It’s been a decade since we’ve visited with Chinaco, a very distinctive tequila in a world the place each tequila claims to be distinctive. Produced not in Jalisco however in Tamaulipas, to the east, it hails from a a lot completely different area with a distinct kind of soil and local weather. The manufacturing strategies are equally distinctive, eschewing bourbon barrels for Scotch casks and (very) lengthy getting older durations. We’ve bought some particulars under on this refresher evaluation. (Observe that the bottle design has modified a few instances since then.)
For our older ideas, you will get these right here.
All expressions are 80 proof. NOM 1127.
Chinaco Blanco Tequila (2023) – A lot milder in comparison with my recollection of this expression, its vegetal notes at the moment are considerably tempered, changed by an intriguing contact of milk chocolate and a touch of vanilla. Some inexperienced, barely weedy parts turn out to be extra pungent because the palate develops, transferring into notes of lemongrass later within the sport, extra lemon peel on the end. The physique is somewhat skinny on the entire, which is the most important shock right here. Higher than it was 10 years in the past, however nonetheless greatest (by far) as a mixer. B / $43
Chinaco Reposado Tequila (2023) – Nonetheless aged for 11 months in white oak barrels from France and England, some former Scotch casks. The mix of pepper and sweetness is on level right here, and the XL getting older routine has clearly carried out the tequila some good. Touches of baking spice, mild barrel char notes, pepper, and inexperienced agave all make appearances on what’s all-told a reasonably well-balanced expertise. A- / $55
Chinaco Anejo Tequila (2023) – No modifications: Aged for 30 months in the identical barrels because the reposado, plus some bourbon barrels. That’s an enormous period of time in barrel for an anejo tequila, and it actually reveals on the completed product. Butterscotch notes are pungent on the nostril, and somewhat at odds with grittier aromas of hops and asphalt. A lot the identical impacts the palate, the place pepper and beef jerky mood the sweetness, in fitful style. Issues turn out to be somewhat saccharine on the end, which comes throughout as virtually candylike in its sugary sweetness. B / $65
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