Tequila El Rocio
Alto Canto
40%
NAS
Alto Canto distills its tequila at a dedicated distillery recently constructed 9,000 feet above sea level. The brand, which translates to "High Song" in English, uses traditional brick ovens, a volcanic stone tahona, an additive-free recipe and a malolactic fermentation process. Its Reposado is aged for four months in new American oak barrels housed in adobe.
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A surprising amount of oak for a relatively low age statement. Caramelized agave, almonds, dried apricots, fresh vanilla and cider. It's underlined by a salty, mineral character I've observed in other Alto Canto bottlings. Between the dried fruits and the saline, it's a fascinating combo.
If the nose leaned light and honeyed, then the palate is dark and earthy. The mouthfeel has a crunchy, burnt sugar vibe that soaks into every nook and cranny, giving way to hints of nutmeg, coffee grounds, yeast, black pepper, fall fruits and lavender.
A slightly bitter coffee notes creeps into the finish, hinting at freshly ground pepper, barrel char, roasted agave and flaky sea salt.
A neat bag of surprises. It's dominated by a charred, crème brûlée note that punches far above its age statement, introducing all sorts of unexpectedly bittersweet and spicy flavors along the way. The very definition of a solo-sipping reposado.
88
Disclosure: The producer provided this sample to review free of charge, and without expectation of review or rating.
