The first nosing reveals a medicinal, sour funk that dissipates after a few minutes in a Glencairn. Not a great start for the rested version of what was just an OK blanco from Tequila Orendain. Initial sip is bitter and then turns to some tannic wine notes like Chardonnay wine and the barrel it was aged in. Finish is short, bitter and not that great as it ends on some sour note from the oak used to rest. Cocktails it is. The blanco is much better for me as the barrel does nothing but detract.

Not totally horrible this blanco is new to me at my local Total Wine. This is priced similar to Exotico, Olmeca Altos, and El Mayor in WA State. Green agave, some natural sweetness and rather short finish make this good for cocktails and a poor choice for sipping unlike the El Mayor and Olmeca Altos. I need to try the reposado.

For $22 I don’t think I expected much, this is ok but has a strange flavor, I can’t really place the profile but tastes a little medicinal with some agave, grass and alcohol. Finish is the same. Not sure I’ll get it again but might try mixing it.