La Certeza Tequila Reposado

La Certeza Reposado is a 100 percent agave tequila from the Beckmann family, the Jalisco house behind Jose Cuervo and 1800. It is made from locally grown Blue Weber agave and distilled in small batches on pot stills, then dressed in a striking bottle that recalls a 1950s flask with a black label and blue lettering. Producer contact on the label points to Tierra de Agaves in the town of Tequila, Jalisco.

The rest sets it apart. This reposado spends eleven months in a combination of former bourbon barrels and French casks of Limousin oak, longer than the two month minimum and enough for the wood to make itself felt. Delicate citrus on the nose carries vanilla, butterscotch, cinnamon and a note of grilled pepper. The palate is light and honey-sweet with citrus, then turns spicy with vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and black pepper into a medium, peppery finish.