Zirconia repo NOM 1079 need to confirm abv (35 or 38?) Sample from Brad Ruppel Agave Swappers I'm really enjoying this! That old-school banana/bubblegum/tropical on the nose that's really hard to find these days, with some dried fruits and a little funk/barnyard/hay. Sips of sweet agave caramel vanilla and dried fruits I had to go back for more! Wish I had a few bottles of this. I'll be looking for it when i'm searching dusty bottles in Mexico!

Vessel: Glencairn Nose: That Vintage tequila yeast, Oak, Cherry, Butterscotch, Cooked Agave, Hay Palate: Stonefruit; Particularly Plum and Cherry, Honey, Baking Spice Finish: Honey, Vanilla, Cream, Barrel Spice. Those of you know, know. These dusty bottles are often made with a yeast that is just simply not present anymore. This one brought lots of stone fruit, honey and spice. Super solid offering. It's a damn shame this distillery is out of the picture!

Nose: A bright pop of zesty lime and pineapple hits right away - this one comes out swinging. It’s almost like the nose has been held captive for 25 years and is finally free. (And fittingly, this is a fresh crack from an early 2000s bottling.) Give it 10 minutes to breathe and cooked agave steps forward, joined by a mineral funk that leans more earthy and green apple than cheesy or lactic. There’s pepper in the mix too, adding a sharpness that cuts through the fruit and funk. Palate & Mouthfeel: Medium mouthfeel. It’s measured and clear. The agave shows up clearly, not with brute force, but with quiet precision. It threads through each sip with a peppery confidence and a soft, natural sweetness. Citrus tones keep things bright, while light oak notes ground the whole experience. Nothing is overdone. Finish: Delicately sweet, clean, bright, and just enough pepper to leave a little tingle. Crisp and composed. Final Thoughts: The palate and finish may feel subtle, but subtle doesn’t mean simple. The nuance here is intentional, and that soft handed approach lets each element shine. When combined with that wild and unique nose, this becomes something genuinely special. It’s a snapshot from legendary NOM 1079’s heyday - a lower ABV Mexican release that rewards attention and patience. Have I had more powerful or complex tequilas? Sure. But few are this charming or this much fun to drink. It’s quality, it’s unique, and it invites you to slow down and enjoy the ride.

Old School 1079 Reposado at 35%. Delicious fruity and agave, I'm picking up the slightest funk on the nose. The palate is light with dried fruits, little vanilla, and oak. I really enjoy the older tequilas with a taste you can't get any longer. What a treat that I got as a sample with agave swapper Brad Ruppel.