Ah, NOM 1079, your profile is well known and beloved by many tequila drinkers. Sadly, the NOM doesn't exist anymore, but the distillery still operates as NOM 1580. I'm not sure why it's taken me this long to get to it, but why wait any longer...

Price: $35-40/bottle
Aroma: Cooked agave, some grassy notes with light citrus and some earth.
Initial Taste: A crisp and green agave flavor.
Body: Medium body. Same cooked agave flavor with hints of citrus and grass. The earthy and peppery notes come in a bit as it advances on the palate.
Finish: Lots of pepper notes that last a good while. The earthy notes are there as well, but are light and go along with some of the vegetal notes.

This blanco is subtle and elegant. Nice flavors along with the way, but they never seem in full force. This is a good tequila, but not as good and/or bold as others from NOM 1079. It's well priced in the $30s, but it's not a must have. I'll still happily drink it and enjoy it...I just won't rush out to bunker or replace it.

NOTE: This tequila has been around for awhile, and this review is based on the current version. Older versions of this brand are considered treasures by collectors.

This has a very balanced nose, with a strong agave presence, and a hint of mint. A very soft initial taste of sweet agave, and consistent with the nose, more mint.

The body is nice and full, slightly oily, and coats the mouth very nicely. The finish has only a brief burn on the back and top of the palate, and enhanced mint around the tongue, with ultimately a smooth bottom-end. Very enjoyable, with a classic blanco taste that can be elusive with newer brands.

A nice presentation in a tall pyramid-shaped bottle of quality thick glass and a synthetic cork. This is a reasonably priced ($34 for me) quality blanco that keeps my interest. Definitely a sipper, not a mixer. I will have to try the repo and anejo after tasting this.

Oro Azul Blanco. Tasted on 6/16/08 in a snifter.
Oro Azul blanco was a very nice s uprise for me. A very pleasant aroma leading to a very 'refreshing' taste. At $28 a bottle, this ones a real winner in my book.

Aroma: A very creamy, vanilla, pear like aroma.
Initial Taste:I thin mouth tequila. Starting off with a pear like fruity taste.
Body: Followed by strong agave presence with hints of fruits and spice.
Finish: A very soft pleasant fruity, spicy finish of medium duration and no alcohol burn.

As a sidenote: The cork bottle top is REALLY secure and tight. Even after I opened it. Like I said, I really like this blanco. Lots of character!