A Muddled Thought

Charbay, known primarily for their impressive line of vodkas, have done something a bit on the crazy side, started producing a Blanco variety of tequila. I know what your thinking is it any good? What do guys that produce vodka, known about making a Blanco tequila.

Well apparently a lot, enough to produce a surprisingly impressive and bold Blanco offering.

Starting with blue agave that originates from the region of Jalisco, Mexico known for its mineral, rich red volcanic based soil. Each plant is grown for at least eight years until ready to be harvested.

Once harvested and brought to the distillery, the piñas are then halved, and moved to small brick ovens and baked for four days. Once this step is completed the piñas are crushed to extract the agave juice.

After selecting the sweetest and highest quality agave juice,(otherwise known as Mosto) it is then taken and pumped into small capacity open-top Durango Pine fermenters. By using a proprietary culture in conjunction with this small-batched approach to fermentation, Charbay is able to produce a high quality spirit, that’s taken to the next level by using a method of double distillation that takes place in Copper Alambieuqes pot stills.

The end result of this process is a Blanco Tequila that features heavy agave on the nose. This is followed up by a simple yet pleasant spirit with notes of sweet agave, minor spice, coupled with citrus and the occasional hint of cinnamon that will peek out roughly in every other sip.

Charbay is a family run distillery headed up by Miles and Marko Karakasevic, who, as mentioned previously are known for their vodka offerings. For a first time offering, Marko and Miles cut right to the chase. This tequila doesn’t’ pull any punches. No fancy bottle, just very simple straightforward and equally impressive tequila.

Charbay Blanco Tequila retails for $49.99 per 750ml bottle.

Final Rating: 9/10