Review: Astral Tequila Blanco
Astral is a new 100% Blue Weber agave tequila from the lowland region of Jalisco, Mexico. Currently, only a blanco, unaged tequila is available. The distillery’s website explains how it is made, all very familiar stuff:
Our production process is steeped in tradition and features a unique milling process using a tahona, a stone wheel which crushes the juices from the agave fibers. Those crushed fibers, or bagazo, are then used in the fermentation process to make use of more of the agave plant.
It is a little unclear how the process can be both steeped in tradition as well as unique (nor how a tahona is unique), but let’s give it a try.
On the nose, Astral Blanco is a mixed bag. It offers sharp lemon citrus and agave herbaceousness, but that comes along with a light and unpleasant petrol note. Similarly, the palate introduces a solid agave character as well as green pepper, vanilla, and pepper, but the petrol element appears here as well. Also: It’s hot. The alcohol is more present than it should be in a standard proof tequila. All told, this is an acceptable tequila for making cocktails, but I don’t think it stands up to drinking neat.
80 proof. NOM 1607.
B- / $35 / astraltequila.com [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
Astral Tequila Blanco
$35
I think the B- rating is generous.
The pH of Astral Blanco must be hovering around that of H2SO4. It burns, and has notes of sulphur when taken ‘neat’.
As a mixer….it does not have any of the ‘creamy’ feel of better-crafted tequilas that blend well with the acidity of lime and orange (or the grapefruit I prefer).
At this price point ($29 here in NY) there are at least 5 common, better options that are still reposado. I suggest giving this a pass if you have either Espolon or Jimador at your shop.
So why a B-?? It’s not good.
I tried this tequila last week. It smells and pretty much tastes like rubbing alcohol. I actually returned it to the store I purchased it from.