Manuscrito Cuento Corto is a bold rested blanco that keeps the agave front and center while adding subtle barrel complexity. The nose shows cooked agave, pear, baking spices, mint, and a light bourbon sweetness. On the palate it’s rich and oily, with strong agave followed by cinnamon, ripe pear, and earthy minerality. A short rest in Four Roses bourbon barrels brings soft hints of vanilla and caramel without overpowering the spirit. Bottled at 100 proof, it delivers intensity with balance. The finish is long and layered with lingering spice, mint, and sweet agave. A complex, flavorful tequila that rewards slow sipping.

Manuscrito’s new special edition Cuento Corto 50% blanco is like curling up with a good book you can enjoy with your taste buds. Cuento Corto means ‘short story', but that description detracts from one of its best features, a long and delicious finish. The final lingering tastes and mouthfeel are luxurious. The texture is silky and has an oiliness that coats the palate exceptionally well. It’s very interesting that this is a barrel-rested blanco which kind of continues the ‘short story’ concept. In this case, the agave had barely enough time to kiss the barrel before the story ends, but that finish quality leaves you with massive flavors. The 50% ABV really lets the rich cooked agave forward flavor and a unique back and forth contrast of mild cinnamon and black pepper playout the whole story on your palate. There’s some deep minerality and earthiness that round out the whole experience. It’s another great Tequila expression from Oscar Vasquez Camarena and the team of owners at Manuscrito! Nose: cooked agave / earthiness that could be perceived as a very faint smoke note / pepper / hint of cut grass / hint of dried fruit / citrus / bell pepper / brine Taste: sweet cooked agave / mild cinnamon / bold black pepper / hint of vanilla / vegetal / hint of green apple / dried fruit / citrus / bell pepper / black tea / earth / minerals Finish: very heavy viscosity and fantastic oiliness cover the entire palate and allow the massive cinnamon and pepper bomb to linger until a fresh and spicy minty note takes over / the end of the sip leaves an incredible and luxurious mouthfeel that is hard to beat

Sample courtesy of Matt at Agave Swappers Nose: Immediately I get a brine odor, a vinegar like pungent touch. Mouth: Coated mouth with quick rinse to open up taste buds. Leaves a dry mouth, slight heat but less then I expected for a 100 prf. Has sweet tones, dry , short finish, very pleasing. After taste is very minimal, can taste the bourbon cask but it’s not overwhelming. The Agave is the star with that little extra twist to make it special. Sipper all day long. I wouldn’t mix with it.

Pleasant sweet agave aroma. Strong agave and spices. Very spicy taste and a nice smooth peppery finish.

The highlight here is the rich, luxurious, buttery mouthfeel. flavor profile is dominated by intense natural sweetness. notes of mint, honey and green pepper present on the finish. barrel influence softens the edges. great price.

For the price - I paid $65 this is better than any other blanco I’ve had. The kiss of oak is the perfect mellowing to the heat of this 50% blanco. I can’t get enough. This is better than chapter2.

Cooked agave and pepper hits hard. Barrel influence is minimal, just mellowing it out and adding slight hints of vanilla and baking spices. Wonderfully creamy mouthfeel. Really liked this one.

This is top notch stuff. 1643 may be my new favorite distillery.