak Napa Cabernet barrels. It begins with an aromatic profile featuring floral and vegetal notes; its bold character adds notes of citrus, agave, hints of red fruits, dried cranberry, apple peel, and green bell pepper; culminating in a dry, earthy finish of medium length with a touch of salinity. January 2020

Very delicate, with a dominant green agave taste on the tongue that is well-developed, along with hints of dry red wine, faint traces of wood, spice, and white pepper, but then reverts to a more agave-like, slightly bitter finish that lasts a moderate amount of time. This is something I find drinkable even as an unaged spirit.