Cazcanes Tequila Blanco No.10 Still Strength

Cazcanes Blanco No.10 Still Strength is the powerhouse of this cult Los Altos line, a 100% Blue Weber tequila bottled at 54%, 108 proof, exactly as it leaves the still with no water added. Where the No.7 sits at 40% and the No.9 at 50%, the No.10 carries the agave at full, undiluted intensity.
Despite the strength it reads as surprisingly approachable, helped by an aeration step the house uses to soften the ethanol bite and open the aromatics. The nose is built on huge cooked agave with bright citrus in the form of lime zest, minerality, a light earthiness and an intriguing sour edged funk. The palate is oily and full, showing sweet agave, black pepper, anise and an almost briny sea note, then a long, warm finish of dry minerality and a trace of flowers.