Review: Mijenta Tequila Blanco
Mijenta is a new highlands tequila (originated by a former Bacardi CEO) that bills itself as carbon neutral and having a “distinct flavor profile.” For now it is available only as a blanco. A reposado and additional expressions are coming down the line. Ana Maria Romero, who created Volcan de Mi Tierra, serves as Maestra Tequilera for the brand — an impressive start.
We tasted this blanco and, sure enough, it does indeed have a distinct character. The nose is rustic and distinctly green — though not overwhelmingly evocative of agave, specifically — approaching something that blends together rosemary, white pepper, habanero chili pepper, and lime leaf — with a sharp, sour-sweet fruitiness underneath its savory top notes.
The palate lightens up a bit, showing tropical notes alongside some citrus peel, but a strong vein of black pepper opens up in short order. Nopales dipped in honey, dried flowers, and a gentle layer of smoke are all in effect, the agave base coming through here more specifically. The finish washes away the sweetness and ends on a distinctly pastoral, almost vegetal note, touched with cayenne. It’s not the ideal conclusion for an otherwise solid and unique experience, but I do give Mijenta extra points for originality in what can be a decidedly familiar field.
80 proof.
A- / $50 / mijenta-tequila.com [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE][BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
Mijenta Tequila Blanco
$50
