Tasting Notes
Clarity, Oak, and Clean Intent
Cristalino often gets dismissed as a trick of the light - aged tequila, stripped of its colour and softened for broad appeal. But Cenote Cristalino makes a stronger case. There's more here than just polish and presentation. It's a tequila that respects the process, honours the agave, and uses filtration to refine, not erase.
Built on an aNejo base - aged over a year in American oak - this tequila starts with real structure. Roasted agave, spice, and wood-driven depth. Then, it's charcoal filtered for clarity, both visual and textural. The result is a spirit that feels precise. Smooth, yes. But not hollow. This isn't a pour hiding in crystal-clear glass - it's one that invites closer inspection.
On the nose, the oak influence rises first: vanilla bean, toasted coconut, and light caramel. Underneath that: baked agave, a hint of white pepper, and the faintest trace of citrus oil. It's clean, but it's not faint. There's shape. There's tension.
The palate is soft on entry, but builds. Cooked agave and light spice give way to butterscotch, cinnamon, and a flicker of bitter orange. There's no burn, no sugar rush - just a round, steady flow of flavour that feels polished without being sweet. The filtration doesn't strip character. It simplifies the edges, making room for balance.
The finish is medium and graceful - vanilla, oak tannin, a touch of cocoa powder. Nothing clings. Nothing lingers too long. It's an elegant exit.
Cenote Cristalino is easy to serve and easy to enjoy, but it rewards attention. Sip it neat in a proper glass. Add a single cube and let it open. Or lean into its softness with cocktails that benefit from clean texture and quiet depth: a Cristalino Old Fashioned with orange bitters, or a minimalist Tequila Martini with a twist.
This isn't about flash. It's about refinement - and understanding how to strip something down without losing its voice.
For fans of Anejo who want something lighter. For blanco drinkers ready for a touch of oak. And for anyone curious what Cristalino can be when it's treated with respect.
Cenote didn't make this to follow a trend. They made it to get it right.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Sweet
- Dry
- Smooth
- Complex
- Delicate
- Full Flavoured
Classification: Spirits
Variety: Tequila
Vintage: None
Bottle Size: 700ml
Country: Mexico
Region: Jalisco, Tequila
Alcohol %: 40.0%
Cellaring: Ready, but will Keep