Tequila Archives - First Pour Cocktails

Siete Leguas Reposado

Posted on April 29, 2022April 21, 2022 by Nick

We love Siete Leguas Blanco in spite of the complete lack of information available online. We’ve previously covered this issue, while the box claims it’s Sazerac Company, they list no mention of Siete Leguas on their site. There’s also no English version of their site readily available, complicating matters further. That said, we love their blanco enough that their reposado was a must try. So is it worth it?

Siete Leguas Reposado

Sight: Extremely light white wine, almost pinot grigio like.

Smell: The nose starts off expressive and tangy with a mix of bright fino sherry and fresh agave. There are prickles of chili peppers, touches of vanilla, and fresh black pepper. Tropical fruits waft out like pineapple, grilled banana, and a mix of wet herbs and minerality. The nose has other hits of spice as well with just a pop of heat.

Sip: The body is like a smack of black pepper and artichokes with a bunch of oak right off the bat. Things starts to smooth out with more agave and grapefruit notes coming through. The tropical fruit flits around the edges and more of the agave notes come forward with more toasted flavors. A hint of cherry or banana also seems present with a little brine. The body has a nice weight and is smooth.

Savor: The finish is smooth with an emphasis on grilled vegetables, black pepper, and hints of oak, spice, and brine.

Siete Leguas Reposado’s nose does not quite match it’s taste, but the entire ride is delightfully complex. The nose implies this fruity, spicy, almost bright wine experience, but the body comes through with roasted vegetable and oak notes, with just hints of fruit. The finish adds a bit of spice and brine to tie the whole ending together. It’s an interesting sip, and keeps bringing me back to try it again.

In Cocktails

In a Margarita Siete Leguas Reposado adds black pepper and lets the citrus shine over a backdrop of smooth agave and gentle vanilla. That artichoke flavor is present with a very caramelized artichoke heart note, but the citrus really checks it. A slight bite of chili and tropical fruits joins in from time to time with a bit of minerality.. Overall, it keeps evolving in the glass, similar to how the tequila works on it’s own.

In Review – Siete Leguas Reposado

Siete Leguas Reposado is both complex and subtle. The flavors of roasted vegetables and pepper are more prevalent than in some over oaked examples of reposado. The fruity notes on the nose and the citrus notes offset this adding complexity and intrigue. At $50, this is heading toward the more expensive side of reposado, but still represents decent value.

Pasote Blanco Tequila

Posted on April 22, 2022April 21, 2022 by Nick

Pasote Blanco Tequila is one of those products that if you went to the website and tried to learn more about it, you’d end up concluding it was just another tequila. The webpage informs you that they craft their tequila with rain water, blue agave tequila grown in the highlands, and (also) spring water. The bottle is guarded by guerreros (a reference to aztec warriors that isn’t clearly explained). Does any of that make you want to buy a bottle for $42?

Fortunately, there’s a good number of enthusiasts in online communities who’ve had favorable things to say about tequila, so how does it shake out?

Pasote Blanco Tequila

Sight: Clear

Smell: Cinnamon apples and hibiscus flowers pop out immediately. Notes of roasted agave and lime follow, with a slight smokiness and a grapefruit zest character. There’s also an almost brown sugar like note with plenty of tropical fruit backing it up.

Sip: It starts out spicy and builds with black pepper, cinnamon, clove, and roasted spice notes. The agave and citrus start to kick in, and ripe tropical fruit and slight vanilla sugar tones join them. There’s a touch of salinity and a very herbaceous character begins to build with hints of smoke.

Savor: The ending is more spice, smoke, and roasted agave notes with plenty of almost cinnamon sugar.

Pasote Blanco Tequila is a bold and somewhat spicy tequila. The flavors of spice are the dominate characterestics, but it does a have a bit of sweetness that contrasts against more of the earthy elements. The roasty agave flavors are a good foil to some of the tropical and citrus notes. The net mix is a bit sporadic in its presentation, but the flavors are overall delicious, even for sipping.

