Vessel: Glencairn Nose: Oak, Leather, Vanilla, Carmel, Almond, Butter, Hay Palate: Oak, Carmel, Apple, Chocolate, Butter Finish: Barrel Spice, Apple , Oak, Chocolate, Vanilla, Molasses Very soft and sweet all the way through. Has some complexity but is also approachable enough for someone who dabbles lightly.

Bottle: 131218 12:13 D.O.P, L021118TA GRACIAS Appearance: Spring pollen Nose: Cooked agave, oak, vanilla, toffee, barrel spice, dried fruit, orange peel, dates, chocolate, baking spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, apple, banana, dry earth, brine/salinity, and minerality…lighter intensity with natural sweetness Palate: Oak, tobacco, leather, chocolate, barrel spice, dried fruit, orange peel, black pepper, baking spice, cinnamon, clove, roasted nuts, almond, dry earth, cooked agave, butter, and minerality…the barrel steals the show Finish: Cinnamon, molasses, whiskey, alcohol, and roasted nuts…medium viscosity and long, warming finish Overall: This was an interesting pour. The nose is complex, but light and almost more agave forward than the reposado. Intense barrel influence follows on the palate, which feels like a sharp contrast rather than a natural transition, in a way that I find interesting and enjoyable. Similar to the reposado, I bought this on a pretty good sale…and it was worth every penny.

Bottle: 290920 08:04 D.O.P, L061219TR GRACIAS Appearance: Spring pollen Nose: Cooked agave, dry earth, honey, vanilla, minerality, butter, citrus, lemon zest, black pepper, cream soda, oak, baking spice, cinnamon, clove, allspice, and mint…nuanced and inviting Palate: Cooked agave, baking spice, cinnamon, clove, barrel spice, oak, alcohol, molasses, caramel, vanilla, minerality, butter, pinecone, black pepper, and brine/salinity…packs a walloping barrel-aged punch compared to the nose Finish: Alcohol, cinnamon, brine/salinity, and clove…very long, spicy, and warming with medium viscosity Overall: Upon first opening, this was a unidimensional barrel bomb. Giving it a second chance with some aeration really opened up the experience. The nose became subtle and sweet, while the palate went in another direction with intense bittersweet spiciness. I got this on sale for $35 and, at that price, this is a steal. I can see this being a great introduction to lesser-aged tequila for whiskey enthusiasts.

Rated at a festival. It was good but not great. Maybe a more serious setting might produce a little better results.