Trader Joe's Blanco Tequila

There's nothing overtly wrong with this Blanco but by the same token there is very little right about it. At first glance it almost feels like the most generic Blanco possible. Just a smell of agave. Give it some time though and you get this weird lemon scent. It almost reminds me of Clorox Lemon wipes or the scent of very artificial lemon candy. Back of the bottle also suggests a hint of pepper in the aroma. I suppose I can see that of we are particularly liberal with our use of the word "hint." Maybe faint trace would be more appropriate. Unfortunately things get worse once you actually taste it. Sure it's mainly a generic agave flavor throughout but there are two peculiar characteristics that really harm this outing. The first is an odd, almost smoke like characteristics. Once you let this Tequila air out it's more like a vague, charred sawdust taste that feels out of place in a Blanco. But the real deal breaker is the this bizarre, almost toothpaste like peppermint taste that permeates the entire palate. I have never in my life had a Tequila that made me feel like I had just brushed my teeth yet somehow this Tequila pulls it off. There isn't a finish to speak of. Maybe some mild black pepper at the end but that's about it. Much like a bad hook-up, it unceremoniously leaves after the disappointment of the actual experience. Despite this negativity, I will note that it goes down smooth and it doesn't have much of a burn. Despite what you may think based on my review, the negative aspects of this Tequila are honestly fairly subtle. It's more like drinking cheap Tequila with some toothpaste diluted in it than a peppermint assault that renders this undrinkable. Nonetheless I can't really bring myself to recommend this Tequila. I'll be able to finish my bottle but won't look forward to having it and it's more minty leanings make it hard to fit into most cocktails. Very disappointing outing.