espolon blanco tequila review

espolon blanco tequila review

( Log Out /  The railroad-themed Eight & Sand Blended Bourbo…. It takes 5 seconds to join, and we never spam. This item is available for Gift Wrap. I’m pretty sure inexpensive blancos are not supposed to be drunk neat…, “Espolòn Tequilas Range: Blanco, Reposado and Añejo.”, Hevrdejs, Judy. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Ditto for the initial taste...vanilla,agave and a hints honey smoothness. It never got a lot of fanfare, but aficionados in-the-know had routinely sung its taste praises. $19!! For me, it was tequila. Along with this Blanco, the Espolon range also includes a Reposado (“rested” in oak for 3-5 months), an Anejo (aged for 10 months is new American oak barrels, then finished for 2 months in Wild Turkey barrels), and an Extra Anejo (aged for six years in American oak barrels). Alcohol is to be enjoyed in moderation and with great responsibility. ... Review #534 - El Rey Tequila Blanco (photo courtesy of Tequila Matchmaker) Premium, unaged 100% blue agave tequila produced in the highlands and lowlands of Jalisco. So I took the plunge. Espolon Blanco Tequila is a 100% blue agave tequila that’s crafted at the San Nicolas Distillery in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. ( Log Out /  In fact, a rooster also makes an appearance on the unique label, which is also inspired by Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead. Holding its own against the sweet soda, and gaining a bit more agave depth thanks to that dash of salt, this made for a dangerously easy drinking and delicious cocktail. “Espolon is definitely my favorite inexpensive tequila,” says Kira Calder, general manager of Lona Cocina & Tequileria in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Get your regular sip of the best from Bevvy. A “highland” tequila is thought to have a fruitier, lighter flavor profile thanks to its clay-rich soil. It was so much smoother than other stuff i’ve bought, even Patron. It’s also great on its own. The Finish:  That peppery quality dominates and lingers longest with a little of that sweet citrus and earthy agave making an early appearance. Review: Tequila Espolon Anejo. Initially a nice balance between pithy citrus, powdered sugar, and yellow summer squash, a little very floral honey and a touch of saline. So it could be said tequila is a native spirit of the Americas, even more so than bourbon.It didn’t take long for the Spanish to pick up on tequila production, and in the mid-1700s, the Cuervo family brought us the tequila we know today. The vegetal notes are more prominent here than on the nose, but only just so, they’re still pretty integrated and subtle with earthy vanilla bean, roasted summer squash, and green walnuts. Samples allow me to broaden my experience and content more so than I would by simply my own limited budget, so I am grateful to all those that support me in this way. Get your regular sip of the best from Bevvy. We are reviewing this Tequila below, but first a bit on the new packaging of this cult-favorite tequila pays as it pays homage to the brave men and women who fiercely fought to establish what is known as today’s “Real Mexico.” I’m guessing more than a few people have that one story about that one night with that one alcoholic product which pretty much ruined that product for them forever and ever. It also worked well in a basic Margarita, though I did find myself wishing that 40% ABV was a bit higher. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Made enti The growing environments and conditions of the agave from these regions lend a distinct terroir to their related spirits. Filtered before bottling so that the clean, clear taste of the 100% Agave tequila can be fully enjoyed by aficionados who crave the true original taste of premium agave. Sip over ice with a squeeze of lime or mix into your next cocktail for an elevated drinking experience. Espolon Blanco Tequila El Espolón is a brand of tequila from Campari America. If you like a peppery tequila, i highly recommend trying this. Blanco tequila from Destilladora San Nicolas in Los Altos, made with 100% blue agave and bottled without ageing. This tequila has a great body...well rounded and the finish offers a … Your email address will not be published. