Hussong's Reposado

Hussong’s tequila has always had a memorable bottle.

Short and chunky, the clay jug has a rustic look, almost resembling a damajuana, that feels fitting for a brand connected to an 1892 Mexican cantina. It always stood out on the bar back in the day.

Although other expressions are now available, the reposado is the one I’ve known the longest.

The name comes from Hussong’s Cantina in Ensenada, Baja California, founded in 1892 by Johann “John” Hussong, a German immigrant also known as Juan.

Researching the cantina’s history led me to an article from Discover Baja Travel Club, which describes his somewhat accidental entry into the bar business.

According to that account, John brought an injured traveling companion to Meiggs’ Bar, described as the only bar in Ensenada at the time. After a series of events involving the owners, he found himself managing the bar. Nearly a year later, he bought a former stagecoach stop across the street, remodeled it, and opened his own establishment in 1892 with liquor license No. 002.

Hussong’s published history gives its original name as “John Hussong’s Agency and Diligence.” It welcomed stagecoach travelers, who could eat and drink while their horses were watered and cared for. Over time, it became known simply as Hussong’s Cantina.

Today, the original Ensenada cantina remains in the same building, owned and operated by the Hussong family. It also claims to be the birthplace of the margarita, although that story is debated. That could be an article of its own.

The tequila brand draws on that family name and history. According to Hussong’s website, Juan served his own handmade tequila at the cantina in 1892. I couldn’t independently verify that detail or find much information about that original tequila, including whether the modern brand was intended to recreate it.

The brand has been associated with at least five distilleries over the years, with current batches coming out of NOM 1438. The reposado I’m reviewing was produced at Destileria Leyros (NOM 1489).

Aroma: I get a fruit note reminiscent of cherry and banana candy, along with cream soda. There’s a strong pepper note and wet earth, followed by noticeable soap and perfume notes.

Flavor: The perfume carries onto the palate, along with pepper and a medicinal quality. There’s an initial burst of flavor and a syrupy feel, but it quickly fizzles without developing much.

Finish: Short, with little staying power.

Overall, this one didn’t connect with my palate. The perfume and medicinal notes, along with the syrupy mouthfeel, were off-putting, and the tequila lacked depth or character.

The bottle has always caught my attention, and the cantina connection gives it an interesting history. The tequila in this particular bottle didn’t leave the same impression.

More from Hussong’s: All of our Hussong’s coverage, including reviews, lists, scores, and more.