Teremana Small Batch Blanco Tequila (700ml)

Since launching in 2020, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Teremana Tequilas have gradually been rolled out globally. A shipment has just landed in Australia. Many tequila fans are keen to try the range, especially since the Reposado was crowned Tequila of the Year at the USA Spirits Ratings in 2021. The result surprised sceptics who consider celebrity-affiliated brands lacking quality or substance. It also means you won't be pouring these down the dwayne!

Scoring 93 points, winning the title was no mean feat given that many other tequilas were in the running and the competition is hosted by a tough set of judges. Teremana Blanco wasn’t too far behind, picking up a bronze.

Says Dwayne Johnson, “The tequila that we make is of the Earth. Sustainability is something that is important to us at Teremana”. In fact, Johnson and the team focus on sustainability and people more than anything else. Partners, the Lopez Family, are third-generation agave growers and second-generation distillers in the highlands of Jalisco and will continue to oversee production. The collaboration has served free meals to over 35,000 frontline workers, supported the hospitality industry with their Guac on the Rock campaign, as well as contributed to numerous charities such as World Central Kitchen, Turning Tables, and Another Round Another Rally, totaling over one million dollars in donations. Teremana takes 100% of the agave fibers and turns them into natural compost used as an organic fertilizer for the agave fields. The distillery also uses a state-of-the-art water filtration system that cleans the water left over from production.

Reports have it that sales in early 2023 exceeded one million 9-litre cases annually. An Instagram post by Johnson stated that “Teremana Tequila has set new records in the spirits industry, and has become the BIGGEST LAUNCH OF ANY SPIRIT EVER”. Like them or not, that's an extraordinary achievement.

As for the tequila, it's a clear value buy in its category. At 40% the Blanco offers surprising intensity and convincing agave character on both the nose and palate. The mouthfeel also impresses, being nicely rounded and full with a briney, beeswax-like note competing with white pepper and sappy agave, trailing off minerally and dry with suggestions of grassy, green tropical fruits adding zest to the finish. A quality starting point for your next Margarita.

Other reviews... Owned by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this crystalline tequila resounds with zesty bell pepper and poblano aromas. The light, crisp palate entwines lemon peel with gentle almond and marshmallow sweetness, finishing with white-pepper sparks. Mix in margaritas or palomas. 92 points - wineenthusiast.com

...The name means "spirit of the earth"--TERE from the Latin word for "earth" and MANA from the Polynesian word for "spirit." Grapefruit comes through first on the nose, with herbaceous agave, and lemon peel. The palate has an oily mouthfeel, with predominant grassy and mineral notes, along with light vanilla, lemon Pledge, and roasted bell peppers. The finish is clean and short, with Baker's chocolate, agave nectar and more zesty citrus. 85 points - distiller.com

The nose here is immediately a bit plain — vegetal, muddy, and a bit sweaty, though it’s at least short of off-putting. The palate opens up a bit, initially showing notes of white pepper and some lemon. There’s a gentle sweetness rolling through the body, but a funky, heavily earthy note — not really like agave but more like damp dirt — is never far away, invariably rushing back to meet you. The pungent nose is hard to shake throughout, eventually settling into a note more akin to green beans than fresh agave, muddying the entire experience. This is usable as a mixer only. - drinkhacker.com