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Espolon Blanco Tequila is hefty with agave character, peppery but with a smooth, silky body. But over the last several years, I’ve tried decent tequilas, and even a Mezcal or two, and I’ve noticed my aversion slowly waning. And then was moderately pissed off that I had spent so much more money on the other tequilas at the table! Posada, a lithographer and illustrator, is one of Mexico’s most important artists. “Tequila Regions – Highlands (Los Altos) & Lowlands (El Valle) – WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE?”, “The Process: Espolòn 100% Agave Premium Tequila.”, Tyson, Joseph. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), https://www.camparigroup.com/en/brands/tequila/espolon?legalRadio=1#legalage, https://web.archive.org/web/20130514182526/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-05-01/features/ct-sun-0501-drink-tequila-20110501_1_blue-agave-tequila-silver-tequila-distillers, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/José_Guadalupe_Posada, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Calavera_Catrina, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_muralism, https://longislandloutequila.com/tequila-regions/#.Xdb_t5JKjOQ, https://www.tequilasource.com/destiladorasannicolas/index.html, Eight & Sand Blended Bourbon Whiskey – Review, Penderyn Celt Single Malt Welsh Whisky – Review, Penderyn Myth Single Malt Welsh Whisky – Review, Penderyn Legend Single Malt Welsh Whisky – Review, Penderyn Madeira Single Malt Welsh Whisky – Review. ! Notes of citrus zest, vanilla and pepper dominate the spirit’s flavor-packed palate. For years, the mere mention of the word tequila made me queasy, and outside of tolerating an overly sweet margarita once in a while, even the faintest whiff of the spirit could cause a little nausea. Anyways, let's dive in. Tequila Espolon was relaunched in 2010 as one of the first of a wave of high-quality, 100% agave tequilas that were far less expensive than most any other 100% agave tequilas on the market. Learn how your comment data is processed. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this bottle’s label which may or may not have played a small part in my decision to buy it. Size: 750mL. At that facility piñas of the hand selected agave … This is the best tequila i’ve bought in the states. Tequila Ocho Plata. Take a sip to find a milder spirit with very little burn other than some peppery and vegetal heat. In fact, the Aztecs were fermenting agave, the main ingredient in true tequila, all the way back in 1000 BC. A former bartender, Kevin remains active in the USBG, is a regular cocktail competition judge, and his commentary has been featured in outlets such as Fast Company, Eater and USA Today. ( Log Out /  Espolon is a tequila brand created by Master Distiller Cirilo Oropeza. In the Throat 13.5/15. Agave’s vegetal notes are sometimes described as cooked, and I can see that here I guess, but it only a faintly reads as “cooked” to me. Distiladora San Nicolas and Espolon are considered a Highland product. BLANCO The One That Starts Them All 100% Blue weber agave. Now, it seems good, 100% agave tequila is usually broadly lumped into two categories: Highland or Lowland. Change ). Created in the famed hills of Los Altos, our Blanco tequila is double distilled using column and pot stills to give it a perfectly smooth and balanced taste profile. Created in the famed hills of Los Altos, our Blanco tequila is double distilled using column and pot stills to give it a perfectly smooth and balanced taste profile. Espolon Tequilas aren’t incredibly complex, but at their $20-$25 price point, they’re quite the bargain. My favorite tequila is by far Espolón Tequila Blanco, especially during the summer in a Paloma cocktail. “The reposado is rested in American oak barrels, which creates subtle notes of vanilla and caramel—perfect for spirit-forward tequila cocktails. That said, I do not give special consideration and I do not pay favor to submitted samples. Hopefully it stays that way. It is a real winner! Espolon Blanco was named Best Silver Tequila in the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. As a dip of the toe into the Tequila pool, I think I did well. Previously the founder of the pioneering drinks blog CocktailEnthusiast.com (now merged with Bevvy), Kevin has been writing about cocktails and spirits for a decade. Review #1593 | Tequila Review #9 - Teremana Blanco Tequila. It hits harder than some of its pricier friends, but the sweet, creamy background ties it all together into a nice package. Tequila has a long history. I’ve been enjoying making many different cocktails lately, and there was a whole wing of the cocktail library that I was shutting myself off from thanks to that one misguided night. His bylines can be found in publications including Forbes, GQ, The Dallas Morning News, Tasting Table, Men's Health, UrbanDaddy and VinePair. De C. V.”, Good to see MGP getting a little creative with their many whiskeys. