Notes: Made from 100% agave and infused with real natural essences (as opposed to macerated which would mean they put the ingredients directly in the tequila and extracted the flavors that way). This is one of three products put out by this company, the others being Tanteo Tropical and Tanteo Jalapeño.

Appearance: Clear, slightly yellow / tan color, with no sediment. On swirling, it leaves a clear coat on the inside of the glass then legs developing turning into droplets.

First Impression:Tickles the nose from the Jalapeño, although not enough it made me sneeze – unlike another flavored tequila we reviewed recently – which is fine with me. Lovely bouquet with the scents of earthy alkaloid chocolate and cocoa notes, chilies, and spiciness. Smooth, full, chocolate and subtle chile smells (fresh pepper smell) and good quality agave.

Taste: Excellent quality tequila tastes- sweet savory notes, lime citrus with salt – slight alkali tang and touches of leather – quickly followed by a wave of chocolate wrapped around the oily heat and Jalapeño pepper rolling across your tongue and palate almost immediately and about a minute for it to go away. Sweet then slightly drying finish intermixed with pepper and a lingering tingling / numbness with some smoke/roasted pepper notes and chocolate.

Drinks: No specialty drinks or recipes on website. Which is a pity, because this tequila seems to have tremendous potential which might need a really good mixologist to tease it out.

Bottle: Clear recycled but high quality glass. A very eye-pleasing shape to it -Rectangular bottom with a heavy decanter base swelling upwards to a rounded shoulder with a medallion wax seal at shoulder with a easy to grip neck with two small glass bands between which the hang tag is tied. Bottom of bottle has a capital ” T” pressed into bottom. Labeling is equally well done – Very attractive raised printing with multiple colors and borders on good quality paper, silkscreened graphics on front and back directly on glass. Small clear plastic label on back also. Package is finished with a paper seal (in this case lavender with the word chocolate on it), wooden topped real cork closure, and a signed and numbered seal on the hang tag giving bottle # and bottling date. Overall one of the nicest bottles I have seen in a while in regards to eye appeal.

Final Thoughts: For a flavored tequila we found it to be excellent and quite intriguing – actual real flavors not a chemical equivalent. The delicate balance yet fullness of the chocolate and jalapeño make for a singularly unique (and good) blend of flavors that will surely yield some great cocktails. We also think it is a great addition for the kitchen /spice collection as something to get creative with.

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

Fast loading, simple navigation, easy-to-read if rather terse not to say short on information. Recipe sectionhelps bring out the best in this tequila.

N.B. : The ratings are for flavored tequilas- not the broader tequila category.