Review: Calle 23 Blanco

Calle 23 Blanco - NOM 1433 - 40%

Calle 23 Criollo really opened my eyes to blancos. I'd already run into mezcal, rum, and eau-de-vie that offered character and complexity in abundance without wood maturation. But when it came to my uninformed consumption of tequila, I primarily ran into profiles that were generic spicy/peppery/earthy, thin/flat on the palate with poorly integrated ethanol notes. The bright/fresh, soft, complex profile that Criollo delivered is what inspired the current blanco series I've been exploring for the past two months. I talk so much about the Criollo, I sometimes forget that the Calle 23 Single Barrel Anejos also blew me away.

As for the producer, a little over 4 years ago, Lou wrote a dynamite piece on their operation. Please read that HERE. I've only tried Calle 23 produced at NOM 1433 . Normally, I'd raise an eyebrow seeing the move from low pressure to high pressure autoclave listed for new NOM 1545. But I've enjoyed everything I've had from Calle 23. And after reading Lou's account of Sophie Decobecq's passion, dedication, and background, I won't hesitate to try whatever she rolls out next.

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Nose: Floral and bright. Fresh stem cuttings. Wet earth. My blanco wheelhouse.

Flavor: Sweet agave up front. Big floral mid. Herbal bitterness on the back.

Structure: Good body and depth before the palate ramps up. Continues to escalate - notes go high and dry - never coming back down.

Alcohol Integration: The floral and bitter notes can read a little boozy.

Score: 6 (Solid) There’s a lot to love here for a bright, clean blanco. The floral notes combined with the bitterness don't always play nicely with the spirit-y notes.

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Archived Scores

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Rating System

10 - Reevaluate The Budget

9 - Stash Two (If Able)

8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)

7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers

6 - Solid - Above Average

5 - Acceptable For The Situation

4 - Not Vocally Complaining

3 - Anything Else To Drink?

2 - Nothing Nice To Say

1 - Drain Pour