In Cocktails

Pasote Blanco Tequila passes along its spice and roasted notes along to a Paloma in a balanced but firm way. The roasted notes even give it a slight smoke character, while the fruitiness compliments the grapefruit soda. The subtle lime and salinity work well to give it a long and refreshing finish. In a margarita, the sweetness of the orange bounces off the smokiness and spice of the tequila. The result is a smooth and silky margarita that leans into a savory meaty flavor with heavy touches of caramel, vanilla, and spice. The flavor is almost earthy, and lingers.

In Review – Pasote Blanco Tequila

Pasote Blanco Tequila is versatile and bold. It plays well in both cocktails and on it’s own. The flavors are complex, if slightly less subtle than some of the other tequilas we’ve tasted. The result though is a tequila that balances notes of spice, smoke, and citrus in a way that no one element seems to show up repetitively. While it costs a bit more, the quality is strongly there at a price in the low $40 and is arguably worth paying for.

Olmeca Altos Reposado

Posted on April 15, 2022April 14, 2022 by Nick

In last year’s tequila round up, there was a conspicuously obvious lack of variety. Everything was blanco. The reason behind this was more to have an even comparison field, but also to focus on the more commonly used blanco for Margarita applications. To remedy this, we’ll be taking a look at couple of reposado’s this year, and starting with Olmeca Altos Reposado, the sibling of one of our recommended bottles for starting your home bar.

Before we get too far, a recap on Tequilas. There are both 100% agave and mixto:

100% Agave – Nothing but agave used here in the distillation. No sugars, no color, no additives.
Mixto – Require 51% agave, but the rest can use sugars and neutral grain spirits.

Never use mixto. They are inconsistent and do not provide the quality or flavor needed.

Then there are the age statements:

Blanco / Plata / Silver – Unaged to two months in stainless steel or neutral barrels.
Reposado – Two months to one year in any sized oak barrel.
Anejo – 1 – 3 years in small oak barrels.
Extra Anejo – Minimum 3 years in oak barrels.

For the vast majority of drinks, Blanco / Reposado are going to be your best bets and most cost effective.

Olmeca Altos Reposado

Olmeca Altos Reposado is 100% agave which are aged 7-8 years. They’re roasted in brick ovens and processed with a large Tohana stone. The resulting mash is used into copper stills, and in the case of reposado, aged in used bourbon barrels.

Sight: Bordering on lightly aged Chardonnay or Chablis.

Smell: The nose is a raucous mix of grapefruit zest, caramel, vanilla, and touches of roasted agave. A subtle roastiness pervades and a linger bit of pepper hang around as well with some additional citrus.

Sip: The start is smooth and slightly dusty. A gradual build of caramel, vanilla, and oak start to show up. The citrus on the nose is more subdued and pithy. The roasted agave notes also move in late with a little burnt cinnamon.

Savor: The ending has a soft wood and vanilla note with a bit of agave. There’s a bit of tannin here and some burn.

Olmeca Altos Reposado is kind of calm and gentle, if a little on the straightforward side. The subtle citrus notes and light oak influence really help to give it character that you’d expect from a reposado tequila. That said, it doesn’t scream that it wants to be sipped neat. That’s ok though, its an easy going tequila at a reasonable price point for making cocktails.

In Cocktails

In a margarita, the caramel and vanilla notes come forward with a burly hit of tannic wood. The lime pulls in shortly after, and then expands the citrus. While the ending is slightly tannic and bitter, it’s a pretty smooth margarita. In a Rosita, it really brings some beautiful vanilla and oak notes, but the place it shines is in some of those burnt spice and citrus-agave notes. These shine beautifully against the herbal notes of the vermouth and with the bittersweet notes of the tequila.

