I’m unsure on the protocol of necro’ing some thread I can’t even find except via google, so mods please indulge me as I extoll the properties of my new favoritest drink evar: Tanteo Jalapeno tequila.
I received my first bottle of Tanteo last month as a birthday gift. I was pleasantly surprised, as I never heard of such a thing. For the uninitiated, Tanteo can be considered the one that burns at both ends. If you’re a lover of spicy, though, you’ll jump right in and love this.
At about US$45 retail for a 750ml bottle, Tanteo is smack in the middle of the middle of the road tequilas. I find this interesting, because it seems that the underlying tequila is of a better quality than most others at that price point, yet Tanteo only offers three infused varieties.
The bottle appears to be blown glass, with a rounded top tapering down to a square bottom. There are air bubbles in the glass, suggesting at authenticity of process, I suppose. There is a wax seal, about 1 inch in diameter, in the front top of the bottle. Each bottle has an attached tag with a hand-written serial number and production date (bottle date?). The cork-in-wood stopper is affixed by a colored stripe sticker (green for the jalapeno), and then a plastic shrink-wrap is applied for final shipping. Bottom line, the presentation is as attractive as any (un-flashy) top shelf tequila, easy on the eyes.
Uncorking the bottle, you are struck in the face by the earthy nose of jalapeno juice. There’s no mistaking that smell. In fact, this is one of the stinkier beverages I’ve had, so if you are trying to drink incognito, skip this one. It’s not an unpleasant smell, but the strength is akin to a kitchen that has been cooking yummy delectables all day.
First taste? BAM! Emeril Lagassi would cry with pride. Taken neat (which is the only way I’ve tried it, so far; I’m afraid to mix it as mixing might ruin the lovely experience), you are immediately hit with the spice. Flavor comes later. For the bloody mary lover that pours an extra ounce of tabasco in the cup, you will be in love. It’s not as spicy as eating hot peppers raw, but compared to any alcoholic beverage you may have tried, this is off the charts.
Once the initial shock wears off, you get a chance to savor the quality tequila lurking underneath. To me, a good tequila has a soft, buttery taste; Tanteo is like I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter with a kick. This isn’t to say that the spice wears off, but you get used to it after a moment, and can start to appreciate the complexity of the drink.
The swallow - it hits your stomach and you instantly feel the second burn. Warm, as though you’re enjoying a nice hot toddy.
For 80 proof, Tanteo kicks like a mule. 2 or 3 shots and you’ll be pleasantly relaxed, not in a “I’m hammered, lemme nap for a while,” way, but in a “life is good and nothing bothers me,” way.
As I said, I have yet to try it in a mix, though I’m considering trying it in place of gin in a Major Peters bloody mary.
Tanteo comes in two other infused varieties, chocolate and some sort of tropical fruity thing. Their website has recipes, as well. It’s definitely a conversation starter, if nothing else. Any tequila aficionado would do well to have a bottle of Tanteo in their collection.
Next review: one of my favorites: Monte Alban.