Ascênda Blanco

Ascênda, "to rise" in modified Spanish, is a new blanco-only brand created by Dallas-based Mark Bland and Nic Soglanich.

Soglanich has spent nearly a decade creating content through his Tequila Wanderer Instagram and Facebook accounts. He relied on relationships developed during those years to secure production for Ascênda at Tequilera Puerta de Hierro (NOM 1477) in El Arenal, in the Valley.

While NOM 1477 has produced some decidedly sweet offerings such as Cava de Oro and Adictivo, master distiller Alberto Partida Hermosillo is from a multigenerational tequila family and has big-time abilities, as evidenced by his work on Amatiteña, Lote M77, and other craft tequila brands.

Ascênda is built to be a clean, balanced, straightforward tequila that works both neat and in cocktails. The brand also produces a canned tequila soda under the same name, made with the same tequila as its base.

Ascênda sits squarely within a crowded $45-50 grouping of craft tequilas, and at the time of writing, is available in Arizona, Texas, and Florida, as well as online.

I like the sleek, all-white packaging, which mirrors the look and feel of the canned RTD. It definitely stands out among rows and rows of clear-glass bottles.

Aroma: There is quite a bit on offer for a blanco, with notes of grapefruit, cola, and pepper.

Flavor: A substantial mouthfeel, with grapefruit, orange marmalade, cinnamon, and pepper.

Finish: Medium to long, with cinnamon and pepper notes presiding. A nice transition from citrus to the spice.

Overall, Ascênda is a solid, tasty choice worth trying if you find it. Its grapefruit notes would also make it an outstanding choice for a Paloma.

More from Ascenda: All of our Ascenda coverage, including reviews, lists, scores, and more.