Last Christmas, The Boss lady took a shot on a bottle of Casamigos Reposado tequila, and we have been raving about George Clooney’s brainchild ever since.
It quickly shot up the ranks to the top of my list of go-to tequilas while also quality enough to save for a special occasion. It was smooth with a variety of flavors that aren’t normally found in most tequilas.
Like any tequila distillery, Casamigos features their base tequila in three different iterations of Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo. Once we had the reposado, we know we had to try them all.
Tequila lesson
Tequila can only be produced from 100 percent pure Blue Weber Agave grown and distilled in Jalisco, Mexico.
You know that stuff you got sick on in college? Yeah, that swill is actually called “mixto” and is made from less 50 percent pure agave. The rest is sugar, which fueled your regret and hangovers.
Tequila by nature is a colorless spirit and gets the gold and brown colors from maturation in oak barrels that can range from two months to multiple years.
The difference in the flavoring and color of tequila comes down to how long it is aged in those oak barrels.
- Blanco – The spirit in its purest form. Absolutely no aging.
- Reposado – At least two months in oak barrels with a hint of gold and darker colors.
- Anejo – At least one year in oak barrels. Dark colors, almost like bourbon and rum
- Extra Anejo – Two years or more in the oak barrel. Extremely dark.
Tasting
Casamigos currently produces Blanco through Anjeo to deliver imbibers the full spectrum of tequila flavors. The brand garnered quick fame because of its famous owners, George Clooney and Rande Gerber. The duo wanted to make great tequila that could be shared with everyone, and they have succeeded.
Blanco
This young tequila shines with citrus flavors of lemon and grapefruit that mellow out with a touch of sweetness. The next sip gives way to spicier notes with a crazy smoothness that can only be described as dangerous.
How to drink: Pink Himalayan salt shot glasses. These “glasses” that are made from compressed Himalayan lend a bit of salt with every sip. It brings out the citrus and subtle sweetness of the spirit.
Reposado
Seven months in American white oak barrels adds great color and flavor to the Blanco. The first sip is full of caramel and cocoa notes that linger around for a smooth finish. It’s a noticeable change from the younger Blanco.
How to drink: Grab a whiskey tumbler with a large ice cube and enjoy. You will still get the same flavors and experience with a refreshing cold drink.
Anejo
After 14 months in American white okay barrels (double the time of Reposado), this tequila takes on some of the same complexities of a fine bourbon. Smooth agave sweetness with a tinge of spice from its life spent in the barrels.
How to drink: Pour it in a glass. That’s it.
Casamigos Tequila is not cheap, but it’s worth it. The smooth taste and finish coupled with the variety of flavors the range from crisp citrus to complex.
If you’re in the market for tequila and don’t want to pony up the here are some other ways to go.
Blanco:
Reposado:
Anejo:
¡Salud! ¡Vive la vida!
