Manuscrito’s new special edition Cuento Corto 50% blanco is like curling up with a good book you can enjoy with your taste buds. Cuento Corto means ‘short story', but that description detracts from one of its best features, a long and delicious finish. The final lingering tastes and mouthfeel are luxurious. The texture is silky and has an oiliness that coats the palate exceptionally well. It’s very interesting that this is a barrel-rested blanco which kind of continues the ‘short story’ concept. In this case, the agave had barely enough time to kiss the barrel before the story ends, but that finish quality leaves you with massive flavors. The 50% ABV really lets the rich cooked agave forward flavor and a unique back and forth contrast of mild cinnamon and black pepper playout the whole story on your palate. There’s some deep minerality and earthiness that round out the whole experience. It’s another great Tequila expression from Oscar Vasquez Camarena and the team of owners at Manuscrito! Nose: cooked agave / earthiness that could be perceived as a very faint smoke note / pepper / hint of cut grass / hint of dried fruit / citrus / bell pepper / brine Taste: sweet cooked agave / mild cinnamon / bold black pepper / hint of vanilla / vegetal / hint of green apple / dried fruit / citrus / bell pepper / black tea / earth / minerals Finish: very heavy viscosity and fantastic oiliness cover the entire palate and allow the massive cinnamon and pepper bomb to linger until a fresh and spicy minty note takes over / the end of the sip leaves an incredible and luxurious mouthfeel that is hard to beat

This is top notch stuff. 1643 may be my new favorite distillery.