Lunazul Reposado Tequila

Lunazul has consistently impressed me given its very accessible price point, and I'm surprised I haven't reviewed my preferred age statement from them before. I recall when Lunazul first entered the market; their blanco expression made Cuervo seem inferior, transforming cheap margaritas into fresher, more enjoyable drinks for a novice tequila drinker like myself at the time. Even now, I often choose Lunazul for parties or family gatherings. Despite its low cost, it's a quality 100% agave spirit that avoids the unpleasantness of mixto hangover, allowing me to reserve my more premium spirits for other occasions. While the previous label design and artwork were preferable to the current one, the modern aesthetic is appealing and creates a sophisticated aura. This expression's extremely light body and faint color are comparable to straight unleaded gasoline. Fortunately, the aroma is more refined, featuring classic roasted green vegetable notes alongside a sugary sweetness and a hint of cocoa. The cracked black pepper associated with the unaged version is absent here, but the fresh vegetal note persists, now complemented by the subtle caramel and wood sugars from bourbon barrel aging. As anticipated, the body is quite thin, but the surprising element is the aggressive and raw agave flavor that hits the palate, with only a minimal barrel sweetness to temper it. Furthermore, an unexpected burn develops quickly, which is unusual for this proof. The finish is unpleasant and would greatly benefit from salt or lime, which is never a positive sign if it's truly necessary. This didn't turn out well. For a 6-month reposado, I expected more barrel influence; instead, it tasted as if the blanco had been poured using a barrel stave as a mixing tool. The most confusing aspect is how the Lunazul blanco is so approachable and a great alternative to cheap well tequilas or tequila mixtos, yet this expression missed the mark entirely. It does make me wonder if the añejo improves and delivers on barrel notes, given that time is likely the only difference. Since the price point is probably consistent across the range, I recommend opting for the blanco, perhaps considering that premium Rittenhouse barrel-aged reposado if available, being cautious with the añejo, and definitely avoiding this reposado.

Rating: 12/23 Nose: Perfumed, earthy, sugary. A bit thin. Touches of vanilla and wood, yet it holds onto some of that signature agave essence, featuring a subtle herbal and vegetal aroma. It's not terrible, but it ultimately feels somewhat weak and indistinct. Palate: It has more presence than the aroma, revealing a bolder, more bitter agave character. It remains quite floral with a pure spring water mineral sweetness, making it more suitable for a refreshing summer margarita than a fall or winter drink. I detect a hint of damp cardboard, but it somehow works. It's far less pronounced than in Gran Centenario Reposado or San Matias Legado Blanco. There's also a touch of spice, with cinnamon being the dominant note. This exhibits more agave tartness and saltiness compared to El Mayor Añejo. Finish: The finish lacks richness. It's somewhat sweet and papery, with spring water mixed with a hint of vegetal and light caramel flavor. It's unobjectionable, but quite bland. Similar to Lunazul Blanco, this one initially impresses me. It possesses a decent amount of character, perhaps even a bit more complexity now with the subtle wood influence. Still, when contrasted with other tequilas, it's light and somewhat flat. I'm considering this in the 11 to 13 range. It has enough complexity to avoid a 10, and there's nothing particularly offensive about its taste, but it falls short with excessive light mineral character. It genuinely leaves me desiring something with more depth. El Mayor is preferred for its richness, though the difference isn't as significant as I might have expected (likely only 1 point, but the noticeable ethanol presence could reduce it by 2 points). I've compared this to Cabo Wabo Blanco and El Mayor Añejo and found this to be my least favorite of the three. Therefore, it's a 12 at best, but realistically, I believe it's an 11. I'm still very undecided. I've been cross-comparing these three against bourbon quite a bit, so I'll continue that trend. I might choose this over Ancient Age, but I'd prefer Evan Williams Bottled In Bond. Neither is significantly better than the other, placing this in the 11 to 12 range. Given that I might even elevate the scores for both Ancient Age and Evan Williams, and at times I thought this might rival Cabo Wabo, I will award it a 12.

Quite mellow. The nose presents agave, floral notes, and oak. On the palate, these elements are still present, with a touch of anise and black pepper on the finish. It's unremarkable, just an easily drinkable "bottom shelf" Reposado. It doesn't compare to Clase Azul Reposado, nor is it as good as El Jimador Reposado, but it holds its own against 1800, Hornitos, Teremana, and Jose Cuervo Tradicional. I would accept a pour of any of these.

There was a time I believed I disliked tequila, having only tried Jose Cuervo. However, experiencing a quality agave Reposado tequila has shown me that I truly, really enjoy Tequila. This has a salty profile, with subtle remnants of barrel wood. While I may not be able to identify many specific tequila flavors yet, I find this very pleasant when consumed neat, without mixers.

Similar to the blanco, this Lunazul tequila offers a flavorful, budget-friendly option without excessive ethanol burn or an unpleasant aftertaste. The reposado has prominent notes of pepper and grassy agave. It's thinner than mid-shelf tequila but excellent as a mixer and acceptable neat. I would prefer this over 1800.

The aroma presents sweet agave, lime, and gentle vanilla. The palate delivers lime, cinnamon, sweet agave nectar, and vanilla. The finish is sweet with additional cooked agave and cinnamon. An excellent choice for cocktails, and a decent sipper for the price.