In Review – Olmeca Altos Reposado

We generally like Olmeca Altos Reposado at $25-30. It brings a good amount of tequila character without being offensive or overpowering. As an entry point, this tequila is good a starter – but doesn’t open up world of tequila in any particular way. With tempered expectations, there’s a good amount to like about Olmeca, but you don’t need to feel pressure to find a bottle.

Cenote Blanco Tequila

Posted on April 8, 2022 by Nick

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, and that means it’s Tequila season! Last year we went through four tequilas, and this year we’re adding in a newcomer, Cenote Blanco Tequila. Named after the swimming holes that are created by the collapse of limestone, Cenote features reverse osmosis filtered water from an artisan well by the base of a Volcano on their property. The water is paired with 100% blue agave that are grown to a minimum age of 6 – 7 years, and distilled in both copper and stainless steel pot stills. For their blanco tequila, the resulting spirit is aged 3 weeks in American oak to help mellow it.

Cenote Blanco Tequila

Sight: Clear

Smell: Notes of black pepper, green bell pepper, agave, and citrus come together in a harmonious and bright mix. Notes of vanilla and resinous pine hide in the background with a plethora of other green vegetable hints.

Sip: Starting off smooth, it opens with lime, black pepper, and agave notes. A touch of vanilla and a bit of cedar get together, and give way to some additional spice. The citrus notes continue to evolve as it goes adding earth, char, and a touch of yeast.

Savor: The ending is more citrus and pepper and char. The length continues with a dry yeastiness and charred agave.

Cenote Blanco Tequila is definitely leaning into the drier, citrus and green vegetable side of tequila. Ultimately, the flavor profile is very balanced, and the smoothness keeps it easy to drink. The flavors aren’t super in your face either, so you can pensively explore each sip. This is a nice set of flavors for those looking to upgrade and try something more conservative.

In Cocktails

In a Margarita the Cenote boosts the lime and citrus notes to the forefront while letting the sweetness stay balanced. The agave notes play around in the background and give it a distinct flavor. Despite the sweetness that’s present on palate, it’s very dry on the finish. There’s a very pointed agave funk kind of ending with a healthy dose of black pepper. This flavor profile can make it a little challenging in cocktails, especially for those used to fruitier, less agave and vegetable forward tequilas.

In Review – Cenote Blanco Tequila

Cenote Blanco Tequila is a balanced tequila with a drier profile than other mass market offerings. The no additive nature and moderate price point makes this an attractive choice for tequila fans looking to branch out into more restrained tastes. We recommend this as an expansion bottle for your bar, but it might be a little intimidating as a starter.

First Pour Cocktails’ 2021 Blanco Tequila Rankings for Cinco De Mayo

Posted on April 27, 2021April 27, 2021 by Nick

We haven’t spent as much time with tequila as we should, and it’s time for us to remedy that. So we took all our tequilas and decided to test them side by side for our 2021 Blanco Tequila Rankings for Cinco De Mayo. We put them through their paces, testing them on their own for sipping and in Margaritas. All of our Tequilas are blancos (sometimes refered to as Plata), and their price points range from $25 to $50, and most of these tequilas are widely available (depending on your state’s liquor controls).

The Tequilas

Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila
Casamigo Blanco Tequila
Gran Centenario Plata Tequila
Siete Leguas Blanco Tequila

Before We Start – Don’t Buy The Other Stuff! (Mixto / Non 100% Agave)

Prior to our round up, there was exactly one tequila on our site, a mixto. If you wanted to have a last place finisher on our round up, it’s that one.

Mixto tequilas are made up of a minimum of 51% blue agave by law. That sadly means that up to 49% of the bottle can be something else. Additives, neutral spirits, etc. The resulting products lack the depth, smoothness, and depth of flavor that exists from their 100% agave relatives. While it makes a serviceable cocktail, it’s not going to give you the special depth you’ll find with the rest of our list.

If you buy a bottle of a great tequila, you can still find other uses for your mixto. We’ve been slowly using up ours in margarita cheesecake bites and making peppers and onions for tacos.

