Don Pilar Blanco is an unaged, 100% blue Weber agave tequila made from agave grown on the highland ranches of Don José Pilar Contreras in Los Altos de Jalisco, bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV).
Tequila Don Pilar is a small, completely family-owned and operated brand, and it bears the name of its patriarch, Don José Pilar Contreras Márquez. His son Juan Carlos Contreras, the brand's ambassador, describes the tequila as the result of the hard work and spirit that his father, family and friends put into it. The agave is estate-grown on the family's ranches around San José de Gracia, including Rancho La Cebolleta.
The agaves are hand-picked at about ten years old, at peak maturity, then cleaned and steam-cooked for 24 hours. Fermentation uses Champagne yeast, and it is famously done with the "Mozart Method": Baroque music plays throughout the entire fermentation.
Though completely unaged, it shows an earthy, roasted coffee bean aroma, with vanilla, milk chocolate, stewed agave and sweet spices on the palate. Cooked agave comes with citrus, lemon, pineapple and light pepper, and the finish brings a tart citrus balance with black pepper warmth, without harshness.
Fragrant and versatile, it is equally sublime in a sipping glass or a Margarita. The distinctive round bottle carries Don Pilar's portrait on a medallion.
Blanco tequila is bottled unaged or rested for less than two months, so it shows the agave at its purest: bright, peppery and fresh. It is the classic choice for margaritas and palomas, and a good blanco is just as rewarding sipped neat.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Earthy, roasted coffee bean, cooked agave.
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Palate: Vanilla, milk chocolate, stewed agave, citrus, sweet spice.
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Finish: Tart citrus and black pepper.
Specifications
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Brand: Don Pilar, family-owned
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Agave: 100% blue Weber, estate-grown in Los Altos (San José de Gracia)
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Process: Agave ~10 years, 24-hour steam cook, Champagne yeast
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Style: Blanco
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Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat, or mix a Margarita.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Don Pilar?
Don José Pilar Contreras Márquez, whose family owns the brand and grows its agave.
What is the Mozart Method?
Baroque music is played throughout fermentation.
Is it aged?
No, it is an unaged blanco.
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