Tequila Blanco, 'Castano'

• Blanco tequila produced at Hacienda de Oro (NOM 1522) in Amatitán, Jalisco, Mexico 
• Maestro Tequilero Jaime Villalobos Sauza 
• 100% Azul aka Blue Weber (A. tequilana) harvested at maturity, between 5 and 7 years of age
• Cooked for 8–12 hours using medium-pressure autoclave; cooled inside the closed oven for another 36–48 hours 
• Milled three times using a three-roll steel cane mill
• Spontaneous fermentation with deep well water and only ambient yeast in open-air stainless steel tanks
• Distilled twice in stainless steel pot stills with copper heads
• Rested for 10–15 days in untoasted French oak 
• Additive free 
• 42% ABV 

As with distillates in many other parts of the world, before barrel aging was performed with intention, vino de mezcal de Tequila was once sold and transported in oak casks. Entremanos Castaños seeks to evoke these early days of tequila, when barrels were a utilitarian tool and a means to an end rather than a controlled creative aspect of production. The spirit enjoys the briefest kiss of wood—just around two weeks—adding a touch of the sweetness, warmth, and spice of the oak to Jaime’s vibrant and textured distillation. Using untoasted French oak rather than the industry standard of ex-bourbon barrels, a slight but distinct tug of tannin underpins the vegetal notes of the maguey itself, making this a complex and rewarding bottle at 42% ABV.