lirubis's Full Review: El Tesoro De Don Felipe Reposado Tequila 750ml
It was a long time since my review on this exceptional tequila needed a good update. Since there is SO MANY people now moving towards the really GOOD 100% agave tequilas, I owed El Tesoro de Don Felipe Blanco, now Tesoro Platinum ( or ETP for short) a really good re-write. So, here you go, folks.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS REVIEW IS ABOUT THE NEW TESORO PLATINUM, the new name given to the tequila formerly known as El Tesoro de Don Felipe Blanco.
There is not enough good things I can say about El Tesoro products, specially since they have remained as a perfect example of what a simple, pure and honest tequila should be. No fancy bottles, no hype, no alteration: this BLANCO is unquestionably among the purest tasting, truest feeling tequilas you will ever try. The focus of the company is on the true essence of the product, what most other tequilerias should follow as their basic creed.
The bottle has changed in the last year. Now, even though it shed its paper label, the bottle remains basic, nice and unpretentious. The old bottle is more like the stuff you are likely to find around MX for mid priced tequilas. Now, the more stylized design add a touch of elegance and visual distinction ETB needed to keep up with its big reputation.
Ok, on with the organoleptics.
VISUAL: Crystal clear, excellent body and dense, slow-dropping beads. Quite a dense body for a blanco, I might add...while I do not look at this feature as something I look for (perhaps a bit too much glycerine...?), I also dont have a problem with it, as long as it doesn not have an effect on the taste and feel.
NOSE: Absolutely sharp, lively agave notes, from the crisp green, fresh-cut agave elements, to deep-down cooked agave sweetness. The alcohol is moderate and ticklish, like good tequilas are supposed to. A bit of citrus elements of lime and grapefruit leaves are present, with very mild vanilla/candy-apple notes on the back.
PALATE AND MOUTH: Exquisite cook agave rules as the basic flavor element. The spiciness of highland tequilas is quite evident, in the form of a just-wet red soil with peppery notes and grassy hints. On the tongue the sweet notes become harmoniously entangled with the alcohol burn, which is not mild at all, but definitely not overpowering. The sensation is relaxed but firm and lively at the same time. perhaps the new Platinum has a milder, less peppery attack than the old Blanco version, something that may disappoint longtime blanco fans who adore the powerful kick of real, pure blanco tequilas. Yes, I do not like to say that the Platinum is smoother than the "old" blanco. But this may be actually a good thing for the many new aficionados that are learning to discover the hidden pleasures of the stronger, tastier blancos in the tequila world.
NOSE and BEYOND: This blanco invades the nasal passages like a silk stocking: a slow, delicate caress full of sweet and delicious agave notes. The cooked agave feel is much stronger at nose level, a rich, agavascious touch of character and true tequila essence. The secondary elements blend harmoniously with the alcohol and agave accents, while the subtle floral, grassy and mineral touches make a completely wonderful, yet primal invasion of your tastebuds.
BOTTOM LINE.
Ahh, make way for a true winner here!. While milder-mannered, this Platinum preserves most of the character and taste of it predecessor in a glorious way. Yes, I do miss the stronger kick of the old one, but I get a slightly sweeter, softer version that allows newcomers and experts alike to enjoy a generous dose of pure agave heaven. No matter your status, ETP is a must on any serious aficionado's list. people REALLY love this stuff. While I tend to favor the stronger, rawest expressions found on other blancos like 7 Leguas, ETP is solid evidence that you can make a honest, pure tasting and true-feeling blanco that will not feel like gasoline on its way down.
If I were you, I'd be off to the liquor store to get one...
GOLD 2007 SAN FRANCISCO SPIRITS COMPETITION. Without exception, El Tesoro is one of the finest tequilas made. It is elegant & smooth, yet rich and com...More at Napacabs.com
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