Our guest contributor Chris continues his look at the fine Tequila from Casa Noble. Please see Part 1 of this article for more information about the makers.
Reposado
This tequila is (unusually) aged for 364 days (any longer and it would be an Anejo) as opposed to the more common 4-6 months for a Reposado.
- Colour: Although thus tequila is a pale gold in colour, you wouldn’t know that until you pour it as the bottle is a deep blue in colour hiding the beauty of this drink.
- Nose: The nose to this tequila remains quite subtle. The raw spirit has vanished. The barrels have certainly lent some flavour to the tequila with subtle honey and vanilla giving way over time to a herbal nose.
- Neat: There is a lot more going on in this tequila as opposed to its younger sibling.
There is a lot of upfront sweetness that has an earthy characteristic reminiscent of palm sugar. This gives way to a buttery almost custard like oiliness that expands to cover the palate. This in turn gives way to a soft chilli warming that finishes with a salty twist.
The amazing mouth feel remains true to type. A drop of water really emphasised the agave flavours
This would pair well with a good salt and pepper squid dish.
- Cocktail: As opposed to its younger sibling, this does work well with a little lime and soda. The butteriness of the middle palate tends to drop away, making this a very refreshing drink. Garnished with a slice of lightly candied chilli would be divine on a hot summers day.
Anejo
This expression has been aged a full 2years in French Oak barrels – and it shows
- Colour: Once again, the pale gold/copper colour of this tequila (slightly darker than the reposado) is hidden in the deep purple of the bottle. I’m unsure why coloured bottles are used given how attractive this tequila is on its own.
- Nose: At first nosing, I thought I had poured myself a very light rum or brandy. Its initial presentation is unusual for a tequila. This has the caramel sweetness of a young rum, but it is backed up with salt and herbal notes such as olives or preserved grapes. Very unusual.
- Neat: This started off similar to the reposado with sweetness of caramel and vanilla up front before that buttery/custardy flavour kicked in. The spice was more prominent here with chilli warmth, but with a subtle coffee/bitter chocolate flavour to follow. The silky mouthfeel remained and was only improved by a drop of water that took any remaining alcohol heat away.
- Cocktail: Don’t even think about it! Adding lime and or soda to this drink robbed it of all interest, turning it into a pale imitation of its former self.
Details
- ABV: 40%
- Find their website here
- Friend them on Facebook
- Purchase / RRP: I bought mine from Nicks online at AUD $59.95 for the Blanco; and AUD $79.95 for the Reposado and the Anejo.
Disclaimer: this review is of a sample from the writer’s personal collection. All opinions expressed regarding the product are my own.
About our Guest Contributor
Chris Gillot from Queensland has been exploring flavour for as long as he can recall. A love of good food led naturally into the world of wine.
Working in sales, as a bouncer, a barman and a lawyer, exposed Chris to more opportunities to have a drink than most doctors would recommend.
Nevertheless he persisted!
The journey through various wine styles and trends eventually led him to spirits including rum, tequila, scotch and gin. He particularly enjoys teasing out the subtle differences between similar spirits (say 3-4 tequilas) as one would do with a flight of wine.
He takes these flavours and tries to bring them back to the food he would like to be enjoying whilst tasting that particular drink.
Chris is currently looking into starting a new career as a distiller whilst brewing (and drinking) good beer.
His articles will be focusing on Tequila and fine Single Malts (mostly!
You must be logged in to post a comment.