Codigo 1530 is back with another tequila release, and it’s what you’d expect: A cristalino, albeit one made from a reposado base, not an anejo. As as refresher, the reposado is aged in cabernet sauvignon wine barrels made from French white oak. This cristalino is blended with some 6 year old Codigo 1530 Origin extra anejo, which is finished in Cognac casks — all filtered to clear. Let’s give it a try.
The nose certainly evokes a solid Lowlands reposado — Codigo’s is probably the best of its core expressions — with light herbal notes that let the agave speak plenty. Grassy and lemony with touches of lime leaf, plus a slight edge of petrol. Oddly, sweeter elements are kept in check here; on the nose they’re almost invisible.
The palate shows a more traditional reposado character with light touches of vanilla, milk chocolate, and some classic cinnamon notes. These all pair nicely with the stronger, herbal-driven character present on the nose, leading toward a conclusion that again punches with ample lemon peel. Tempered throughout with notes of baking spice and a pinch of black pepper, it’s a lively and expressive ride that never veers far into sugary territory, keeping one foot on the agave pina and another on the barrel. Considerably more interesting than its rack reposado, it’s probably my favorite tequila from Codigo to date.
80 proof. NOM 1616.
B+ / $100 / codigo1530.com [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
Tequila Codigo 1530 Cristalino Resposado
$100
