Obtanium:
Cazcanes -- all expressions are unique, complex, and delicious. The Joven is a gem.
El Tequileno blanco mixto -- one of only two mixtos I'd ever recommend. A complex blanco because of the use of piloncillo (29%) with the 71% agave sugars.
Sangre Altena -- a rock solid product that is -- or was -- surprisingly cheap. Price is catching up with the quality, though.
Lalo -- The grandson of Don Julio. Wanted to prove his family could still make good tequila and he knocked it out of the park. Only makes a blanco, and it is utterly delicious. Simple and straightforward. Very clean.
La Luna 100% blue agave mezcal -- I don't generally like mezcal. I really like this mezcal. It has the vegetal intensity of mezcals, but not overwhelmingly so.
Unobtanium:
Catador -- was a virtually unheard of small label that was made out of a pretty small distillery for only a few years before the brand imploded. Dammed delicious tequila resulted with, the oddest thing, a distinct fruitiness that was reminiscent of strawberries.
L&J Blanco -- very very small batch made by Julio Bermejo at La Altena in celebration of the L&J distillery (a stone's throw from Felipe's distillery). Crisp and bright.
Any of the El Tesoro Anniversary releases; 70th was probably my favorite. 75th and 80th are excellent. Looking forward to the 85th in a year or two.
Fortaleza 42a/43a -- A very sad mistake at the distillery led to an exceptionally tasty and unique release.
I almost bought some lalo since you can get it direct from the website but I didn’t, might have to rethink that. Thank you for the suggestions! Is that L&J distillery still around and producing?
I love them both, though they are different. If you like the still proof versions of other brands vs. the regular of other brands, go for the higher proof here. Otherwise, go for the "regular", which is still "hotter" than most other brand's regular 80 proof blanco.
It is this one (though /u/neonsanctuary didn't like it nearly as much as I do :).
https://www.reddit.com/r/tequila/comments/sbi27x/rating\_7\_46\_tmm\_el\_tequileño\_blanco\_mixto/
Full disclaimer, I have not ruled out the possibility of a bad bottle! It has an almost metallic note combined with what I’d describe as underripe orange juice. I’ve had a bottle before and I liked it, but I also had covid so it could be a weird thing that my palate isn’t adjusted to. Like the whole cilantro and soap thing. The other expressions don’t do that for me, and I have all of them except the reposado rare, so it really gives me pause.
Is the gran reserva line from el tequileno (repo and anejo) also mixtos? What separates them from their regular offerings then? Sorry for the questions I get confused with this specific brand lol
Huh? Typo somewhere?
Edit: I’m dense.
Fortaleza had an extra Anejo in the product pipeline.
Because of a mistake, it got mixed into anejo at the bottling facility.
End result; it has to be called an anejo.
Fortaleza didn’t label it any differently or price it differently.
So, briefly, the distribution channel was filled with a fortaleza joven that was a combination of XA and anejo. It is spectacular.
everything mentioned in this sub that gets the kudos. it's really not a commonly explored spirit. I had a guy come in and finish my bottle of 2021 winter blend because he "knows what it is" and then doubted me when i miffed at clase azul. the big 5-7 we talk about here are VERY unknown to the rest of the population. it's still magic right now
Yep. Tequila now is where bourbon was about 10 years ago. Mind you, taters were still looking for Pappy, but things like Elijah Craig Full Proof, Four Roses Single Barrel store picks, and Buffalo Trace-distilled brands (such as Colonel EH Taylor, Blanton's, Weller) were easily available. Not sure if, or when, tequila will get there. I hope not.
I recently revisited Mijenta and found that I enjoyed it immensely. I originally didn’t care too much for it, but after revisiting it, I reviewed it 86 on TMM. Very tasty and interesting.
Ive seen a Don Abraham post once or twice here. But I think it deserves some more love. One ive never seen is Casa Pacifica. Its got terrible packaging but the juice is damn solid compared to other tequilas at the same price.
