Last Updated on: 16th May 2024, 12:37 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 Pepe Lopez Tequila in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Pepe Lopez Tequila: Strong Aroma and Bitter Finish
Rating: ⭐
Tequila expert Neil Coleman suggests approaching Pepe Lopez Tequila with caution, despite its attractive price point. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
Price Point:
- Upfront Benefit: The main advantage of Pepe Lopez Tequila appears to be its affordability.
Flavor Profile:
- Strong Aroma: The initial aroma might be overpowering for some.
- Unpleasant Taste: Tequila experts found the taste to be unfavorable, mentioning a bitter finish.
The Verdict:
- Affordability Isn't Everything: While budget-conscious consumers might be drawn to the price tag, Neil Coleman suggests there might be better options available in a similar price range that offer a more enjoyable overall experience.
In Short: If you prioritize a pleasant tequila taste, it might be wise to consider alternatives, even if they cost slightly more. There are tequilas out there that are budget-friendly without compromising on quality and taste.
What's special about Pepe Lopez Silver?
Pepe Lopez stands as an exceptionally affordable Mixto Tequila, created from a blend of agave and undisclosed sugar sources, signifying that it is not classified as a 100% agave Tequila.
This Tequila is crafted by Herradura Tequila, one of Mexico's highly regarded and respected Tequila brands.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Alcohol, agave, lime, nail polish
- Palate: Alcohol, pepper, agave, mint
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Montezuma Silver
The initial nose of Pepe Lopez reveals an alcohol presence, followed by distinct notes of agave, lime, and a hint of nail polish.
On the palate, Pepe Lopez presents a noticeable upfront pepperiness from the alcohol, which lacks significant warmth. It accompanies flavors of agave and mint.
The finish is relatively brief, delivering a bitter and peppery sensation, with a slight bite as it goes down.
How did I review Pepe Lopez 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
Alternatives
- For those new to Tequila, Herradura's Jimador Blanco is a superior alternative to Pepe Lopez. It's 100% agave, affordable, and offers a much better taste experience. Jimador is also Mexico's best-selling Tequila, making it a reliable and enjoyable choice for beginners.
How to Drink
- Pepe Lopez should preferably be mixed with strong flavors like fruity juices or Coke to mask its less favorable taste. It's not recommended for sipping due to its quality and is best used in cocktails or as a shooter if the goal is simply intoxication.
Ownership
- Pepe Lopez is produced by Casa Herradura, one of Mexico's most established distilleries with a rich history since 1870. Casa Herradura also crafts other renowned brands like Herradura and Jimador.
- Brown-Forman, a Kentucky-based corporation, owns Pepe Lopez along with other famous liquor brands including Jack Daniel's, Old Forester, and Woodford Reserve.
Pricing
- The price for Pepe Lopez Tequila is around $28 on Drizly for a 1.75L bottle. For those looking for a better quality at a similar price, Costco's 100% agave Tequila might offer a more satisfactory option for cocktails.
Alcohol Content
- Pepe Lopez is bottled at the standard 80 proof (40% ABV), which is common for Tequila.
Does it Expire?
- Tequila, including Pepe Lopez, can be stored indefinitely if kept properly. However, its flavor may deteriorate once the bottle is significantly consumed, especially when reaching about 25% full.
Does it Have Sugar?
- While Pepe Lopez may contain lower sugar content typical of agave spirits, its mixto status (not 100% agave) implies the use of other sugar sources, potentially affecting its taste and the severity of hangovers.
Pepe Lopez Tequila: Specs
- Type: Blanco
- Proof: 80
- 100% Agave: No
- ABV: 40%
- Double Distilled: Yes
- Aging Length: None
- Flavor Profile: Lacks the desirable qualities of premium Tequilas
- Suitability for Beginners: Not recommended
- Ideal for Cocktails: Only if no better options are available