Expresiones del Corazon Tequila Artisinal Blanco 750ML

Expresiones del Corazón Tequila Artisanal Blanco 750ML is a single-estate, 100% Blue Weber agave blanco tequila bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). Awarded 93 points by both Wine Enthusiast and VinePair, this expression has also earned Gold medals at the 2018 and 2019 Los Angeles International Spirits Competitions and the 2022 TAG Global Spirits Awards — a track record that places it among the most consistently recognized blancos in its class.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 proof)  |  Origin: Los Altos, Jalisco, Mexico  |  Style: Blanco (Unaged)  |  Distillery: Casa San Matías (NOM 1103)

Production & Heritage

Casa San Matías, one of the oldest distilleries in Jalisco, produces this blanco at its facility under NOM 1103 using estate-grown Blue Weber agave sourced from the highlands of Los Altos — a region prized for the higher sugar content its red clay soils and elevated terrain impart to the plants. The agave piñas are slow-cooked in traditional stone ovens before being pressed, fermented, and distilled using artisanal techniques. Designed as the foundational spirit for the broader Expresiones del Corazón collection, the Artisanal Blanco is bottled unaged to preserve the full character of the cooked agave, making it a showcase of raw material quality and careful distillation rather than barrel influence.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Cooked agave leads, followed by fresh herbs, citrus zest, and a distinctive thread of anise. Underneath, gentle notes of green apple and mild almond add unexpected complexity for an unaged spirit.

Taste: The entry is sweet and plush, with cooked agave and brown sugar giving way to a minty, almost eucalyptus-like freshness at mid-palate. As it develops, brown butter, nutmeg, and a subtle peanut-like nuttiness emerge alongside a slight citrus tang that keeps the sweetness in check.

Finish: Medium in length with a soft, rounded texture that lingers on cool menthol and herbal notes. The aftertaste circles back to sweet agave with a faint mineral dryness that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Artisanal Blanco

Sipping neat at room temperature is the most rewarding way to experience the layered herbal and agave character; a few drops of water can open up the nuttier, brown-butter notes even further. That said, the spirit's balanced sweetness and minty brightness make it a versatile cocktail base.

• Margarita: The green apple and citrus aromatics integrate seamlessly with fresh lime, producing a margarita that tastes distinctly of agave rather than sweetener.
• Paloma: The menthol-herbal backbone stands up to grapefruit soda without being buried, adding complexity beyond a standard blanco.
• Ranch Water: Its clean sweetness and mineral finish pair naturally with sparkling mineral water and lime for a refreshing, low-intervention serve.

Best For

• Tequila enthusiasts exploring highland-style blancos with unusual depth
• Gifting a spirits-savvy friend who values estate-grown, artisanal production
• Building a premium home bar anchored by a critically acclaimed blanco
• Hosting a tequila tasting flight comparing lowland versus highland expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Artisanal Blanco taste like? It leads with sweet cooked agave and brown sugar before shifting to a distinctive minty, herbal freshness with notes of green apple, nutmeg, and a subtle nuttiness. The overall profile is sweeter and more plush than many blancos, with a cooling menthol quality that sets it apart.

How does Artisanal Blanco compare to Arette Blanco? Both are well-regarded, value-conscious 100% agave blancos, but the Expresiones del Corazón expression tends toward a sweeter, mintier, and more texturally plush profile thanks to its estate-grown Los Altos agave, while Arette Blanco typically delivers a leaner, more peppery character rooted in its lowland Jalisco origins.

Is Artisanal Blanco good for sipping neat? Yes — the 93-point scores from Wine Enthusiast and VinePair specifically highlight its complexity and soft mouthfeel, both qualities that reward slow, neat sipping. Its 40% ABV keeps the heat approachable while preserving full agave flavor.

Where is Artisanal Blanco made? It is distilled at Casa San Matías (NOM 1103) in the Los Altos highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, a sub-region known for producing agave with higher sugar content due to elevated altitude and mineral-rich red clay soils.

What foods pair well with Artisanal Blanco? Ceviche or aguachile benefits from the citrus and herbal notes; grilled shrimp tacos echo the spirit's subtle sweetness; fresh goat cheese mirrors its plush, creamy texture; roasted corn with chile and lime amplifies the brown-butter and nutmeg undertones; and dark chocolate with sea salt complements the menthol finish.

What sizes does Artisanal Blanco come in? The standard and most widely available format is the 750ml bottle.

Is Artisanal Blanco worth the price? It positions as a premium blanco that consistently punches above its price tier in critical scoring and competition results, making it strong value compared to similarly rated blancos that often command significantly higher prices.

Why Artisanal Blanco?

What separates this expression from the crowded blanco category is its foundation: single-estate, highland-grown agave with measurably higher sugar content, slow-cooked in stone ovens and distilled specifically to serve as the base spirit for the acclaimed Expresiones del Corazón barrel-aged collection. That means the liquid is built to carry complexity on its own, not rely on oak to fill gaps. The consistent 93-point critical recognition and multi-year Gold medal streak confirm it delivers on that ambition. For drinkers who want a blanco that genuinely rewards attention — one with an unusual minty, nutty depth you rarely find at this price level — the Artisanal Blanco stands as one of the most underappreciated values in agave spirits.