Manuscrito Tequila Blanco

Manuscrito Tequila Blanco is a single-estate expression made from six- to eight-year Blue Weber agave grown in the red volcanic soils of Los Altos de Jalisco and hand-crafted by Master Distiller Oscar Vazquez Camarena at El Sabino Distillery in Jesus Maria. Bottled at 42.5% ABV to amplify aromatics and structure, this blanco is oxygenated during production to balance the cooked agave weight with a cooling vegetal finish, delivering complexity you rarely see in an unaged spirit from this region. Manuscrito Tequila is produced in Los Altos, the highland zone northeast of Guadalajara where elevation and mineral-rich volcanic earth produce agave with pronounced sweetness and floral character. Oscar Vazquez Camarena harvests estate fruit at maturity, roasts it in traditional hornos, and ferments the juice before double-distillation. The deliberate oxygenation during distillation softens the spirit and integrates the peppery, citrus, and herbal layers that define highland terroir. The result is a blanco that tastes like a sense of place, not just a neutral base for cocktails. On the nose, expect sweet cooked agave, wet grass, lemon zest, white pepper, and a faint floral lift. The palate opens with roasted agave sweetness, then pivots to citrus peel, bell pepper, and a mineral earthiness balanced by white pepper and mint. The finish is long and clean, with peppery heat tempered by mint, lime, and a thread of floral sweetness. Sip it neat to appreciate the terroir, or pair it with ceviche, aguachile, or raw oysters where the vegetal brightness and citrus notes complement seafood and acid. It also anchors a Paloma or margarita with more character than most blancos at this proof. Manuscrito Tequila Blanco is available for pickup at Off Premise Chicago, 1128 W Armitage Ave in Lincoln Park, for local Chicago delivery, or for nationwide shipping.