The standard reference point for premiums
Written: Feb 12 '07 (Updated Feb 16 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Premium reposados start here! Bold and basic.
Cons: Maybe a bit harsh for the uninitiated, and too simple for aged spirits fans.
The Bottom Line: You have not tried GREAT tequilas until ETR comes into your mouth.
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| lirubis's Full Review: El Tesoro De Don Felipe Reposado Tequila 750ml |
Lets skip the pleasentries: EL Tesoro de Don Felipe tequilas are simply THE reference by which all others should be measured, or at least compared to when it comes to agave flavor purity and simplicity. The Camarena family has done a commendable job on keeping it among the highest quality tequilas available, devoid of the hype and annoying "extras" that plague a lot of brands lately.
Yes, there are many reposados that are more expensive. But it is also true that few other reposados can brag about having comparable flavor structures that feature agave notes in such a straightforward, pure and simple fashion. I Even with the "new" bottle out, ETR remains a down to earth, neat alternative for the tequila purist.
The color is a good place to begin the organoleptic evaluation. In an era where extra-colored tequilas begin to get tiresome (and also alarmingly popular!), ETR preserves the light pale-yellow hue that is so beautiful and fitting to the best, natural reposados. No caramel coloring as extra make-up. Just natural beauty.
ETR has a very bright and lively fresh agave nose in the upper rim. The alcohol notes blend perfectly and provide a very authentic raw-tequila feel to this reposado. The unmistakable peaty-mineral accent so characteristic of Los Altos tequilas is easy to pick up, along with very robust notes of sweet-cooked agave, very well balanced.
The only way to really love ETR is by drinking it neat (straight) at the right temperature, between 10-16 degrees celsius. The attack is somewhat pointy and sharp at first, as real pure tequilas should. True, as you drink more, you will be surprised by the smoothness of this premium reposado. The texture is almost velvety, almost oily, not watery like a lot of the lesser-tequilas that sell for a few more dollars nowadays. However, the raw and basic notes of pure cooked agave fill the mouth and nose with every sip. True, ETR is still a very "basic" tequila in the sense that it lacks much of the "additional" accents now found in most tequilas nowadays. Some reposados taste just too manipulated. ETR has a very authentic feel, with firm traces of herbs and flowery notes all over the place: chamomilla, a bit of honey, and a very nice semi-tart touch reminiscent of orange-clove and pear-green apples. These notes are VERY faint but add up for the unique and charming character of ETA.
The alcohol notes are very noticeable, with a moderate burn and a moderate amount of peppery accents, perhaps too strong for newcomers. But make no mistake about this one: ETR is among the most delicious reposados you will ever find. for the money, I think it is definitely among the top 3 buys you could ever make.
I must note that during the past year, I have noticed a decline in the sharpness of ETR, and even think that it has turned noticeably sweeter, but not to the point where I would worry about it. Most certainly this has to do with the agave crop instead of manipulation, but hey: I have reasons to be a bit paranoid nowadays!
Excellent tequila, in every sense of the word. A must try, most certainly you will NOT be disappointed. The bottle has gotten fancier, but the tequila has remained a basic, uncompromising, powerful example of what REAL tequila should be about: true agave feel and flavor.
Enjoy, I REALLY mean it!
Recommended:
Yes
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lirubis
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