Review: Santo Fino Reposado Tequila
Santo Fino Reposado Tequila was released March 2021. It was crafted by Sammy Hagar, Guy Fieri, and Juan Eduardo Nunez, the Master Distiller at El Viejito. Years ago Sammy worked with Juan in creating the Cabo Wabo brand. Sammy later sold Cabo Wabo to Campari for $80 million. Santo Reposado starts with the Santo Blanco Tequila base made from 100% Weber Blue Agave grown in the Highland region. Once hand selected and trimmed the agave is steamed in traditional stone ovens for 17 hours. The agave pinas rest for 4 hours and are then steamed for another 12 hours. The extracted juice is fermented for 4 days and double distilled in copper stills. The tequila then rests for 4-5 months in lightly charred used American oak bourbon barrels. The aroma leads with agave, toasted oak, and spice. Additional time brings out vanilla, mineral, black pepper, and cantaloupe notes. The sweet agave entry has a soft mouth feel. Vanilla and orange arrive building to a cantaloupe creamsicle, agave peak. It fades with orange and agave and finishes with vanilla, mineral, cantaloupe, agave fiber, an occasional hint of toffee and coffee, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve chilled, as I prefer drinking straight tequila, I pick up more orange and vanilla notes. Served at room temperature the flavor leans more cantaloupe with less vanilla and some toffee notes on the finish. Either way this is a well crafted tequila that makes my Top Ten Reposado Tequila list.
Coconut Margarita
2 Oz. Santo Reposado
.5 Oz. Cointreau
1 Oz. Coconut Cream
.75 Oz. Lime Juice
.5 Oz. Simple Syrup
Shake With Ice
Strain Into an Ice Filled Glass
Garnish With a Dehydrated Lime Wheel
And Edible Flower
NOM: 1107
Region: Highlands
40% Alcohol
Score: 93
Award: Gold Medal