Real Gusto is a recently-launched tequila that’s producing three expressions — blanco, reposado and anejo. Though it’s new to the United States market, the origins of Real Gusto date back to 1948. It’s produced in Amacueca, Jalisco, where the entire process — from planting and harvesting the agave to distillation — takes place on a family-run ranch. Now, fresh off a strong showing at the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (a double gold medal for the blanco and gold medals for both the reposado and anejo), Real Gusto is available stateside. And we’ve gotten our hands on a bottle of the blanco.
On the nose, Real Gusto Blanco Tequila is full of fresh, green agave and citrus. It’s clean and bright, with hints of lime zest and grapefruit. Take a sip, and things move sweeter, as notes of vanilla mingle with the agave and a soft, peppery spice. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and silky, and the finish is clean and dry, with subtle pepper and cooling herbs at the close.
This was our first brush with Real Gusto Tequila, and we like what we’ve seen. Or, in this case, tasted. The blanco is a clean, easygoing drinking experience, and it’s a good example of a tequila that respects and highlights the agave. While we always love a good blanco, we’re looking forward to sampling the reposado and anejo expressions to see how Real Gusto fares after some time in oak.
Stats:
– 40% ABV
– $40-$50
CE Rating: ★★★
