This tequila brand, from the Jalisco Highlands, has been absent from the U.S. market after several years of exile. Now repackaged in squat bottles with wild, “Dance of the Dead”-inspired imagery depicting Mexican history on the labels, these 100% agave tequilas are being offered in both blanco and reposado expressions. The company also lays claim to a longer agave roasting process and a longer distilling time than other tequila makers. Both are 80 proof.
Here are some thoughts on both expressions.
Espolon Blanco Tequila is hefty with agave character, peppery but with a smooth, silky body. The finish brings up more pepper and heat than I’d like. Little hints of vanilla in the body make this more complex than you’d expect at a price level like this. Not quite a knockout, but definitely worth a try. A- / $25
Espolon Reposado Tequila is aged six months, quite a bit of time amongst modern reposados which spend half that time in barrels if they’re lucky. Definitely a kissing cousin of the blanco, this expression is smoothed out, and has the agave knocked down a few pegs, letting vanilla and some caramel notes come to the surface. Nice, easy finish. An incredible bargain — it’s actually the same price as the blanco. A winner. A / $25
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$19 a bottle (for both) in New Jersey. At that price, it served as my standard tequila all summer. In my experience, it’s very hard to find a 100% agave tequila at the $20-and-under price range. The fact that this is very good 100% agave tequila makes it a great find. I actually prefer the blanco to the reposado (which has a hint of bourbon barrel).
ooh, this is priced at 22.99 and 24.99 here in Pittsburgh. I will definitely be picking up a bottle of this on my way home. I enjoy tequila but being in college makes it tough to drink often enough when my favorite brands typically run in the 30-40 dollar range for a fifth. Hope this is a winner like you say :)
This is the tequila that got me through Dragon*Con – First time I had ever seen it, and then I log on and see it posted here! What a coincidence. It was a hair over $30 around the Peachtree Mall in Atlanta but still far cheaper than paying hotel prices for drinks. Great review!
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I was able to get the Reposado for 19.99 in Chicago. What a deal! This is going to be my go-to sipping Tequila as long as I can get it at this price.
well…here we are in 2013. these tequilas are on sale for under $17 at the local food4less. happy cinco de mayo!