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July 9, 2023

Review: Hornitos Cristalino Tequila

by Jeff Ellingson

Hornitos Cristalino Tequila was introduced in the US in 2017.  Hornitos is named for the little ovens used to roast agave.  Don Francisco Javier Sauza created the brand in 1950 in honor of Mexican Independence Day.  The first Hornitos expression released was a Reposado.  The entire Hornitos product line is distilled at La Perseverancia.  Don Francisco’s Grandfather Don Cenobio Sauza left the family farm at 16 to work at the Jose Cuervo distillery.  He learned tequila distillation and production and 15 years later he purchased La Perseverance in 1873 to create his own tequila.  Hornitos Cristalino is made from a triple distilled anejo tequila that is charcoal filtered to remove the color and soften the wood notes.  The aroma leads with agave, mint, herbal.  Additional time brings out green banana and floral notes.  The sweet agave entry is joined by vanilla, and toasted oak building to a caramel peak.  It fades with Banana Laffy Taffy and mineral and finishes with a flash of heat, raw alcohol, banana peel, floral, and white pepper.

NOM: 1102

40% Alcohol

Region:

Score: 86

Award: Bronze Medal

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