Notes: This tequila is produced in Jalisco, the heart of tequila country. This is the Reposado (rested) expression of this particular line.The others being Azulejos Silver and Azulejos Anejo. They use a proprietary yeast and stainless steel stills so it has a brighter taste than some using copper stills (I personally think there is reaction between the copper and the distillate which is good if not mandatory for whiskey, but not so good with tequila and certain other distillates). This the Reposado version is aged in former cognac barrels made of French oak for a minimum of 8 months.

Appearance: Crystal clear, whisper of yellow coloration from aging (see above) lovely body. On swirling it leaves a very light coating on the glass with legs forming.

First Impression: Has that good tequila smell. It has all the right elements right at the start: You can pick up the french oak/cognac at first nosing. Bouquet is more restrained than its younger sibling. Much the same as the Silver: savory, citrusy lime, pineapple, at first then a sort of mineral salts at the end with a peppery finish.

Taste: Oak, savory notes, like olive brine and a lime citrus develops very quickly slight alkali tang and touches of leather. Finish has a sichuan pepper overtone along with a somewhat nutmeg/mace note winding up with a long, lingering end.

Drinks: Wonderful if understated. Margaritas: be sure to use fresh juice and Grand Marnier anything less would be an insult to the tequila and a waste. Although frankly this tequila is too good to mix and should be savored on its own. Use it before and after dinner, first as an aperitif, then as digestif.

Cigars: Goes well with a Fuente Hemingway Classic or Cannone.

Bottle: Cobalt blue heavy handblown glass decanter similar in shape to the old Mateus bottles with a large circular decorative stopper with a Agave design pressed into it. Nice heft to it. Simple mylar labels front and back- more durable than paper so won’t scratch or peel easily. Stopper is silicone/rubber and extremely tight – keeps the oxygen out (which can oxidize your tequila) and helps keep out the less than sober and determined.

Final Thoughts: Delicious, and diplomatic.

Web site: http://www.tequilalosazulejos.com

Phone contact: (866) 484–6767

Somewhat annoying intro but it’s worth the wait for all the other information. Pretty exhaustive information via drop down menus. Well-laid out if a trifle busy.