October 28, 2008 Tequila Don Eduardo Anejo, NOM 1119, tasted 10/25/08 out of a snifter. While this will not be one of my usual tequila reviews I just wanted to report about my experiences during dinner recently at Abuelo's Restaurant. While waiting to be seated I went to the bar to look over the tequila selection. The bartender showed me the "sipping menu". It included several from the Herradura line only. I was surprised to see Seleccion Suprema as the top offering at $29.00 for a neat shot. I also noticed on a bar shelf the Don Eduardo Anejo which was not on the list. I ordered the Platinum Margarita made by special request with the Don Eduardo. Since it made such a good margarita I decided to order a snifter/shot neat which was $10.00. The tequila was presented with sangrita, which I had never had before. It was a very interesting taste combination that I thought brought out more of the anejos flavor. I was surprised by the Don Eduardo as a solid and balanced anejo, not too sweet, with a mature cooked agave presence and a nice heat throughout. Mellow notes of wood, vanilla, and spice made this and enjoyable tequila that went great with my meal. I would not hesitate to buy this anejo and give it a high B.

 October 19, 2008 Tequila Casa Noble Crystal. 100% triple distilled. NOM 1137 La Cofradia. Tasted 10/18/08 in a Riedel glass. I bought this tequila from WineChateau.com for $35.00. This tequila earns the name crystal with its clear colorless appearance. A complex and unique nose that is sweet with clove, ginger, and ginsing and an overall deep musky agave note. This is maybe one of the most multi faceted blancos I've tried. Aroma, taste, and finish come alive in this true agave spirit. There is nothing boring about is blanco. First taste is peppery, citrus, young and green. The mouthfeel is smooth and silky but with immediate legs on the glass. A mellow agave taste heavy and oily on the tongue. A sweet creamy flavor midway that quickly fades into a fair amount of bitterness in the aftertaste with heat developing on the end. CNC from beginning to end is definitely a most unique experience. I've not come across another blanco quite like it. I do not use this tequila in a margarita, but enjoy its nuances and three pronged alure as a sipper. Nice easy to grip bottle with a embossed foil label and stopper. A simple but effective presentation.

 October 13, 2008 Tequila Don Julio Anejo sampled for the first time 10/13/08 from a Riedel glass. NOM 1449. Clear with a fairly light golden yellow color. Body is on the thin to medium side. Nothing overpowering about the the smell with milder elements of smokey wood, pepper, carmel, and vanilla. Seemed to me a rather youthful anejo. It has mild heat and tingle with slightly bitter but sweet tastes of butter, spice, and wood on the tongue. A medium duration finish with a pleasing balance of toasty oak and earthy green agave. I never did smell or taste much in the way of alcohol. Not a standout tequila, more middle of the road. It doesn't quite reach the level of better anejos in intensity but none the less a satisfying and enjoyable anejo. Presentation is unique Don Julio line, but plain. I have no complaints or problems with this afforable anejo.

 October 02, 2008 Tequila Chinaco Reposado NOM 1127 tasted 10/2/08 from a Riedel glass. I ordered this from Shopper's Vineyard and paid 44.00/750ml. A clear light pale yellow color with long quick legs and lots of pearls. Loads of earthy agave, a fruity sweetness, and mild alcohol on the nose. A med to thin mouthfeel. First taste is simple and appears mild but then develops into a one-two heated agave punch turning hotter as it lingers. The aftertaste is intense but in a satisfying way. On the stronger side, much more so at the end than upon entry. Dominant agave and heat throughout the tasting finish. Sharp and dry with some spice and wood tones and not much else. A strong pure agave reposado sure to please thoses who like their tequila on the bold side. Presentation is on the simple side with nice smooth lines, cork stopper, and silk screened labeling.

 September 30, 2008 Tequila 1921 Reserva Especial 100% Agave Single Barrel Reposado. NOM 1079 Lote # 198. Tasted 9/30/08 in a Riedel glass. I ordered this from Total Beverage and paid 45.00/750ml. A slightly dull golden yellow color. First nose is brandy, wood, sweet butter, and a cherry fruit essence. An amazing nose full on agave and mild on alcohol. A medium to heavy oily body with long slow legs. Intial taste is bold and intense, not too sweet with the right amount of heat and a sustained finish. It goes down extra smooth with no bitterness in the aftertaste leaving a very pleasant agave taste on the tongue. The alcohol is balanced and complements the overall taste and nose. Presentation involves one of the more unusual bottles and a clay label. The wax and cork are a bit tricky but otherwise very nice. This tequila well deserves the label Especial. I definitely agree with the many accolades this tequila has received as it is one of my favorites when I'm in the mood for something other than a blanco.