Review: Astral Blanco Tequila
Astral Blanco Tequila was recently released by Diageo. If the name sounds familiar it was previously owned by Davos Brands who sold their portfolio which included Aviation American Gin, Astral Tequila, Sombra Mezcal, and Tyku Sake to Diageo for up to $610 million August 2020. Diageo not only changed bottle designs they have also changed distilleries moving production from La Cofradia to Mieles Campos Azules. Mieles Campos Azules only produces one other brand of tequila. Kendall Jenner’s 818 tequila. The new Astral Tequila Blanco weighs in at 80 proof. The original version was bottled at 92 proof. Astral is made from 100% blue Weber agave. Few production details have been revealed but the cooked pinas are crushed with a traditional stone wheel tahona. The agave fibers normally discarded are used in the fermentation. It is double distilled in copper pot stills. The spent agave fibers, “bagazo”, are used to make adobe bricks that will be used to create new places for people to gather in local communities in Mexico. The aroma leads with a healthy dose of roasted earthy agave, no doubt boasted by the bagasse used in the production process. Additional time brings out citrus and vanilla notes. The sweet agave entry is joined by citrus building to a tropical fruit and lime orange citrus peak. It fades with tropical fruit and burnt earthy agave. It finishes dry with white pepper, and mineral leaving bittersweet orange peel taste. Sampled side by side I prefer the original recipe.
Cosmic Paloma
1.5 Oz. Astral Tequila Blanco
1 Oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice
.5 Oz. Fresh Lime Juice
Shake With Ice
Strain Into an Ice Filled Rocks Glass
Top With Grapefruit Soda
Garnish With a Grapefruit Wedge
NOM: 1607
Region: Lowland
Score: 87
Award: Silver Medal