Caballito Cerrero Chato Reposado 46

46% ABV

Caballito Cerrero is a fascinating distillery located in a verdant valley in the hills above the town of Amatitan, Jalisco. The distillery is owned by the Ramirez family who founded Herradura Distillery many years back but split off into their own brand in 1950 following a dispute with the other partners. Their motto is reflective of the split: “El que no necesita Herraduras” (or, “the one that does not require horseshoes”). The current master distiller is the 15th generation of his family to produce Tequila and the site of their Fabrica has a history of agave distillation dating back to the 16th century. However it is not technically Tequila as they opted out of certification process due to their objection to the industrialization of the category. They also ran afoul of the CRT (Tequila certification board) because they continue to make a spirit from an agave called Chato which of course is not permitted to be used in the Denomination of Origin for the category of Tequila. Thus they are classified as "Spirits Distilled from Agave" rather than Tequila, even though they are perhaps the most traditional and authentic producer in Jalisco.

The rule stating that only the Blue Webber/Azul (Agave Tequiliana) can be used in the production of Tequila dates back to 1964. But prior to that, there were over 9 varieties of agaves that were grown and utilized in Tequila, most of them different varieties of Agave Angustifolia like the Blue Webber/Azul and the aforementioned Chato. This bottling is 100% Chato that is "Vactioned in American Whiskey Barrels" for 6-9 months.

Tasting Notes:
A healthy dose of candied apple and caramel on the nose, with whispers of strawberry, vanilla, heavy cream (or maybe cereal milk?), red pepper, and cinnamon toast—all of which show tenfold on the palate. Like a boozy ballerina, this reposado is both graceful and forceful, stunning but delicate.