Head to head blancos

[wichie13]

It happens....

Originally Posted by MilesDavis

I just recently have had the pleasure of trying Chinaco blanco, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. In fact, I'm finding myself being drawn away from repos, buying and enjoying blancos. Whoodathunkit?

[Lippy]

I re-tasted Tezon last night in a bar. G Sauza had told me he thought their blanco was the closest-tasting to his. After i picked my JAW up off the floor, I ordered a shot.

i found it VERY alcohol-heavy on the nose, and while I *did* notice a SLIGHT passing reference to "Fortaleza" taste details, the finish and throat go-down were SCRAPING at me. Terrible.

No thanks.

He tasted it and turned to me saying, "They changed it".

[1tequila2]

Never anything like Fortaleza in my book! What I had was plenty good but not Fort like.

[deedub]

Seems that the natural progression of Tequila experience leads toward the blancos. Clearly, some will disagree, but I believe that the blanco is the purest expression of the agave. In my experience, anejos and extra-anejos tend to complicate something that is simple and delicate, and to sort through an array of introduced flavours and aromas detracts from my enjoyment of this most elegant spirit.
The other night we opened a Partida Blanco and sampled it against 1921, Chaya and Siete Leguas - pure bliss! Blanco is the defining essence of agave.

[totallytequila]

Originally Posted by deedub

Seems that the natural progression of Tequila experience leads toward the blancos. Clearly, some will disagree, but I believe that the blanco is the purest expression of the agave. In my experience, anejos and extra-anejos tend to complicate something that is simple and delicate, and to sort through an array of introduced flavours and aromas detracts from my enjoyment of this most elegant spirit.
The other night we opened a Partida Blanco and sampled it against 1921, Chaya and Siete Leguas - pure bliss! Blanco is the defining essence of agave.

I'm curious to see how you rated those four blancos....one thru four? I agree with you on your point on how the blancos are the "purest expression" of the agave and I love a great blanco, however I also enjoy the smooth and woodsy richness of repos, anejos and XA's. Depending on my mood at the time usually determines what flavor juice I decide to sip. IMHO, in the skilled hands of a master distiller, it is hard to beat the intense oakiness and 'enhanced' agave flavor of a fine anejo or XA....especially alongside a nice cuban cigar! (hint, hint, Wichie (:

[bn087]

You can't have a quality repo or anejo if you don't start with a great blanco. I do like them all...I lean torwards blancos as something that is clean and refreshing, also a bit light. Anejos I prefer when I want something a bit more bold with the woody/spicier finish. I usually can start a night with blancos but I'd like to end with something aged...this works for me in multiple ways but also helps the wallet. I burn thru blanco bottles much faster.

[deedub]

Originally Posted by totallytequila

I'm curious to see how you rated those four blancos....one thru four?

I will try to find the time this weekend to rate them all. Just tasting them casually it was:
1. Partida
2. Siete Leguas
3. 1921
4. Chaya
Siete Leguas and 1921 could change places, but Partida was the clear winner.

[PaleRider]

This weekend I'm doing a shootout of these blancos:

T1 Ultra Fino Blanco
Espolon Blanco
El Tesoro Blanco
Casa Noble Blanco
Milagro Blanco (as a commercial comparison - to me Milagro is basically Patron for the correct price)

[totallytequila]

Originally Posted by PaleRider

This weekend I'm doing a shootout of these blancos:

T1 Ultra Fino Blanco
Espolon Blanco
El Tesoro Blanco
Casa Noble Blanco
Milagro Blanco (as a commercial comparison - to me Milagro is basically Patron for the correct price)

That's a power packed line up PRider.....enjoy! I have sampled all except the T1. Please let us know what your thoughts are on that highly praised blanco. I personally dig all of those blancos with the exception of the Milagro. IMHO it is a perfect mixer and it is "serviceable" as a sipper in case of an emergency ie: your bar choices are the usual 1800's, Sauza Gold's, etc. I must admit however that I have a soft spot in my palate for the Espolon Blanco!

[PaleRider]

What I do sometimes -- like on a Tuesday night -- is I look at all the nice bottles in my stash and I can't bring myself to crack one of the ultra ultras. So I pour a shot of Milagro over ice and squeeze a lot of lime in it. It really reminds my palette of Patron, which I only drink when it's free.

Originally Posted by totallytequila

That's a power packed line up PRider.....enjoy! I have sampled all except the T1. Please let us know what your thoughts are on that highly praised blanco. I personally dig all of those blancos with the exception of the Milagro. IMHO it is a perfect mixer and it is "serviceable" as a sipper in case of an emergency ie: your bar choices are the usual 1800's, Sauza Gold's, etc. I must admit however that I have a soft spot in my palate for the Espolon Blanco!