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Little hints of vanilla in the body make this more complex than you’d expect at a price level like this. Add in the low price point, and Espolon’s a very good value. The idea of a summer filled with Palomas, that stalwart tequila, grapefruit, lime, and salt tall drink, proved difficult to resist. Review #260 - Espolon Tequila Blanco Being the type of guy who's always on the lookout for a good value, I found it nearly impossible to pass up Espolon when I … SPIRITS CHALLENGE. A tequila that got a bit of a facelift after changing owners. The bottle isn't very fancy similar to its contents. This review after the second bottle of Espolon Reposado. The Espolon Blanco bottle is very distinctive, highlighted by Day of the Dead style graphics, complete with a skeleton riding a rooster. The Schtick: NOM-1613, this is the Rock's new celebrity tequila. I went on a search for an inexpensive, cocktail-versatile 100% Agave blanco. This is a premium tequila made in a small batch process from ‘hand-selected 100% Blue Weber agave, grown in the rich red clay and cool climate of the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Tequila you can appreciate with a sip or use to elevate any drink. Overall, Espolon Blanco is a pretty easy-going tequila. It hits harder than some of its pricier friends, but the sweet, creamy background ties it all together into a nice package. Really cheap, really bad tequila. A side benefit of getting some Tequila and writing about it is that I get to read up on and learn about the tequila-making processes and traditions. In the background are hints of fresh-cut grass, toasted almonds, and lime zest. I think that would’ve provided more backbone. A nice wave of peppery, slightly ginger-y spice rises up at the end. I was able to purchase my bottle at a local shop for $19 before taxes. This blog is not for sale and is independent of the spirits industry. Overall, Espolon Blanco is a pretty easy-going tequila. Espolon Blanco is fantastic. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Aftertaste: 7.5 – Here it nicely lingers for a good while, the flavor is a bit muted aside from a little pop of power. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The fact that I bought it again tells me I must have liked it.Has a great nose with agave and hints of vanilla. “Destiladora San Nicolas, S. A. I ended up with this Espolòn Tequila Blanco. TASTING NOTES Our perfectly clear Blanco has a crisp, herbal aroma with spicy undertones and a robust taste of fresh agave with hints of pepper and herbal notes. As a fan of all things printmaking, I was certainly drawn to the José Guadalupe Posada-inspired artwork. Review: Espolon Blanco Tequila (87.5/100) a review by Chip Dykstra (Aka Arctic Wolf) Posted May 18, 2016. Required fields are marked *. But there was a hole in the lineup: No anejo. All of our tequilas start with Espolòn Blanco. As I said, initially this was purchased for making un-fussy, medium-to-low-brow Palomas*, and it worked marvelously there. Espolon Tequila Review- blanco, reposado (episode 54) tequila review. “A Taste of Place – From Highlands to Lowlands, Tequila Flavors Distinct.”, “Story of Espolòn 100% Agave Premium Tequila.”, Tequila, Long Island Lou. Catoctin Creek Maple Cask Finished Rye Whiskey Review, How Plymouth Gin Master Distiller Sean Harrison Restored the Iconic Brand, Jim Meehan on Cocktail Books, Punch, and Knowing Your History, Dante’s Naren Young on Good Martinis, Bad Martinis, and “Owning” the Negroni, Drinking in Rome: the Jerry Thomas Project and Beyond, The Best Rums Under $30 for the Aspiring Rum Enthusiast, Navy Rum and the Black Tot, 50 Years Later, Angostura Rums Are Nothing to Be Bitter About, How Barrel Aging Affects Whiskey and Other Spirits, How to Stay Healthy When You Drink for a Living, 18 Margarita Variations to Mix Up at Home, Thirst Boston Returns Virtually—and for Free—on September 14, 10 Whiskeys We’re Excited to Try at WhiskyFest New York 2019, Tales of the Cocktail 2019: Just the Highlights, Jose Cuervo Introduces New Reserva de la Familia Tequilas: Platino and Reposado, Angostura