El Tequileno Tequila Platino

When I think of a good value of a Mexican palate line of tequilas, El Tequileño is one of the first ones that crosses my mind. I generally write my reviews on the first & second tasting of a tequila, but I've had this one more times than I can count. Purchased on closeout at Hi Time Wines, this is a go to for sipping and mixing and has been a hit with friends and family.

Price: $30-35/bottle
Aroma: Lots of cooked agave, hints of citrus and light pepper.
Initial Taste: A light entry with a nice agave sweetness. Not as heavy on flavor as some blancos, but it's really pleasant and tasty.
Body: Medium bodied. Light hints of earth and spice compliment the agave. Well rounded.
Finish: A medium length linger of agave pepper kick and the same earth/spice mix that was in the body. A nice finish that hangs on just long enough to be satisfying.

There's nothing "exciting" about El Tequileño. But it is a rock solid blanco that you know is going to give you a lot of agave flavor every time you taste it whether straight or mixed. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a clean agave flavor at a good price and in a cool bottle. And I'm glad that my cabinet is well stocked with this one.

EDIT: This is an updated review. Although I still think very highly of this brand, I am backing off on the throttle just a bit after another year of experience.

I struggled with rating the nose, and went with a score in the high 80s instead of the low 90s. It is not offensive in any way, but not complex - banana and slight coconut with a tinge of acetone. A sweet entry with ever-so-slight spiciness. There is a minor tingle, but not a lot going on. It has a nice weight and oiliness, although I'm a little suspicious of added glycerin. A short-to-medium finish, but it does creep down the throat. The lingering is of medium-rare cooked agave - not raw, but not as sweet as fully cooked.

A pleasant tasting experience that would appeal to a diverse crowd. It is a very good entry blanco for sipping. I got this bottle on clearance for about $19, which is a steal for an all-around good blanco as this is. I like the sturdy, heavy, glass bottle, but the sticker art is kind of elementary, and it has an acrylic cap with a plastic cork.