2021 Blanco Tequila Rankings for Cinco De Mayo

4. Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila

Coming in at 4th place is Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila. Despite it’s ranking, this is a great tequila for the price and our go to bottle for cocktails. While Olmeca’s isn’t quite nice enough to sip on it’s own, it does great at standing up to citrus and liqueurs. This balance allows it to convey it’s tequila characteristics to a drink without getting lost.

Tasting Notes:

Sight: Clear

Smell: Roasted pepper – with salinity. Hints of hay and lime pith. Heavy on the lime – touches of minerality.

Sip: Smooth body, mildly flavor, agave hangs out as a base. Layers of lime and earthiness come forward.

Savor: The finish is short lived, but gives a smooth agave character with a hint of vanilla and black pepper

Olmeca is smooth if perhaps a little underpowered. In a margarita, Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila gives off its earthiness, agave notes, and green layers evenly against the brightness of the lime and the sweetness of the orange. The result is a balanced and tasty margarita that meets the ideal expectations, but doesn’t highlight the tequila or add anything extraordinary.

Price: $25

Website: https://us.altostequila.com/our-tequilas/

3. Gran Centenario Plata Tequila

Gran Centenario Plata Tequila just edges out Olmecas Platas, but there’s not a lot of daylight between these Tequila. The process is somewhat different than the other tequilas on our list. Blended in oak, there’s a subtle imparting of oak character not typically found in blanco tequilas. The resulting tequila is nicely balanced, a little edgier and certainly tinted with a hint of oak.

Sight: Slightly tinted yellow, but ever so lightly.

Smell: Salinity and fruity caramel play out. Agave hides in the background with spices and lime zest.

Sip: The body is a little coarse feeling, with a bit of edginess. A darker sort of woody character leans into salted agave. There are aggressive notes of minerality, hints of ferrous, and char.

Savor: The ending is a bit more burnt wood and agave.

Although Gran Centenario Plata isn’t the most appealing tequila to sip, it does well in cocktails. Peppery and more floral in character, it brings touches of spice and minerality. There’s a hint of bitterness, and the lime stands out more prominently than orange notes. The overall experience is a little less smooth, but makes up for it by showcasing the tequila in an enjoyable way.

Price: $29

Website: https://grancentenario.com/our-tequilas/

2. Casamigos Blanco Tequila

George Clooney’s Tequila pulls up in the ‘if you’re not first, you’re last’ position on our rankings. Casamigos Blanco Tequila loses out on the top spot not for being short of delicious, but just because of how un-tequila like it is. The heavy notes of non-tropical flavors and vanilla give this tequila a character unlike many others.

Made of blue agave aged 7-9 years, their pinas are roasted for 72 hours before a longer than usual 80 hour ferment. Casamigos also claims propriety yeast blend and rests the tequila for two months.

Sight: Clear.

Smell: Smells like George Clooney’s musk (don’t ask how we know – we know a guy). Just kidding, there’s a little bit of a nuttiness, leaning into walnut /almond. There are touches of vanilla, citrus, and other fruits layered behind a moderate lime and agave note. The nose is layered and shifts slightly.

Sip: The flavor starts off – shallow – then builds into coconut and black forest cherry with agave mixed with lime and a hint of burnt vanilla sugar and cedar. The body is smooth and thinner than might be expected.

Savor: The finish is kirsch cherry and vanilla with hints of agave, citrus, and black pepper.

In a margarita, Casamigos Blanco Tequila is beautifully balanced with a natural salinity. The vanilla and fruit flavors noted in the tasting notes come forward, working harmoniously with the Cointreau’s orange and fresh lime juice. The finish is somehow almost caramel like. As margaritas go, Casamigos produces one that’s head and shoulders about the others on our list – if not the most traditional.

