Notes: This tequila is produced in Arandas (town), Jalisco (state), the heart of tequila country. This is the Reposado (rested) expression of tequila. While the minimum for a Reposado designation is 2 months of aging in wood, Muchote is aged at least 7 months in former bourbon barrels and only bottled when it is ready. Using much slower time honored techniques with no shortcuts, the Eiger twins still manage to sell a excellent tequila for very little money compared to others. Unlike many other commercail tequilas these days they take much more time roasting the pinas in clay ovens, doing a long slow fermentation and keeping the distilling proof low and flavor high – all of which takes time and costs more than taking shortcuts.

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 a scalloped edgeline/meniscus forming slowly followed by long legs.

First Impression: Has that unmistakable highland mineral and citrus tequila smell. You can identify the bourbon barrel char, sweetness and mint at first nosing. Savory, citrus, mint, char vanilla.

Taste: Oak, fruit, vanilla and a green leafy note (arugula- yeah I know sounds strange but something leafy, slightly bitter and green) then a mineral dry finish with just a touch of sweetness and caramelized agave at the end.

Drinks: Wonderful, if a bit more assertive than many other reposados. Margaritas: be sure to use fresh juice and Grand Marnier, Cointreau Noir or Royal Combier anything less would be an insult to the tequila and a waste.

Cigars: Goes well with a Rocky Patel or Joya de Nicaragua natural wrapper.

Bottle: Rather simple rectangular dark brown glass bottle (keeps the tequila fresher than a clear one – and is one of the cheapest colors of glass you can get). Labels is simple and easy to recognize, screw top cap is decently made and easy to open.

Final Thoughts: A very flavorful and forward tequila but very smooth. Bursting with a lot of flavor but rounded out by some aging in wood. You will be hard pressed to find a better tequila for the money.

Web site: http://muchote.com

Like their bottle, somewhat minimalist – but I am sure it keeps the costs down.