The brightest star from this group [other than tequila agave spirits] was the smashing sotol [reposado] from Hacienda de Chihuahua. The bouquet opens up in an alluring fashion, more floral than vegetal, more vanilla -like than spicy-- the middle stage passes see no diminishment in aromatic strength as the vanilla/oaky scent deepens and the flowery aspect drifts away -- the final nosing is one of harmony and stately elegance… there's a genuine understated complexity to it that many tequilas don't possess -- intriguingly different; on palate, the entry flavor is lush, almost regal as gentle, but deceptively characterful tastes of wood and dried fruit greet the taste buds -- the mid-palate turns more appropriately vegetal in an agave-like manner, complete with mild notes of pepper and soft dill; the aftertaste borders on being luxurious as long, deep flavors of sweet pepper and vanilla/oak enchant the palate;… to its immense credit, it does offer an alternative to tequila that's simultaneously complex and elegant