Price: $47

Website: https://www.casamigos.com/en-us/our-tequilas/blanco/

1. Siete Leguas Blanco

It took us seven years to find a bottle of Siete Leguas Blanco. This is ironic given the name of the product translates to seven leagues. This is commonly known as the name of General Villas horse, which according Siete Leguas’ website, would fearlessly traverse the distance. Further compounding the difficulties of locating a bottle of this tequila is the change of importer. While the box claims it’s Sazerac Company, they list no mention of Siete Leguas on their site. There’s also no English version of their site readily available.

Difficulty in finding this tequila aside, the actual tequila itself is wonderful. The nose is perfumed with spices and smooth agave notes. On the palate it dances gracefully, with touches of floral and nutty notes mixed with agave. Sipping it is quite nice, if a little spicy.

Sight: Clear

Smell: Pure vanilla extract and strong soaked cherrywood come to the forefront with hints of spice, honey, and pecan wood.

Sip: The body is moderate. It shifts gradually to a nutty and floral laced body with touches of agave. It runs slightly hot, and brings in a good about of spice and wood.

Savor: The ending lingers on the woody side, bringing in touches of cigar box and vanilla.

In a margarita Siete Leguas worked gorgeously. Cinnamon and spice leap off the page with hints of candied oranges. Touches of herbs and bell peppers gradually emerge. The end result is slightly sweeter than expected, but extraordinarily fragrant and spicy. The end result is an exceptional margarita where Siete Leguas really shines.

Price: $50

Website: https://tequilasieteleguas.com/

The Tequilas Overall and the Margarita

To be clear, even the lowest ranking tequila on our 2021 Blanco Tequila Rankings for Cinco De Mayo is good in our opinion. In fact, we happen to recommend you keep any of them on your shelf as your go to tequila as part of our recommended bottles for beginning a home bar. While there is a definite connection between price and quality here, don’t let that dissuade you from trying Olmecas or Centenario. Both offer a lot of value for the price, and are delicious in cocktails without doubling the price per cocktail.

Final Ranking:

Siete Leguas Blanco Tequila ($50)
Casamigos Blanco Tequila ($47)
Gran Centenario Plata Tequila ($29)
Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila ($25)

Don’t forget to make a margarita – click on the picture for our recipes, and have a great Cinco de Mayo!

Sauza Silver Tequila

Posted on January 2, 2020 by Nick

Sauza Silver Tequila is not labeled as a 100% Blue Agave tequila. As far as Tequila goes there’s both 100% blue agave and the other stuff, mixto. No tequila company is going go out of the way to tell you they’ve made a mixto, and for good reason. Let’s start with how tequila is made.

Tequila is made in the area surrounding Tequila, Mexico. To make Tequila, blue agave plants are harvested, roasted, broken down, and then pressed. The resulting juice is then fermented and later distilled. For silver tequilas these tequilas are then bottled. Alternatively, they can be aged in wood barrels to mellow the flavors.

By law to be labeled 100% Blue Agave – Tequila must be made from 100% Blue Agave. Mixto by contrast can contain up to 49% other distillate (such as sugar). It can also contain colors and other additives to help make sure it seems closer to real 100% blue agave Tequilas.

So is Sauza Silver Tequila Any Good and How Does It Do In Cocktails?

In a Margarita, the Sauza tends to hide. The nose is slightly floral and has a nice spice to it. The flavor starts out very bright and moves forward into slight sweetness and a touch of orange. The tequila is somewhat peppery and floral in here – and has a hint of spice. A strong lime ending runs through the end and the tequila comes forward slightly and the finish hints at candied orange.

In a side by side it doesn’t compete as directly on the tequila note. Instead the lime and Cointreau stand out over the tequila. In a blind tasting, it was the lightest of the lightly aged tequila, boarding on grain spirit.

If you happen to find tequila’s flavor too strong, you might happen to like Sauza, however, serious tequila fans will find it somewhat boring. In a cocktail it also might hide in the drink, rather than stand up correctly the way you’re looking for it to while making a new cocktail.

Looking for For Info?

Sauza’s Website
Honest Booze Reviews give their opinion – and it’s a treat.