May 08, 2008 I discovered this Tequila threw the recommendation of a friend, needless to say It was a hit with my taste buds and I am on my third bottle. Seems to evaporate oh so too quickly.;) To my knowledge this Tequila is the brain child of David Suro vowner of Los Catrines Restaurant and Tequila Bar in Philadelphia. Its made at Feliciano Vivanco y Asociados (1414) but its my understanding that they are just renting the facility and the Simbra Azul Team create the product from start to finish.
The whole concept of this tequila appeals to my very sole. Quality product in a simple effective package, and thats exactly what it is.
The nose is macho agave, slightly floral and sweet, with the mineral element in there as well(rock). The taste follows threw from the nose and I get a bit of floral again and lots of agave punch. Some pleasant pepper, not so much heat though. The finish lingers, but not too long and clean.
It ranges in price in the low 30's, a tad high for a blanco, but in my mind well worth the money and one of my favorite Blancos i will continue to stock in my home bar.

 May 06, 2008 Taste is slightly sweet mild agave and wood. Finishes warm and tingly in a nice way. Tiny bit of bitterness on the finish.

All in all a top notch Mezcal. When its gone I'll be looking for another....

 May 06, 2008 Previously posted on the web Jan 14th, 2007

The restaurant had a nice relaxed atmosphere, and very trendy. The staff was polite and attentive. And the assistant manger was always around and concerned with the guests even to the point of making sure I had a glass of water. I found the food to be based in traditional Mexican with a Gourmet flair. I ordered a Tortilla sopa with pulled chicken. It had a nice visual presentation and it tasted great. I'm not much of a soup person but I do like Tortilla sopa. I ordered a Don Carranza Repo, it was nice I liked it and would like to try it again, did not do any tasting notes though. The main course was called a Budin Azteca which was again pulled chicken on a multi-layered tortilla pie. Again looked great and tasted even better. Most restaurants like this have high prices and tiny portions. The soup was huge and very filling at the end meal I was very satisfied. The prices on the menu run fair to high, but I ordered on the lower end of the menu and was still very happy with my choices. My waiter suggested I try his favorite the 1942 DJ. He brought me a sample of it and at $30 a shot I thought I would pass on it. Their prices are fair for the most part, but maybe not the best on some. Ranging in price from $8 to $50.(the high end shots where a little over priced eg 1942 $30) I was a tad disappoint with the pours maybe 1oz-1.5oz. I ended my night with the Carmessi Repo as I wanted to try it as I have heard Gabe talk about it on the forum. I liked it too and would pick it up if I get a chance, I think it is one that Laura would enjoy. Another cool thing that they do there I make fresh Guacamole right at your table side, now that's fresh.
Nice restaurant with great staff, excellent mexiegourmet; it wouldn't be an everyday place for me but a nice treat every now and then, maybe say on my birthday.

 June 04, 2007 Cork stopper with wooden top. Old bottles had a handblown look, but were not truly hand blown. New bottles are the same shape but clear glass. Old, old bottles had a screwtop metal cap and resembled a standard bottle/shape tall and round, with a paper label.

Ok here it goes.

This Tequila is a very light straw yellow coloured Reposado, in the wrong light you could even mistaken it for a Blanco.Very thick uniform legs as you swirl it in the glass. It is aged for 8 months

On the nose right now all we can detect is a mineral earthy smell is the best way for me to describe it. Very pleasant to me and one that I usually connect with a stone ground tequila but I don't think Chinaco is. Maybe a tad bit of citrus on a deep inhalation which quickly gives way to a bit of nasal burn. With the "hand rub" test i think I detect some peppermint.

The attack is warm agave intensity,but mucho suave.Dry not sweet. Not so much as a burn but as a tingle. Pepper and spice.With subtle Vanilla/Caramel hints. Long mild finish with a tad bit of anise at the very end.

In all a very enjoyable Tequila IMHO as can be verified by my empty bottle.I need another bottle!

 April 16, 2007 A nice light Anejo the right amount of wood. Very Crisp and clean. This Anejo is easy to drink and lighter then one would expect for a two year Anejo. If you can find it for under $40 pick it up.