There’s a current craze for Cristalino – wood aged tequila that has the wood color removed from it – for a while now, and some succeed more than others. Here’s a real success in the category – one that on initial nosing might fool you into thinking you’ve got a Blanco in your glass but for a secondary note of vanilla that deepens as you sniff, adding apple and maple notes slowly but surely. The great thing here is that neither the aging or the filtration to remove color have removed the baked agave character on the nose or in the mouth. The spicy rusticity is rounded toward elegance with the treatment, making for a unique and worthwhile expression. Nicely realized, and worth seeking out. The branding on this will be changing soon – I’ll update this review accordingly. A Platinum Award winner and Best Tequila at the 2024 Distillers Challenge International Spirits Competition. 96
Reviewed by Rich Cook
Brand – Casazul
Spirit Type – Tequila
Other Designation – “Ultra du Blanc” Añejo Cristalino, Edicion Limitada 2008-2021
Country of Origin – Mexico
ABV – 40%
Bottle Size – 750ml
Price – $150.00
Score – 96
Date Reviewed – 10/30/2023