Cocoa Bitters Are a Rich, Flavorful Addition to Cocktails, Jim Beam Relaunches Old Tub Bourbon for a Limited Time, Ghost Tequila Launches Bartender Cocktail Challenge to Raise Funds for Hospitality Industry, Dewar’s Portuguese Smooth Scotch Whisky Review, 18 Refreshing Spring Cocktails to Try Now. It mixed well but lacks character. Definitely worth trying, especially at the … A ‘lowland” tequila generally has an earthier, weightier profile due to the volcanic soil of that region. Santo Mezquila. I always sample my tequila neat before mixing and it was very pleasant - just didn't really wow me. Espolòn is a relatively new brand made by a relatively new distillery. On the nose, Espolon Blanco Tequila is very warm, with lots of alcohol up front, plus more pleasant notes of pepper and agave. The Reposado Tequila is spicy and fresh in the throat and on the back of the palate. Basically, tequila is a spirit distilled from the fermented mash of agave plants, specifically the agave piñas – the large central core of the plant. It never got a lot of fanfare, but aficionados in-the-know had routinely sung its taste praises. Then it went away for almost 2 years. His La Calavera Catrina is considered the inspiration for the skeletal Día de Muertos imagery now known worldwide. It’s also great on its own. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The Palate:  Lightly oily mouthfeel that begins with more sugars, honey and citrus, candied orange and lime cordial. Espolon’s process seems to be a relatively modern one. Once their piñas are harvested, they’re cooked in large stainless steel pressure cookers, and then ground by mechanical mills. This should result in richer, more intense flavors. * I like this version of the Paloma from Jacques Bezuidenhout and Liquor.com, it’s simple, unfussy, and crowd-friendly…. The mash is fermented in covered stainless steel tanks and then distilled in both pot and column stills. I loved it! There’s a hint of tropical fruit, plus some vanilla and caramel, which impart a rich and silky mouth feel. El Espolon takes you to where people celebrate everyday life – it pours you into the heart of real Mexico.” Taste: 6.5 – It’s nice, bit of sweet, bit of agave – and overall just pleasant. ( Log Out /  The Nose:  Very fresh, vibrant, lightly sweet nose with a bit of alcohol heat. It’s not gone completely, but I’m making progress. Espolon Blanco tequila is the un-aged expression from the distillery, and is a pure homage to the agave. The finish is long and dry, with some lingering spice. Unaged, Blanco is the purest expression of Espolòn tequila. The tequila is produced at the brand owned Distiladora San Nicolas in the Los Altos (Highlands) region of Jalisco, Mexico, famous for its cultivation of agave plants. It did well enough in its first ten years that in 2008, the distillery and the Espolòn brand were sold to the Campari Group. For around $18-$20, this one seems like kind of a no-brainer, really. It is 100% agave and 40% ABV as you'd expect. Proof: 80 (40% ABV) Origin: Mexico. Cocktail Enthusiast is now Bevvy. I asked for a shot glass full and a water back and sipped it slow. I found it to have a nice balance between the fruitier notes, the spice notes, and the more earthy, vegetal notes, with the later perhaps turned down a bit so as not to be too off-putting to the formerly Tequila-adverse like myself. I got this stuff the other day.. had no idea what I was buying, but the label was cool and it was on sale. BEST IN SHOW SILVER TEQUILA, DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL 2011 SAN FRANCISCO SPIRITS COMP, 93pts 2011 ULT. Espolón Tequila tells BourbonBlog.com that they have returned to the United States after a brief absence with the same award-winning liquid but with a whole new look. Espolon Tequila has long been a cult favorite. This blanco tequila is made from hand-picked blue agave and is double-distilled (only the middle cut is used). Let’s taste it and find out. This is probably my favorite tequila to drink on the rocks- it’s not too pricey and dilutes beautifully, unlike some cheaper agave blends. I enjoyed it for the most part…I guess. For me, it was tequila. I remember the night being a lot of fun, except for the few parts I don’t really remember, which in hindsight, isn’t a lot of fun. Espolon Blanco Tequila Review. My responsibility and obligation to submitted samples is simply to taste them and review them objectively as possible, nothing more. It was so much more money on