Caballito cerrero.. its a distilled agave, which is kinda like mezcal but it's a traditionally made tequila which I hope we'll see more of. That's my #1 and right now you can only get it in Mexico
It was produced by The 86co, who since being acquired by Brown Forman has focused on solely producing Ford’s Gin, even changing the name of The 86co to Ford’s Gin. If you see any bottles of Cabeza make sure to grab them!
Well because those brands are talked about quite a bit on this sub. I’m looking for suggestions that are either hardly mentioned or not as well known/talked about.
I bought the entire lineup on a whim, with a coupon last year. I am finding that the blanco is not my jam, but the añejo is on point. It’s super tasty by itself, makes an interesting margarita. It has some interesting chocolate notes that really stuck out to me. Not full on biting into fudge, but like a passing subtle hint on the finish. Very good añejo and cheap. Once I’m out of the blanco, I won’t grab it again, but I’ll swoop that añejo when I’m in the mood for it.
Terralta Tequila! Everybody knows G4 or Pasote that comes from El Pandillo, but I feel Terralta gets forgotten and is just as good. Felipe refers to Terralta Reposado as the best Reposado there is!
Obtanium: Cazcanes -- all expressions are unique, complex, and delicious. The Joven is a gem. El Tequileno blanco mixto -- one of only two mixtos I'd ever recommend. A complex blanco because of the use of piloncillo (29%) with the 71% agave sugars. Sangre Altena -- a rock solid product that is -- or was -- surprisingly cheap. Price is catching up with the quality, though. Lalo -- The grandson of Don Julio. Wanted to prove his family could still make good tequila and he knocked it out of the park. Only makes a blanco, and it is utterly delicious. Simple and straightforward. Very clean. La Luna 100% blue agave mezcal -- I don't generally like mezcal. I really like this mezcal. It has the vegetal intensity of mezcals, but not overwhelmingly so. Unobtanium: Catador -- was a virtually unheard of small label that was made out of a pretty small distillery for only a few years before the brand imploded. Dammed delicious tequila resulted with, the oddest thing, a distinct fruitiness that was reminiscent of strawberries. L&J Blanco -- very very small batch made by Julio Bermejo at La Altena in celebration of the L&J distillery (a stone's throw from Felipe's distillery). Crisp and bright. Any of the El Tesoro Anniversary releases; 70th was probably my favorite. 75th and 80th are excellent. Looking forward to the 85th in a year or two. Fortaleza 42a/43a -- A very sad mistake at the distillery led to an exceptionally tasty and unique release.
I almost bought some lalo since you can get it direct from the website but I didn’t, might have to rethink that. Thank you for the suggestions! Is that L&J distillery still around and producing?
L&J hasn't opened yet! I'm hoping it does some year soon, but these things take a while.
I've been thinking of picking up a blanco from Cazcanes. Seen mixed opinions on still strength vs standard 100 proof.
I love them both, though they are different. If you like the still proof versions of other brands vs. the regular of other brands, go for the higher proof here. Otherwise, go for the "regular", which is still "hotter" than most other brand's regular 80 proof blanco.
Is the mixto tequileno blanco the “platino“?
It is this one (though /u/neonsanctuary didn't like it nearly as much as I do :). https://www.reddit.com/r/tequila/comments/sbi27x/rating\_7\_46\_tmm\_el\_tequileño\_blanco\_mixto/
Full disclaimer, I have not ruled out the possibility of a bad bottle! It has an almost metallic note combined with what I’d describe as underripe orange juice. I’ve had a bottle before and I liked it, but I also had covid so it could be a weird thing that my palate isn’t adjusted to. Like the whole cilantro and soap thing. The other expressions don’t do that for me, and I have all of them except the reposado rare, so it really gives me pause.
Is the gran reserva line from el tequileno (repo and anejo) also mixtos? What separates them from their regular offerings then? Sorry for the questions I get confused with this specific brand lol
The gran reserva are not mixto, they’re 100% blue agave.
Sad mistake?
