Astral Blanco

Astral Blanco is a blanco, the unaged style of agave spirit, which is bottled clear and meant to taste of the plant rather than of a barrel. The listing doesn't give an ABV, a region or a distillation method, so the notes below describe what blancos usually offer, not a measured profile of this bottle. Expect cooked-agave sweetness, citrus peel, black pepper and a green, herbal edge, with a clean, slightly peppery finish. To judge the bottle first, pour a small measure neat at room temperature in a tulip-shaped copita or a small stemmed nosing glass. The narrow opening concentrates the agave and citrus aromas. A few drops of water can open up a blanco that smells tight. Chilling mutes the aromatics, so keep any chilled serving for casual sipping. If you prefer it cold, one large ice cube in a rocks glass dilutes slowly and keeps the pepper and citrus in balance. Blancos are at their best in short, bright drinks. A Margarita made with fresh lime, an orange liqueur and a salted or half-salted rim is the obvious choice, and a Paloma, with grapefruit soda, lime and a pinch of salt over ice in a highball, is the easy alternative. A Tommy's-style Margarita, with agave syrup in place of the liqueur, leaves the spirit's own character more exposed. Ranch Water, which is just lime, sparkling water and tequila in a tall glass, also works well. At the table, a blanco suits ceviche, fish tacos, grilled shrimp, guacamole and other dishes built on lime, cilantro and chile. Its peppery edge cuts through fried or fatty foods in the same way a squeeze of citrus does.