A look at the Chinaco Tequila Line-Up
Chinaco, a name most people aren’t nearly as familiar with as they are brands such as Don Julio, Partida, Tres Generaciones, Siembra Azul or even Casa Noble. Which is surprising as it was one of the first small batched tequilas to hit the market. Chinaco began to hit US shelves in 1983, years before any of its competitors.
We had the opportunity to taste through Chinaco’s core line of tequila’s which consists of a Blanco, Reposado and Anejo offering. They also offer an Extra Anejo known as Negro and a special 30th anniversary bottling known as Emperador.
Starting with Chinaco Blanco, you’re presented with a spirit that leads in with a very soft nose, so soft that it exhudes a layer of elegance not usually found in most blanco tequilas.
Once it hits the palate, it opens up with notes of velvety grass, a touch of nuttiness and ripe fruit almost that’s almost reminiscent of a tropical punch. It ends with a smooth finish that’s filled with characters of citrus and agave.
A must try specimen of blanco tequila. This would be a perfect example of tequila to introduce to someone that thinks all tequila is normally as harsh as those brands they shot in college bars. The floral and soft notes of Chinaco Blanco will truly open their eyes to what tequila should be.
Final Score: 9.5/10
Moving on to the Reposado, as the blanco embodied soft flavors of fruit, and a relaxing tequila coma, it’s slightly older brother smacks the taste buds awake from the soothing coma that the Blanco left you in with spicy notes that are mellowed by hints of cocoa, sweet hazelnut, ginger and cardamom. As you finish that sip you’re left with warming hints of cocoa, with a backbone of spiciness and nuances of espresso.
Final Score: 9/10
And finishing this look at Chinaco’s lineup we close out with a look at their Anejo offering.
Chinaco Anejo opens with notes of sweet agave, and a slightly milder cocoa than we saw in the Reposado offering. The spirit follows this up by notes of bitter orange, nuances of cinnamon and subtle hints of anise.
Just as that sip finishes caressing your taste buds it leaves a final mark filled with characters of vanilla, spicy cinnamon and caramel.
Final Score:8.5/10
It is strange that it has been around for so long, I remember drinking chinaco in the mid 1990s, and I do see it in many places but seems to go undetected by most people.
Chinaco still is one of my favorites but I do prefer the taste casa noble or tesoro if I can find them. Siembra Azul I I do not like, not a good tequila IMHO.