Sol Azul is a new brand released in 2006. The Sol Azul website states that the producers of this tequila have been in the industry for generations so I tried to dig up some history. I first discovered that Destiladora Arandas (NOM 1490) was formally known as Tequilera del Salto (NOM 1442). As I've eluded to in other pages, a simple factory name change also results in the assignation of a new NOM. As the former name suggested, the factory is located Southeast of Guadalajara in the town of El Salto. The new factory name is interesting because other than being East of Guadalajara it's nowhere near the town of Arandas. Lance Cutler did have some brief history on the factory in his popular book, "The Tequila Lover's Guide to Mexico", while referring to another tequila. Mr. Cutler mentioned a Father Fernando Pacheco who opened the factory. Apparently the Pacheco family has a history of producing charanda (a sugar cane based liquor similar to rum) in Michoacan dating back to 1907. Now producing tequila in El Salto, Jalisco, the storied family history continues as the company is being run by Father Pacheco's daughter and son.

The Sol Azul reposado has a pale gold color on the light side. The aroma is subtle oak and intense caramel. A good medium body for this soft reposado. Caramel continues to dominate the palate with medium agave, earthy but sweet. The sweetness remains in a nice pleasant finish. A strong 3 stars and nice entry into the reposado category. I'll look forward to trying the other Sol Azul tequilas.

Take a look at the Sol Azul website for more info and a better look at these unique "Sol" bottles and other presentations of the brand. http://www.solazultequila.com/