Don Julio Private Cask

Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo!

OHLQ Release #2, 2020 Barrel ID: 314 Bottle #113 Don Julio, one of the finest tequila distiller around, in terms of always available and imported product. Throw a single barrel aspect into the mix, and it was an easy sell to me. This could have easily been an añejo, but they opted to make their selections a reposado, which is far more attractive from a usage standpoint, and helps retailers who are tasting barrels to focus more on the agave itself rather than the oak. I also have to love how whoever added this did not rate it, nor bother to put the cask type, age, or ABV, despite the last two being clearly visible in the photo. A much lighter straw color than I've seen in most reposados, but the age is still the same. The scent seems simple, with some vanilla, caramel, salt, agave, all on a vegetal base. Although the salt is a leading smell, this does have a strong air of sweetness, but I hope this won't be the only focus. The initial flavor is quite salty, and sinks into the gums as such. The sweetness builds while this is happening, and as soon as air is introduced, the caramel and vanilla (mostly vanilla) move forward quickly. The vegetal notes comes back, but are more overshadowed by the sweetness. The finish is slightly spicy, with all of the previous flavors mellowing through for a medium finish in total. This wasn't quite as focused on the agave as I expected from Don Julio, but then again, this flavor may have been the exact focus of whoever picked it out, thereby sidelining Don Julio's preferences altogether. Tequila should never be sweet, but that's what I get for trusting someone from Ohio to have good taste. I also like how the website goes out of the way to mention the 85.4 proof, with the line, "...for those who sip responsibly." Chill, I don't think any irresponsible decisions are coming from a 2.7% ABV increase.