Reserva de Don Ramón Tequila Reposado

About 2 years ago I bought a bottle of the standard Don Ramon reposado and was disappointed. Its ornate frosted bottle design is pretty to look at (and many people seem to buy it in tourist shops based on this fact) but the tequila inside is thin and a little harsh in the finish; better suited for mixing than drinking straight. It just goes to show what a little aging can do. The reserve edition is aged a year (the standard is aged only 2 months) and the difference in all areas is like night and day. The Reserva is smoother with a woodier cask flavour and a sweet finish that makes it a very enjoyable sipper when served neat. The only minor complaint I would have is that it is a little too light for my taste as I generally enjoy a fuller flavour. Also, because it carries the "reserve" distinction and because that lower version exists, it can be very over priced in tourist shops. I tasted this in one such shop and was quoted a price of $40 US per 750 ml bottle, but found it at a local grocery store for $17 US. It is actually worth $40 in my opinion so it is a complete steal at $17. In the end, I would absolutely recommend this tequila as an after-dinner drink, served without ice... just buy it where the locals do.