Entremanos Blanco High Proof

“Entremanos” roughly translates to “in the hands of.” A beautiful nod to tequila being crafted by the hands of the people who plant, harvest, cook, ferment, and distill the agave.

The rope-wrapped bottle adds a rustic, artesanal touch, symbolizing the handcrafted nature of the spirit inside. Entremanos is produced at NOM 1522 — Hacienda de Oro in Amatitán, Jalisco, under the guidance of Master Distiller Jimmy Villalobos Sauza.

This is Lote 2 of their 50% ABV high proof tequila blanco and it’s a fantastic example of the craft-focused approach coming out of this distillery. Hacienda de Oro is known for producing smaller, artisanal brands that prioritize traditional techniques over mass production.

The seven-year-old Tequilana Blue Weber agaves are cooked in an autoclave for 56 hours — eight hours under mid-high pressure followed by 48 hours of residual heat. Extraction is done using traditional roller mills, and fermentation is spontaneous with wild yeast, lasting seven to nine days. Distillation takes place in stainless steel stills with copper coils. The water source is deep well water. And the result? An absolute agave bomb.

On the nose, I was immediately transported back to Mexico, standing in front of freshly cooked agave. Aromas of sweet cooked agave, molasses, cooked asparagus, wet cement, and a splash of lemon rise from the glass. The kind of aromas agave nerds dream about.

On the palate, there’s an immediate burst of sweet cooked agave followed by honey, black pepper, orange peel, minerality and a touch of mint. The mouthfeel is full-bodied and zesty, and the finish just keeps on giving.

A beautiful representation of Valley terroir tequila. Keep an eye out for this one… and get Entremanos in your hands. Your agave-loving soul will thank you!