El Padrino De Mi Tierra Reposado

I was really pleased after getting a small 50ml sample of El Padrino's Anejo, as I wanted to try it before committing to a full bottle. During Total Wine's Cyber Week, they provided an additional reduction on their "Spirits Direct" offerings ( which typically aren't very flavorful, but there are exceptions ) and I managed to combine it with a coupon. So I ended up buying El Padrino's Blanco, Anejo, and Reposado. This introduction is getting a bit drawn out, but I wanted to mention for anyone buying their own bottle for the first time: the decorative faux leather corset does not need to be removed. The plastic wrap stops at the top of it. I was confused trying to untie the string, and then I furiously cut it with a knife until it ripped off in strips. Anyway. The initial aroma is buttery and creamy butterscotch. Vanilla, agave, with some oak and hay balance the sweetness. The nose strikes a good balance between tannic and sweet. A neutral initial taste gives way to a vegetal and spicy palate. It's notably less sweet than the Anejo. The flavor is dominated by agave, cut grass, tannic oak, and hay. Beneath the vegetal notes, there's black pepper and a very subtle caramel hint that appears in the transition from the middle to the end of the palate, hitting the mid-tongue. The finish is quite dry, with a spicy and tannic character. Black peppercorn is the last flavor to fade, becoming the main element of the finish. Some oak and leather intensify the tannic sensation. There's a faint hint of citrus, but the strong oak and leather make it taste like bitter pith. I do prefer sweeter drinks, being a bourbon drinker. Therefore, this doesn't entirely satisfy me when I consider similar or less expensive options. The Anejo from this selection is still my favorite.

A robust Agave Spirit from NOM 1438 in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, made with 100% Tequilana Weber & local volcanic spring water. It is double distilled after fermentation in copper pot stills and aged for a minimum of 2 months in former Bourbon barrels. It offers an aromatic beginning with hints of caramel & oak; a balanced middle adds notes of agave & spice; leading to a rich & complex medium-length conclusion. February 2018 / July 2023 / July 2025

Consumed neat. The color is pale golden. The aroma is fairly light, with alcohol, faint agave, oak, and vanilla. The flavor is also light and sweet, with some oak, caramel, and agave. The finish is dominated by saccharine sweetness and tartness, with some vanilla, oak, and pepper. It's not a bad drink, but it's nothing special for enthusiasts.

The aroma consists of cooked agave and citrus. The taste has a subtle peppery/spicy note. It has a light golden hue and shows some legs on the glass. The finish is smooth and relatively short.

The aroma offers notes of pear, agave, apple, and a hint of alcohol. The palate brings a touch of pepper, apple, vanilla, and a mild alcohol sting. All things considered, it's an excellent value tequila.

A reposado from the valley region that resembles a highlands tequila. I typically don't favor valley tequilas, but this one stands out.