Coming from NOM 1414, the newly released house brand Viva Mexico 54% high proof blanco is quite stunning. Jaw dropping in fact.
I had a prejudice against wood aged blancos, but this blanco changed that completely.
My previous experience with other brand’s wood aged blancos always gave me a ‘musty’ scent and taste, like it was made from old coffins. This blanco however brings only the smallest bit of barrel flavoring in the form of vanilla and baking spices.
This blanco is a master class in how high proof blancos aged in wood should perform. Cesar Vivanco and Sergio Cruz teamed up to make this possibly my favorite high proof blanco of 2025.
Nose: vanilla/ cooked agave/ cinnamon / dried cherries / green apple/ grapefruit /green bell pepper / sage / herbal /hint of floral
Taste: cooked agave / spicy cinnamon / cherries / vanilla/ green pepper / pepper / sweet vegetal/ hint of pear / apple / grapefruit / hint of anise / baking spice / hint of jalapeno / minerals
Finish: medium viscosity that sticks and coats the front of the palate generously / lingering spicy cinnamon, black pepper, and green pepper / a great peppermint aftertaste continues for a while
This finish for me is like going to a Rush concert where they play my favorite songs in a triple encore.
NOM | 1414 |
|---|---|
Agave | Jalisco (Los Altos) |
Cooking | Stone/Brick Ovens |
Extraction | Roller Mill |
Water | Deep well water |
Fermentation | Stainless steel tanks, Champagne yeast |
Still | Copper pot |
Age | — |
ABV | 40% |
