Style: Blanco Tequila
Proof: 80 (40% ABV)
Region: Los altos, Jalisco, Mexico
It’s no secret that the tequila market has been booming lately. It often feels like new brands pop up almost every day, many trying to dubiously claim some sort of authentic heritage. Lalo, however, has a real pedigree in the tequila world. Co-founded by the grandson of Don Julio González (yes, that Don Julio) Lalo set out to create traditionally crafted tequila with absolutely no additives and no funny business. So does Lalo Tequila actually stick out in the crowded field of agave, or is it just another gimmick-y upstart?
Tasting notes:
On the nose, this tequila is bright and inviting with aromatic notes of citrus zest and cinnamon giving way to a rich note of cooked agave. The flavor leans into the cooked agave. It’s rich and almost chocolatey with just enough citrus, cinnamon, vanilla, and green pepper to keep things balanced. The tequila itself has a very pleasing silky, buttery mouthfeel with lingering notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and freshly cracked black pepper on the finish.
Final thoughts:
This is tequila done right. Lalo offers an inviting flavor profile that still offers a degree of complexity and depth that many tequilas in this style lack. It’s unapologetically tequila and puts the flavor of roasted agave in the forefront. Regardless of the brand’s relation to tequila royalty, this bottle would stand on its own for its quality and clear understanding of what a quality tequila should taste like.
