Country: Mexico
Region: Amatitan, Jalisco
ABV: 40%
LCBO Price: $29.95
Availability: Wide
El Jimador gets it's namesake from the Jimadors, the harvesters of agave used in tequila making. It is the number one selling tequila in Mexico where it is favoured for being an inexpensive 100% Agave tequila.
For those new to tequila, there are two different types of tequila. 100% Agave tequila and Mixto tequila. Mixto tequila is partly distilled from Agave (51% minimum) and partly from other sugars such as cane sugar. Mixto tequila's are generally frowned upon by tequila enthusiasts, and 100% Agave tequila's are preferred.
El Jimador Reposado comes in a low key but pleasant bottle. My one gripe with the bottle is the metal cap, which leaves the spirit vulnerable to evaporation and spoilage if kept for an extended period of time.
On the nose, El Jimador Reposado is vegetal and somewhat dry. There is an almost gin-like herbalness, with juniper and soft botanicals. The other main note is a definite lemon. This is unusual for tequila, which usually has a lime scent and flavour. The lemon is unsweetened and bitter, and it is laced with the juniper and botanicals. Lemon and herb is a good description. There is also a rather unpleasant alcohol nip, even on the nose, which is akin to rubbing alcohol.
To taste, there is an immediate and unpleasant alcohol presence which renders the sipping experience a useless endeavor. Despite this, I noted some lemon, strong peppery notes, a vegetal note similar to artichoke and some botanical accents. There is no sweetness, and it has quite a watery mouthfeel.
Overall this is not a sippable or complex tequila. It is harsh, imbalanced and feels oddly watered down. It was harsh, alcoholic and unpleasantly peppery even when mixed with cola. I give it a 68 out of 100.
Rating: 68/100
