Under the guidance of master distiller Salvador Rosales Trejo (“Chava”), the Cascahuín distillery (NOM 1123) rates among the best and produces some of my personal favorites. Two of their house blancos that battle for supremacy are Plata 48% and Tahona Blanco, and you’ll get nearly as many people picking one over other. For me, Plata 48% is the standard bearer.
The nearby deep well that provides water to the distillery creates a mineral fingerprint that carries through all the tequilas produced there. You’ll often see notes of anise, mint, brine, or minerals scattered through all NOM 1123 tequilas. Plata 48 is named as such because it has 48% ABV (96 proof). This full flavored blanco is unfiltered and distilled to proof without watering down.
Aroma is very inviting with notes of agave, grass, citrus, mint, and anise. More citrus, pepper, and salty brine on the flavor, backed up by some anise and thyme.
It’s a little dry in the mouth with a nice medium/long tingly finish.
Plata 48 is a classic expression out of the Cascahuín distillery and should be a high-proof staple of any home bar. And the Cascahuín distillery in El Arenal, between Guadalajara and Tequila, is one of my top recommendations for a tour—that place is magical!
NOM | 1123 |
|---|---|
Agave | Jalisco (Los Valles) |
Cooking | Stone / brick ovens |
Extraction | Roller mill |
Water | Deep well water |
Fermentation | Stainless steel tanks without fibers |
Still | Stainless pot with copper coil |
Age | — |
ABV | 48% |
