Review: Tequila Espolon – Blanco and Reposado
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 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
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 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
Espolon Reposado Tequila
$25
$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!
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!
I think you should revisit this rating. I only can speak for the Blanco, but the quality has nosedived and the one bottle I got was borderline undrinkable, tho other one I got was ok but only when buried under a bunch of mixers and I am someone who enjoys a Blanco straight.
Thanks Tall Guy — that review is 10 years old, so things surely could have changed. We’ll try to get a fresh review up soon.