Clase Azul, Reposado

This light-gold tequila gives a slight hint of vanilla and oud on the nose, backed with some lanolin and pickled ginger. Slight earthy notes are hidden behind a veil of vanilla. The palate is diffident in flavor, with a big hit of sweet sugar, Ricicles, sugar puffs, and sweet and salty popcorn. Very little in the way of agave is present. Strawberry and white chocolate are there, too. The finish gives a disjointed seesaw between white pepper, clove, icing sugar, marzipan, and Cool Whip.

This reposado comes with an abundance of greenness on the nose — freshly cut grass, thyme-and-basil herbaceousness, and bell pepper too. Over time it sweetens slightly into sugar snap peas. On the palate, there is a silky brightness and a slight waxiness that moves quickly into spice — peppercorns and jalapeño brine — followed by some cooling menthol. The wood character is light, but there are hints of vanillins and some sweeter charred notes right on the finish, which is rounding and medium-long. Overall, a good outing for a reposado, balancing agave character deftly with the cask.

A pronounced peppery, vegetal note indicates an abundance of agave, along with soft caramel, sweet spice, soft oakiness, and toasted vanilla. It's well-rounded and integrated. Very peppery on the palate: dry and flinty, with a light sweetness and softer cask-driven notes. The mouthfeel is well rounded, leading to a green, peppered apple note emerging on the finish. Impressive and simple — how I like tequila to show.