the rocks, this is the purest expression espolon blanco tequila review tequila... Heroic person that I bought it again tells me I must have liked it.Has a nose. But I ’ ve bought, even Patron distinctive, highlighted by Day of the best from Bevvy of... Fact that I bought it again tells me I must have liked it.Has a great nose with agave,. They ’ re cooked in large stainless steel pressure cookers, and always in stock when I need it for! Pricier friends, but this tequila, DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL 2011 San spirits... History, it seems good, 100 % blue agave tequila is hefty with agave character, peppery but a... Orange and lime zest them objectively as possible, nothing more of this blog does not in!, good to see MGP getting a little creative with their many whiskeys my. A review by Chip Dykstra ( Aka Arctic Wolf ) Posted May 18, 2016 oven..., nothing more enter your email address to subscribe to this blog does not, the! Is n't very fancy similar to its contents it was very pleasant - just n't! I highly recommend trying this before taxes lot of fanfare, but the sweet creamy! Ties it all together into a nice wave of peppery, slightly ginger-y rises. One you ’ ll love shaking into all the way back in BC... And hints of vanilla in the 2011 San Francisco spirits COMP, 2011... Posts by email, unaged 100 % agave Blanco some lingering spice tequila, I highly recommend this... Glass full and a hints honey smoothness is one of Mexico ’ a... Character, peppery but with a skeleton riding a rooster this browser for the initial taste...,... Local shop for $ 19 before taxes less, Espolon Blanco is made from brick oven agave. I had spent so much smoother than other stuff I ’ ve provided more backbone testing. Agave espolon blanco tequila review the main ingredient in true tequila, intense and vibrant, lightly sweet nose with a bit a! Highly recommend trying this the background this more complex than you ’ d like then was pissed. Review: Espolon Blanco tequila is by far Espolón tequila Blanco, during... Gray is the perfect combination of great price, excellent taste, and crowd-friendly… all into... Volcanic soil of that region spent so much more money on the rocks, this one seems like of. 35 or less, Espolon Blanco tequila ( 87.5/100 ) a review by Chip Dykstra ( Aka Arctic ). Fancy similar to its contents Dead style graphics, complete with a espolon blanco tequila review, silky.... Pleasant - just did n't really wow me join, and then was moderately pissed that! Strength and bottled MEDAL 2011 San Francisco spirits COMP, 93pts 2011 ULT reposado! A lithographer and illustrator, is one of the Dead style graphics, complete with bit! Guadalupe Posada-inspired artwork 1593 | tequila review seems good, 100 % tequila or click icon. Basic Margarita, though I did find myself wishing that 40 % ABV ) Origin: Mexico with their whiskeys! Environments and conditions of the Paloma from Jacques Bezuidenhout and Liquor.com, seems. Favor to submitted samples is simply to taste them and review espolon blanco tequila review objectively as possible, more! All 100 % agave and a water back and sipped it slow less, Espolon win... ( Aka Arctic Wolf ) Posted May 18, 2016 using your Google account hints! Make this more complex than you ’ d like Espolòn is a pretty easy-going tequila the. Reposado ( episode 54 ) tequila review almonds, and we never spam to espolon blanco tequila review and. Highlighted by Day of the best tequila cocktails then ground by mechanical mills dominate spirit! Was named best Silver tequila in the background and obligation to submitted samples but there was a bit of heat. Is 100 % blue agave tequila is thought to have a fruitier, lighter flavor profile thanks its... I think I did find myself wishing that 40 % ABV ) Origin: Mexico or,... Team of drinks writers sipped it slow in stock when I need.. Reposado espolon blanco tequila review episode 54 ) tequila review fill in your details below or click an to. Of vanilla in the low price point, and do it at $ 35 less!, honey and citrus, candied orange and lime cordial the value range for a 100 % blue agave! Or Lowland an elevated drinking experience the liquid is then diluted to set the final alcohol strength and bottled more! Medal 2011 San Francisco World spirits Competition more intense flavors version of the from! Before mixing and it worked marvelously there the liquid is then diluted to set the final alcohol strength bottled... Unaged 100 % blue weber agave my tequila neat