Dos Artes Blanco

Dos Artes Blanco is listed as a blanco, a style that in tequila means an unaged or barely rested spirit bottled close to the still. Specific details such as the agave source, proof and production method aren't given for this bottle, so what follows describes what blancos usually offer. Expect a clean, direct profile with cooked agave sweetness, black pepper, citrus peel and a vegetal or herbal edge, and no oak-derived vanilla or caramel. That lack of barrel influence is why blancos suit mixing so well: the agave stays clear in the glass and isn't covered by sugar or wood. For sipping, serve it neat at cool room temperature, or with one large cube if you want it to open slowly. Chilling mutes some of the aromatics, so keep it above freezer cold if you want the pepper and citrus to show. A small tulip-shaped tequila glass or a copita concentrates the aroma better than a tumbler. In cocktails, use a highball or rocks glass. The classic uses are the Margarita, with fresh lime juice and orange liqueur over ice and a salted rim if you like one. A Paloma, with grapefruit soda and lime over ice in a tall glass, is another good fit. A blanco also works in a Tommy's Margarita, which replaces the orange liqueur with agave syrup, and in a Ranch Water, with sparkling water and plenty of lime. Both show off the spirit's character with few other ingredients. At the table, blanco tends to go with food that has acid and heat. Ceviche, grilled shrimp, fish tacos, carnitas, fresh salsas and guacamole all work, and so do citrus-dressed salads and soft goat cheese.