Lunazul Reposado Tequila

Light, smooth, cooked agave flavor.

I've always been fairly impressed with Lunazul for what is offered at it's extremely affordable price point, and am surprised to not have reviewed my favorite age level of what they offer. I remember when Lunazul was first released to the market, and how their blanco kicked Cuervo to the curb, and all of a sudden cheap margaritas became much more fresh and enjoyable, at least to this very ignorant tequila drinker at the time. Even today I find myself reaching for Lunazul when I need a tequila to bring to a party or a family gathering; despite being low cost, it's a quality 100% agave spirit that avoids the dreaded mixto hangover, and helps me to save my more expensive spirits for other gatherings. Looking at the Distiller posting, I definitely prefer the old label pattern and art to this new one, but the modern look does draw you in and creates a fairly nice aire of quality. I don't think there's any other proper way to compare it: the extremely light body and just bare hue make this the color of straight unleaded gasoline. Thankfully, the nose is much more refined, with classic notes of roasted green veggies, but with a sugary sweetness and even a touch of cocoa. The cracked black pepper I associate with the unaged version is missing here, but the fresh veggie note remains, this time being enveloped by the slight caramel and wood sugars of the bourbon barrel. As expected, the body is very watery, but the real shock here is how aggressive and raw the agave hits, with only the tiniest barrel sweetness to calm it down. Worse still, there's quite a burn that begins building quickly, which is also unexpected at this proof. The finish is unpleasant and could really benefit from salt and/or lime, which is never a good sign if it's truly needed. Well, this didn't end very well here. For a 6 month reposado, I expected more barrel flavor, whereas this tastes like the blanco was poured into a glass using a barrel stave as a bar spoon. What's really the most confusing part is how the blanco Lunazul really is approachable and a wonderful alternative to the poor quality well tequilas or tequila mixtos, but the mark was truly missed on this one. Unfortunately, it does make me curious if the añejo improves and delivers on the barrel notes, considering time is likely the only difference. Since the price point is still likely the same across the board, I would suggest going for the blanco and maybe that fancy Rittenhouse barrel-aged reposado if you can find it, to be weary of the añejo, and to avoid this reposado.

*Not an experienced tequila taste tester* Very floral and licorice on the nose. Taste is floral agave with barely a hint of oak. Was hoping for a bit more oak.

It was very light with a hint of honey and sweetness in the finish. Smooth as can be, for as cheap as it is, it tasted like it’s higher end.

Like the blanca, this Lunazul tequila is a flavorful bargain price tequila without too much of an ethanol burn and no bad aftertaste. The reposado has lots of pepper and grassy agave to it. Thinner than midshelf tequila, but great as a mixer and not bad straight. I’d choose this over 1800.

A little burn with this one, decent flavor