Suerte has emerged as a solid choice for 100% agave tequila, a Highlands offering with a fairly straightforward, balanced approach — and reasonable pricing.

If you want to break away from the usual trio of expressions, consider this newish release from the brand — Suerte Blanco at “still strength,” a cracking 52% abv.

There’s not a lot of mystery here — this is really just a high-proof version of Suerte’s unaged tequila. Only 1530 bottles were made for this late 2023 release — a reference to Suerte’s NOM, a dedicated distillery that only makes Suerte. Presumably it will be an annual affair going forward.

Very bright and lemony on the nose, this expression props up the fruit visible in the blanco quite a bit, though it moves toward a more herbal lemongrass quality with time in glass, eventually showcasing white pepper and gentle greenery. The palate is even more citrus-forward — again, much like the standard blanco — and quite sweet too, evoking notes of agave nectar and, later, some vanilla and butterscotch notes. Clean and inviting, there’s ample heat here but nothing that ever scorches the palate; it would definitely make a solid base for a punchy margarita. The finish is light and summery, recalling lemon curd and a little white pepper. All around it’s a big winner whether you’re sipping straight or headed for the cocktail shaker.

104 proof. NOM 1530.

A- / $70 / drinksuerte.com 

Suerte Blanco Tequila Still Strength

$70

9

Rating

9.0/10