December 21, 2006 I just finished tasting FE Blanco for the first time. This blanco has a superb body, dense and oily. Succulent fresh agave notes tingle the nose right from the start, and those with a trained nose will most likely pick up the characteristic "peaty-tart" sensation from all quality puros from Los altos region, present also in the taste. In the mouth the texture is soft, almost puffy, a bit too sweet with solid roasted agave notes and firm, fresh agave accents and tangy molasses hints. I found it to be a bit too soft for my palate, smooth and refreshing like few tequilas I've tasted. The alcohol bite is strong but manageable, perhaps a bit soft for hardcore blanco fanatics, but in all, a very well structured blanco, capable of pleasing rookies and veterans alike, Perfect for sipping, not recommended for mixing! I really recommend trying Fina blanco, because it has a very natural taste, true agave character and very smooth for a blanco. ENJOYABLE.

 December 20, 2006 This blanco version of Arette is a small step in the right direction for the Orendain tequilas, although not yet quite a stunning blanco at all. The texture is watery and the sharp alcohol notes undermine the nice agave notes and herbal accents that tend to dominate Arette's organoleptic feature. One thing that gets my attention is that it smells too strong, kinda yeasty and mineral at the same time. The main agave notes at the nose and palate are fresh and sweet, but later some salty, slight celery-like notes become present in the tongue and aftertaste. I would love this tequila to offer mich more definition on the flavor structure, because in this version the agave, alcohol and herbal notes appear to the palate in an erratic, disengaged way. There is this touch of artificiality that keeps Arette from climbing all the way to the top, but overall, an above-average blanco to enjoy before spicy foods.

 December 19, 2006 My favorite tequila by a long, long mile. CN Crystal is among the truest, purest tasting tequilas when it comes to agave flavor elements. The "new" version (out in March '06) provides a cleaner, more direct agave experience with slightly sweeter notes and less alcohol bite, a feature that made some of the old fans frown. I miss the "old kick" a bit myself, because many of us who prefer BLANCo tequilas as the purest form of tequila look for that potent and delicious kick from the powerful agave/alcohol notes. The flavor structure is full of delicious fresh agave elements right at first contact, but as your tastebuds get used to the Crystal, the beautifully tasty notes of pure, fully cooked agave sweetness settle down in your palate. Some slight citrus/herbal elements linger in the background (green lime and grapefruit, along with a mild touch of rosemary, chamomilla and damiana), making this a fabulous, refined and now smoother tequila that will please even the un-initiated. Im my book, this is the best blanco you can buy right now. Worth every dollar!

 December 19, 2006 This is the truest-agave tasting Anejo around. The solid agave notes do not get over-powered by the sharp, robust oak elements. The texture is very creamy and silky to the tongue. The secondary flavor notes include walnut, roasted agave and slight traces of spices like clove and nutmeg. I love it because it has the strongest agave presence of virtually all anejos in the market. The bottle is beautiful and unique, but congruent with the tequila it contains. The long spicy agave finish lacks teh variety/complexity of other fames anejos, but Im in for the agave taste, not wood notes.