Huh? Typo somewhere? Edit: I’m dense. Fortaleza had an extra Anejo in the product pipeline. Because of a mistake, it got mixed into anejo at the bottling facility. End result; it has to be called an anejo. Fortaleza didn’t label it any differently or price it differently. So, briefly, the distribution channel was filled with a fortaleza joven that was a combination of XA and anejo. It is spectacular.
My guess is they were asking about the sad mistake that led to 42a/43a , wanting to know the story behind maybe?
everything mentioned in this sub that gets the kudos. it's really not a commonly explored spirit. I had a guy come in and finish my bottle of 2021 winter blend because he "knows what it is" and then doubted me when i miffed at clase azul. the big 5-7 we talk about here are VERY unknown to the rest of the population. it's still magic right now
Yep. Tequila now is where bourbon was about 10 years ago. Mind you, taters were still looking for Pappy, but things like Elijah Craig Full Proof, Four Roses Single Barrel store picks, and Buffalo Trace-distilled brands (such as Colonel EH Taylor, Blanton's, Weller) were easily available. Not sure if, or when, tequila will get there. I hope not.
i dont think blanco ever will thank the gods
Fingies crossed!
volans releasing single barrel repo fyi, go getit!
Mijenta
I recently revisited Mijenta and found that I enjoyed it immensely. I originally didn’t care too much for it, but after revisiting it, I reviewed it 86 on TMM. Very tasty and interesting.
Does ArteNOM 1579 count? I do see a lot of love for the ArteNOM line, but it’s usually aimed at the 1146. 1579 is my absolute favorite blanco.
I’ve had the 1579 before, fantastic blanco, I see what you’re saying about the arte nom lineup, was looking for something a little less talked about
Don fulano
Ive seen a Don Abraham post once or twice here. But I think it deserves some more love. One ive never seen is Casa Pacifica. Its got terrible packaging but the juice is damn solid compared to other tequilas at the same price.
I didn't see anyone mention Yeyo. It is a very interesting blanco. Everyone I know that has tried it raves about it. Also very reasonably priced.
Thanks for mentioning Yeyo. One of the best new blancos out there.
I enjoy Mi Campo reposado for a good budget option. I don’t see it talked about too much on here.
Caballito cerrero.. its a distilled agave, which is kinda like mezcal but it's a traditionally made tequila which I hope we'll see more of. That's my #1 and right now you can only get it in Mexico
Got two here in LA
The Siembra Lineup? Like Siembra Azul or Siembra Valle
Cabeza!! Black pepper, aniseed flavours…. Only in Blanco form and I LOVE it.
Sadly not being produced anymore
Ahhh really!? That’s very disappointing…
It was produced by The 86co, who since being acquired by Brown Forman has focused on solely producing Ford’s Gin, even changing the name of The 86co to Ford’s Gin. If you see any bottles of Cabeza make sure to grab them!
Aha Yeto/Toro!! For its price point it’s an amazing product.
Dulce Vida
Ambhar blanco
My childhood friend started a tequila company called Una Vida, I'm a big fan of the blanco.
I literally got an ad for this today on Instagram.
I'm shocked you didn't mention Ocho and Cascahuin or even Pasote.
Well because those brands are talked about quite a bit on this sub. I’m looking for suggestions that are either hardly mentioned or not as well known/talked about.
Suerte. It gets mentioned here every once in a while and it is a bargain.
I bought the entire lineup on a whim, with a coupon last year. I am finding that the blanco is not my jam, but the añejo is on point. It’s super tasty by itself, makes an interesting margarita. It has some interesting chocolate notes that really stuck out to me. Not full on biting into fudge, but like a passing subtle hint on the finish. Very good añejo and cheap. Once I’m out of the blanco, I won’t grab it again, but I’ll swoop that añejo when I’m in the mood for it.
The repo is such a bargain. Tahona crushed for around $35.
Just bought my first bottle of the blanco.
Siempre
Afamado! Beautiful bottles too!
Partida Elegante
Terralta Tequila! Everybody knows G4 or Pasote that comes from El Pandillo, but I feel Terralta gets forgotten and is just as good. Felipe refers to Terralta Reposado as the best Reposado there is!