August 20, 2007 I did not like AsomBroso La Rosa; but my wife did. For me, I guess there was something "off" about the flavors. It's probably the red wine barrels used to age the tequila that, for most people, is the draw of this tequila; but for me it created a tequila that had too much fruit and sweetness and not enough agave.

That is probably what my wife loved about it. The only 2 tequilas she will drink right now are 1942 and now AsomBroso Rosa - so she likes very light, very sweet, and very smooth.

If that is your speed, then maybe AsomBroso Rosa would be a good tequila to try. For me, I'll pass.

 August 20, 2007 After searching for this tequila for some time, I finally came across it at the Pink Taco restaurant in Los Angeles. They charged $50, and I still think it was worth it. This tequila is amazing! Bold, strong, and intense flavors; yet still light and sweet with a smooth finish. If you are lucky enough to find a bottle of this, snatch it up. It's sure to be the gem of your collection.

 August 20, 2007 Date of review: 8/17/07, 9pm

Pink Taco is new to LA and definitely has that Hollywood superficial-character vibe. Not to be mean, but the Ambiance reminded me of a Mexican Hard Rock Cafe. Pink Taco is much more a restaurant with a tequila menu than a tequila bar; and as such, there is a distinct lack of knowledge. My waitress knew next to nothing about tequila. And when I asked her for a recommendation, she told me that she didn't drink tequila and couldn't really recommend anything.

The location is in an upscale outdoor mall and the prices are high to say the least. For calibration, I always use Herradura Seleccion Suprema, which was $45 here: about $10 more than usual.

The selection of tequila was outstanding for a restaurant of this type, however. This is the first time I was able to try Chinaco Negro Extra Anejo - a limited edition tequila that I have seen nowhere else. ($50 here)

The food was excellent. Which is what I would expect from a place that is primarily a Mexican restaurant. I had the brisket tacos and my wife had the shrimp tacos. Both came with 3 tacos, were light and flavorful, and about $12.

Now despite my poor reviews on Pink Taco's tequila knowledge, there seems to be a honest desire to learn more and improve. While we were there, the bar manager took notice of my tab and came over to talk with me. He was interested in my thoughts on their selection and pricing. All my critiques here (involving tequila), I made him aware of. So maybe I'll go back in a few months and see if the staff embraces tequila a little more.

For this community, I would be hard pressed to recommend Pink Taco. If you are just learning about tequila, this place will not expand your knowledge. If you know what you like and are just going to have a glass or 2, this place is much more expensive than your CLOSE alternative, El Carmen.

 August 16, 2007 When I think Casa Noble Crystal, I think agave, agave, agave. It has a strong initial agave and pepper flavor that continues to the back. It finishes with yet more agave, alcohol, and a slight bite - but nothing to be afraid of.

I am not a big sipper of blancos; I guess I prefer the subtle complexities and smoothness of anejos. But Casa Noble blanco is a great example of pure, unaged tequila; and a good way to retune the senses for agave.

 August 15, 2007 I was introduced to this tequila while at El Carmen in Los Angeles. One of their representatives was at the tequilaria promoting their products; she saw that I was drinking Gran Centenario Extra and offered a side-by-side comparison. After finishing the ~6oz serving that she poured, I think I have a good feel for this tequila.

Frida Kahlo is a medium-bodied anejo with moderate floral and oak notes. On the back end, there is a moderate to full agave flavor and a finish of spice with the slight numbing of alcohol.

El Carmen was charging $18 a shot, but I didn't pay for mine. Seems, perhaps, a little high. I would put it in the same class as Chinaco or Casa Noble. The artwork on the bottle is nice; the bottle itself is pretty standard.