Review: Tequila Dahlia Cristalino
Dahlia is a new brand of tequila from the folks behind Mezcal El Silencio. Available exclusively as a Cristalino, it is aged for a rather spare 6 months — most Cristalinos start their life as extra anejos — before being filtered back to clear.
Essentially a “clear reposado,” this is a considerably rougher cristalino than most on the market. The nose is quite peppery, with overtones of lemon peel, a punchy match-head character and a slightly sour note emerging quickly, neither complementing the natural pungency of the underlying agave. The palate has an intense vegetal character that would not be out of place in a blanco tequila, green and earthy and pastoral, yet filtered through sweetness. The combination doesn’t fully gel, with a finish that feels distinctly gummy, laced with green peppercorns and notes of hot tar.
It’s not the worst Cristalino I’ve had, but its underlying spirit needs more aging for this to showcase its best qualities.
80 proof.
B- / $40 / tequiladahlia.com [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
Tequila Dahlia Cristalino
$40
