Codigo 1530 Blanco

88 SCORE

“Nose: strong notes of raw agave, mint, lavender, vanilla, and oregano...faint notes of jasmine, hibiscus, orange blossom, pickling spice, cinnamon, wet cement, and honeysuckle. Mouthfeel is watery...probably how it should be for an unaged tequila-- especially one free of additives-- as i suspect this one to be. After learning that glycerin, and other additives are used by the industry to adjust mouthfeel, I had to reexamine what I had been taught; regards what makes a good mouthfeel...my conclusion is that there is nothing wrong with a thin mouthfeel-- at least concerning blanco tequilas. My understanding is that oiliness is a quality imparted by the wood barrel its aged in...so why should ANY blanco have an oily or thick mouthfeel? (please correct me if im confused). Palate: seems less complex upon first examination, some notes will play hide and seek...it is very raw agave forward and herbaceous...sublter notes of citrus, supported by cupboard spice and some floral notes develop mid-palate...vanilla and black pepper on the gentle, warming, medium finish. I like this tequila, I might buy it again...however, it's hard to pay $48 for this when i can get Fortaleza blanco for $50. Pretty good stuff, but somewhat overpriced. Cheers!”

Don Eduardo Silver

55 SCORE

“NOM 1119 version: Great value at $28 in Oregon. Very delicate, with such subtlety, it is likely to frustrate many reviewers. Crisp, clean mouthfeel, with clean effects (no mixto rage). No "off" notes, but what you do get feels muted...lime, was the only clearly discernable note that really popped-- everything else seemed hidden. Exceptionally smooth-- no burn. Boring as a sipper, IMHO, this is best used for shots and drinks! Oregonians usually pay more than people in other states-- a decent blanco costs at least $35-45 here. At $28 a bottle, I got 4 to mix and shoot. If it's much more than that where you live, i couldn't recommend it. ”

Casa Noble Crystal

71 SCORE

“Pickling spice and dill are very strong and hard to miss on the nose...perhaps a little sulphur too? Certainly has a unique character, but I'm not sure about this one, the pickling spice is quite overwhelming...also wondering about additives-- because I did not get the mellow relaxed effect that I usually do from drinking %100 de agave-- I almost got a dirty cheap mixto feel...it was a rough ride!”

Gran Orendain Blanco

86 SCORE

“I agree with Jay...this tequila is all about that oldschool, straightforward agave character! I found this current bottling to be very full flavored for a blanco-- however, it loses points on the finish due to a fair amount of alcohol heat which was still present after adequate breathing time. The agave aromas and flavors to be had here are top notch-- but, if you're looking for an array of other notes commonly found in blancos, this one could disappoint. If you don't mind the heat, it's a very tastey sipper...also shoots well and makes killer drinks! $32 in Oregon for this quality is a great buy!”

Gran Centenario Añejo

16 SCORE

“Been into tequila since before the CRT changed the criteria for what can be called 100% agave (back in 2008 or around then?)...before that, there were no additives allowed in 100% de agave tequilas...things have changed since then! The only aromas and flavors i could detect were (artificial) caramel coloring, something tinny and metallic, and harsh alcohol heat...with a very thin mouthfeel. Very little about this reminded me of anything related to agaves, or even anything aged in oak for that matter! What has happened to this once brilliant brand? $35 on sale from $45 and i overpaid by $35 it is undrinkable-- does not even mix well.”