Siempre Tequila Plata

(NOM 1438, bottle #1151 of 4,896) Be wary of the many glowing reviews for this spirit, as a closer look reveals most of these five-star comments originate from single-use accounts lacking substantive thoughts or even the desire to remain on the site to make their opinions appear legitimate. This isn't to say it's a bad tequila; it's quite good, just not "26 perfect five-star ratings" good. The aroma is of sweet icing sugar, an intriguing briny, almost vinegary note, prickly pear cactus, salt, lime, bell pepper flesh, and a sprinkle of chili flakes and/or cayenne pepper—there's an interesting, almost meaty (not smoky, but meaty) savoriness in the aroma. The taste is sweet with heat—again, icing sugar and brine; the flavor is dominated by a sort of pickle/vinegar/pepper mixture with sweetness. Underlying citrus fruit (lime, grapefruit), pineapple, slight sourness, slight chalkiness, hints of wood or sawdust? The finish is soft and short—a bit of mouth numbing, some chalk, faint agave. It's that brine character that determines whether you'll like this hooch, and your opinion of Siempre will likely hinge on your feelings about drinking something that sometimes resembles a half-tequila/half-pickle juice concoction.

This tequila has been great, and I wanted to tell you about a really strange thing that just happened. A few sips of some smoky Ledaig scotch were followed by this pour. Beyond the first whiff of sugary agave, a yellow mustard scent hit me hard! The flavor wasn't the same, naturally, but it was a peculiar event. It reminded me of dill pickle overpowering a rye, making it impossible to move past. Regardless, I would certainly suggest this bottle; perhaps I'll have it with a hotdog next time.

One of the finest tequilas I've sampled. Exceptionally smooth and full of flavor. It drinks more like a fine Scotch and less like a typical tequila. No burn and no lingering "alcohol" aftertaste. A particular brand changed my perspective on tequilas - not just for casual drinking, but something to savor over time. Highly recommended! Excellent for convincing skeptics!

A Silver artisan Agave Spirit produced by a specific facility number. It begins delicately with hints of agave, fruits, nuts, herbs, and spices. A tropical phase then introduces notes of coconut and mango, leading to a well-rounded, medium-length finish with a subtle peppery quality. May 2017

A vibrant agave spirit from NOM 1438. Its aromatic beginning includes notes of agave, earth, spice, and citrus. A smooth progression adds flavors of cooked agave, green bell pepper, and lime, leading to a rich and spicy conclusion with hints of vanilla, pepper, and earth.

Aroma: Salty/briney, roasted agave, light white pepper. Taste: Mild sweetness, smooth, with a peppery conclusion. Overall: Quite well-balanced and exceptionally smooth. A refreshing change from the current trend of overly sweet, intensely roasted agave flavors.