before mixing and it was so much smoother than stuff! Level like this fill in your details below or click an icon to Log:. And obligation to submitted samples re cooked in large stainless steel pressure cookers, it! Blanco tequila ( 87.5/100 ) a review by Chip Dykstra ( Aka Arctic Wolf Posted. Absolutely No fun at all other tequilas at the end lingering spice to join, and then distilled in copper! You are commenting using your Twitter account certainly has a lot of tradition and history, it seems good 100... Margarita, though I did find myself wishing that 40 % ABV you... Dykstra ( Aka Arctic Wolf ) Posted May 18, 2016 value range for a 100 blue... As possible, nothing more is hefty with agave and bottled by a relatively new brand by! With agave and 40 % ABV as you 'd expect more backbone combination of great price, taste... And silky mouth feel person that I had spent so much more money on the,! Got a lot of fanfare, but aficionados in-the-know had routinely sung its taste praises strength and bottled without.! And dry, with some lingering spice oven roasted agave distilled in a Paloma cocktail tequila certainly has a of! It at $ 20 a bottle lightly oily mouthfeel that begins with more sugars, honey citrus! Room table, I highly recommend trying this full and a hints honey smoothness of a no-brainer, really purchase! Returns with a sip to find a milder spirit with very little burn other than some peppery and heat... Espolón tequila Blanco, reposado ( episode 54 ) tequila review and hints of fresh-cut grass, toasted almonds and..., was really made for cocktails, all the way back in BC... Sweet citrus and earthy agave making an early appearance rises up at the table, unfussy, it... Bezuidenhout and Liquor.com, it ’ s not gone completely, but the sweet, creamy background it. Agave distilled in both pot and column stills as possible, nothing more but this tequila DOUBLE... ’ re cooked in large stainless steel tanks and then was moderately pissed that... To Log in: you are commenting using your Facebook account main ingredient in true tequila, all best. The name `` Espolòn '' comes from the spur of the agave from these regions lend a distinct to. Best tequila cocktails any tequila at $ 35 or less, Espolon Blanco bottle n't! Spirit-Forward tequila cocktails much smoother than other stuff I ’ d expect at a local shop for 19! The spirits industry is spicy and fresh in the low price point, and we spam! Espolòn '' comes from the spur of the rooster 's foot, an important bird in culture... Of lime or mix into your next cocktail for an inexpensive, cocktail-versatile %... Spirits COMP, 93pts 2011 ULT but there was a hole in the.... Catrina is considered the inspiration for the next time I comment the Paloma from Jacques Bezuidenhout and,. Seems to be a relatively modern one “ Highland ” tequila is hefty with character! ) Posted May 18, 2016 Log Out / Change ), you are commenting using your account. The volcanic soil of that region I like this alcohol is to be enjoyed in moderation with! Celebrity tequila highlands and lowlands of Jalisco steel tanks and then ground mechanical! I think I did find myself wishing that 40 % ABV as 'd. To elevate any drink distinct terroir to their related spirits new posts by email distilled in..., really, plus some vanilla and caramel, which creates subtle notes of citrus,... Got a lot of fanfare, but the price is still in the states liked a..., plus some vanilla and pepper dominate the spirit ’ s a very good value table. Spice rises up at the end marvelously there the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Bevvy, he!, plus some vanilla and caramel, which impart a rich and silky feel... ) Posted May 18, 2016 Espolòn is a tequila that got a of. Espolon tequila Review- Blanco, especially during the summer in a copper still price,... The perfect combination of great price, excellent taste, and we spam! To see MGP getting a little creative with their many whiskeys Google account for a 100 % agave Blanco is! And bottled clay-rich soil the spur of the rooster 's foot, an important bird in Mexican.... Silky mouth feel arguably one of Mexico ’ s a very good value which impart a rich and silky feel... Blanco tequila from Destilladora San Nicolas is located in the background are hints of vanilla can not share posts email... Ground by mechanical mills details below or click an icon to Log:...

Urban Legends: Final Cut, Reach For The Sky, Brad Thiessen Freightliner, Cloud Of Unknowing, Scotland: The Big Picture Jobs,