Last Updated on: 13th May 2024, 06:33 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
Discover everything about Painted Donkey Blanco Tequila in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Painted Donkey Tequila: A Margarita Mixer, Not a Sipping Star
Rating: ⭐⭐
Painted Donkey Tequila might catch your eye with its fun name and attractive price tag, but is it worth a spot on your bar cart? Let's break it down.
Strengths:
- Smooth and easy to drink: Painted Donkey boasts a smooth taste with minimal burn, making it a pleasant choice for cocktails.
- Budget-friendly: This tequila is priced competitively, offering affordability for those looking for a good deal.
Weaknesses:
- Lacks agave flavor: The defining characteristic of a good Blanco tequila, the blue agave taste, is absent here. Artificial vanilla notes take center stage.
- Not for sipping: While smooth, the artificial flavors make Painted Donkey less enjoyable for sipping neat or on the rocks.
Verdict:
Tequila connoisseur Neil Coleman agrees that Painted Donkey shines in margaritas and mixed drinks due to its smooth profile. However, its lack of true agave flavor makes it a less desirable option for sipping. With better alternatives offering a more authentic tequila experience at a similar price point, Painted Donkey struggles to stand out.
In a Nutshell:
If you're crafting cocktails and prioritize affordability, Painted Donkey can be a decent choice. But for those seeking the essence of a good Blanco tequila, it's best to look elsewhere.
Related: Best-Rated Cheap Tequilas
What's unique about Painted Donkey?
Painted Donkey struggles to stand out as it is one of over 200 Tequila brands produced at Casa Maestri in Jalisco, Mexico, making uniqueness a challenge.
Its production involves standard industrial methods, like using a roller mill for crushing agaves and autoclaves for cooking, differing from the artisanal methods employed in the creation of top-tier Tequilas.
How does it taste?
- Nose: Alcohol, vanilla, agave
- Palate: Alcohol, vanilla, agave, black pepper
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
Initially, the aroma is marked by a hint of ethanol, which then transitions to vanilla and agave scents.
The first taste may be slightly sharp with ethanol flavors, but it's not overly intense, soon followed by vanilla, agave, and a hint of black pepper.
The finish is brief, offering minimal warmth, and ends with subtle notes of agave and black pepper and a lingering bitter note.
Alternatives
In this price range, options like Tres Agaves and Dulce Vida are more favorable, known for their additive-free composition and authentic Tequila experience.
Not only are they excellent for cocktails, but they can also be enjoyed on the rocks.
Additionally, Espolon Blanco is a viable alternative, offering broader availability compared to the others mentioned.
How to drink it?
Painted Donkey is suitable for margaritas and classic Tequila cocktails, but I wouldn't recommend it for sipping.
It could, however, serve well as a cheap Tequila shooter, as it has minimal burn when consumed.
Also read: How to Drink Painted Donkey Tequila
Price
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Totalwine.com | $25 |
Painted Donkey Blanco Tequila: Specs
| Type of Tequila | Blanco |
| Proof | 80 |
| 100% Agave | Yes |
| ABV | 40% |
| Double-distilled | Yes |
| Aging length | None |
| Is it good? | Meh |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Yes |
| Warm? | No |
| Smoky? | No |
| Good for beginners? | Yes |
| Good for cocktails? | Yes |
| Calories per shot | 98 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |
How did I review Painted Donkey Tequila?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and Tequila expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ - Poor, ⭐⭐ - Average, ⭐⭐⭐ - Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alcohol content
- 80 proof, which means it has 40% Alcohol by Volume (ABV).
Does it Expire?
- Tequila has a long shelf life when stored in a cool, dark place.
- Once a bottle is opened and about 25% remains, it should be consumed relatively quickly to maintain its flavor.
- Prolonged exposure to air can alter the taste, often negatively.
Does it Contain Sugar?
- Tequila, being an agave-based spirit, has minimal sugar content.
- It's a popular choice for those on strict diets due to its low sugar level.
- To maintain its health benefits, avoid mixing it with high-sugar mixers like sugary sodas.
Is it Carb-Free and Keto-Friendly?
- Tequila contains no carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for a keto diet.
- However, due to its alcoholic nature, it should be consumed in moderation, even on a keto diet.