Pasote Tequila Reposado

Rating: 16/23 I don't recall having another Pasote previously. It's been so long that I'm unsure of the brand. Hopefully, it's an undiscovered gem. Nose: Not much is apparent initially. Upon closer inspection, I detect faint woodiness alongside light agave. Hints of brine, mint, and freshly squeezed lemon. Touches of earthiness. It smells refined but lacks depth. Palate: Smooth and clean with notes of creek water and abundant caramel from the stewed agave, though less distinct cooking process flavors. Slightly oily. Elegant hints of green olive, lemon, mint, and spices (pepper and a touch of cinnamon) emerge. There's a somewhat chalky or starchy quality; I'm uncertain if I dislike it, but I'm not entirely sure. I perceive a faint suggestion of barrel aging, but I might not guess it without prompting. Faint tropical fruits like mango and green banana appear occasionally, but not prominently. Finish: Oily and briny with some stewed agave. Surprisingly more so than on the palate. Conclusion: This is a very solid tequila. It's a bit too light and subtle for cocktails but enjoyable on its own. It surpasses Prospero Blanco and Partida Blanco. It's comparable to Cabeza but with more refined flavors instead of intense power. It's a difficult choice between the two. I'm leaning towards a 15 or 16; I initially considered a 15, but I believe this just edges into the 16 range. Thanks to a friend for sharing this.

A very light pale straw color. Menthol, lemon, cooked agave, anise seed, fennel, fresh mint, pine, orange oil, dill, baby diaper, and licorice aromas. Almost like a very dry, clean, and low-proof absinthe. On the palate it's buttery soft with sweet menthol, fresh mint, herbs, orange peel, a bit of vanilla, and a whisper of cinnamon. The finish is loads of caraway, fennel, and orange blossom reminiscent somewhat of a refined and delicate aquavit. I have to admit, I didn't really enjoy this when I first opened it. It definitely lacks the intensity and minerality of the blanco. However, after avoiding it for a while, it seems to have improved. Would definitely like to see a higher-proof version as it is so light and delicate. Not on the same level as the blanco, but unique and worth trying at this price point if you enjoy herbaceous spirits.

If you haven't seen my previous reviews, I tend to focus less on the tasting notes and more on my impressions and the price. If this had been a blind tasting, I would have rated it lower. However, the Pastote bottles are exceptional. Displayed on my shelf, it makes me wonder why it doesn't taste like Clase Azul. I admit I bought this bottle based on its appearance and a very high NOM rating. There's agave and then bitter minerals; while it remains intriguing, it's not my top choice. I researched the terroir and origins of this tequila and discovered it primarily uses rainwater. This explains its minerality, and I can't help but elevate my feelings and rating for this reposado and the brand overall. It's an interesting application of the environment to influence the product.

Nose: sweet cooked agave, briny caramel, vanilla, baked apple, prominent minerality, buttery oiliness, nutmeg, cinnamon, lime, subtle mint, anise, mild ethanol bite. Taste: sweet cooked agave, vanilla bean, toffee, buttery creaminess, cinnamon, nutmeg, lime zest, floral notes, subtle oak, mint, mild black pepper, anise, earthy minerality, mild alcohol bite, with a moderately long finish featuring lingering agave, mint, spicy pepper, and salty caramel flavors. A truly delightful sipper. Well-balanced flavors with abundant delicious agave forming the foundation of the experience.

The oak provides a woody undertone that supports the agave, giving it a deeper character and adding complexity. On the palate, the experience is enhanced by a toffee-like sweetness, offering warmth and smoothness. The body is excellent, providing a full mouthfeel. The finish, which is quite long, presents some dry, woody notes that conclude with a subtle tannic sensation. This is a superb spirit for sipping and an ideal choice for more intricate cocktails like a Tequila Sour or Tequila Old-Fashioned, as well as Alex Valencia's El Gavilan.

Nose: Salt, spice, and agave initially, followed by brown sugar and cinnamon. Palate: Agave and caramel, finishing with black pepper and a lingering sweet agave/vegetal aftertaste. Overall: I genuinely appreciate this tequila and will continue to buy and drink it.