Notes: This tequila is produced on the Camerena estate in Jalisco, the heart of tequila country. This is the youngest expression of this particular line. Another slightly older expression the El Tesoro Reposado, there is also a anejo El Tesoro Anejo, and a even older anejo product called El Tesoro Paradiso.

They use a number of older, more traditional steps to make their tequila than many others. First, they use hornos, the old style brick and stone ovens rather than the stainless steel autoclaves (that look a lot like wood drying kilns) and six times longer 36 hours rather than 6) to bake the pinãs(heart of the agave) and convert the starch to sugar and cooled for another 36 hours before crushing them under a stone mill wheel called a tahona. After that the resulting juice is fermented over a 7-10 day period to become mosto (fermented juice). It is then first fermented into ordinario(the english term would be low wine) it is then redistilled into tequila.

They claim to be the only tequila distilled at 80 proof with no water added most distill higher (and in my opinion lose flavor through higher distillation) and add water later to reduce the proof to 80 proof or thereabouts.

Appearance: Crystal clear, lovely body. On swirling, it leaves a very light coating on the glass which then forms some legs which then leave a constellation of droplets on the sides of the nosing glass.

First Impression: Has a unmistakable aromatic hallmarks of a good tequila: salty, sweet brine, savory, citrusy-like thai-lime leaves.

Taste: Wonderful oily body. Sweetish entry drying rapidly but pleasantly. Savory, mineral like with spice and citrus. Sort of like a sweet olive brine and a thai lime dish with salt – Agave but not oak woody notes (probably a by product of the extended fermentation – a delicious new taste). Dry but savory, citrusy ending, with a bit more fire than is strictly necessary.

Finish is medium-long, very smooth.

Drinks: Actually not bad on its own- sip it don’t shoot it. One of the few silver tequilas you can drink straight without wincing. Wonderful margaritas, be sure to use fresh juice and Grand Marnier – anything less would be an insult to the tequila and a waste.

Cigars: An Ashton, or Credo, Connecticut shade wrapper.

Bottle: Design of bottle ‘updated’ a while ago – rectangular clear glass bottle with planed off corners , rounded shoulders short neck and blue neckband. Embossed/pressed in design of agave (sort of anyway) in front with silk screened graphics in 2 colors. Bottling date and batch # on back. Composite cork (with large wooden top with metal medallion) reduces chance of cork taint. Frankly I liked the old look better.

Final Thoughts: Delicious and bracing if a trifle hot in the finish.

Web site: http://www.eltesorotequila.com
Somewhat terse or brief information. Could have more facts and pictures.Well-laid out.