Cazcanes No. 9 Blanco Tequila 750ML is an additive-free, 100-proof (50% ABV) blanco tequila made from 100% Weber Blue Agave in Jalisco, Mexico. This expression has earned a remarkable string of accolades, including a 95-point Gold from the Beverage Testing Institute, consecutive Double Gold medals at the 2017 and 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and the 2024 Best in Show award from the TAG Global Spirits Awards — establishing it as one of the most decorated blancos on the market.Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof) | Origin: Los Valles, Jalisco, Mexico | Blanco (Unaged) | NOM: 1599 | Master Distiller: Francisco Jimenez ("Don Chico")Production & HeritageCazcanes No. 9 Blanco is the creation of Master Distiller Francisco Jimenez, known as "Don Chico," produced under NOM 1599 in the Los Valles region of Jalisco. The agave is cooked in a low-pressure autoclave over a 24-hour cycle, then juice is extracted via roller mill with four passes to maximize sugar recovery. Double distillation takes place in stainless steel pot stills fitted with copper coils, and the spirit is aerated before bottling and rested in stainless steel vats for one to three months. One of the most distinctive production choices is the use of natural volcanic spring water sourced from the Navichi Springs in Mexico, trucked in specifically for each production run. The tequila is certified organic, kosher, and verified additive-free — a transparency commitment that resonates with agave purists who want nothing between them and the raw character of the spirit.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with intense cooked agave and wet stone minerality, layered with warm cinnamon and clove spice. Orange peel and a green, herbaceous quality — like a summer herb garden — add complexity as the glass opens up.Taste: On entry, green agave and salted butter coat the palate before punchy black pepper and anise arrive at mid-palate. Baked pineapple, grapefruit, and lime zest add a bright citrus counterpoint, while salted toffee and candy corn lend unexpected sweetness. The 100-proof strength carries every flavor with authority without overwhelming the palate.Finish: Long, vibrant, and deeply agave-forward with bold intensity and lasting depth. Lingering green cardamom and black pepper slowly fade, leaving a clean, earthy impression that invites the next sip.How to Drink Cazcanes No. 9At 100 proof, this blanco is best experienced neat in a Riedel tequila glass or a copita to fully appreciate its aromatic depth; a few drops of water will soften the alcohol and unlock additional fruit and mineral notes. Its higher proof and complex flavor profile also make it exceptionally versatile in cocktails. A Margarita gains serious backbone and agave intensity that cuts through fresh lime and orange liqueur. A Paloma benefits from the grapefruit and citrus notes already present in the spirit, creating a seamless pairing with grapefruit soda. A Tommy's Margarita — built simply with agave syrup and lime — lets the raw agave character and peppery spice take center stage.Best For Gifting a tequila enthusiast who values additive-free, high-proof expressions Side-by-side tasting sessions comparing highland and valley Jalisco blancos Building a premium home bar anchored by a competition-winning blanco Cocktail nights where a bold, full-proof tequila can stand up to citrus and spice Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Cazcanes No. 9 taste like? Cazcanes No. 9 Blanco delivers bold cooked agave, black pepper, and baked pineapple up front, followed by salted toffee and bright citrus zest. The high proof amplifies the flavors without harshness, finishing long with green cardamom and earthy minerality.How does Cazcanes No. 9 compare to Fortaleza Still Strength Blanco? Both are high-proof, artisanal Jalisco blancos prized by agave purists, but Cazcanes No. 9 runs hotter at 50% ABV versus Fortaleza Still Strength's 46% ABV. Cazcanes uses autoclave cooking and volcanic spring water from Navichi Springs, while Fortaleza relies on traditional brick ovens and a tahona stone, resulting in a softer, more olive-brine-driven profile compared to Cazcanes' peppery, mineral-forward intensity.Is Cazcanes No. 9 good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the resting period in stainless steel and the use of volcanic spring water produce a remarkably smooth spirit for 100 proof, and it rewards slow, attentive sipping. A few drops of water can further open up the citrus and herbal layers.Where is Cazcanes No. 9 made? Cazcanes No. 9 Blanco is produced under NOM 1599 in the Los Valles region of Jalisco, Mexico, by Master Distiller Francisco Jimenez. The distillery sources natural volcanic spring water from the Navichi Springs, which is transported to the production site for each batch.What foods pair well with Cazcanes No. 9? Ceviche with fresh lime and cilantro mirrors the spirit's bright citrus notes. Grilled carne asada complements the smoky, peppery spice. Mole negro works with the clove and cinnamon warmth. Fresh tropical fruit — especially pineapple and grapefruit — echoes the baked pineapple and citrus on the palate. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego stand up to the bold 100-proof intensity.What sizes does Cazcanes No. 9 come in? Cazcanes No. 9 Blanco Tequila is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.Is Cazcanes No. 9 worth the price? Cazcanes No. 9 positions as a premium blanco tequila, and its combination of additive-free certification, organic and kosher credentials, a 95-point BTI score, and multiple Double Gold medals represents strong value within the upper tier of the blanco category.Why Cazcanes No. 9?Few blancos can claim a 95-point Beverage Testing Institute Gold, consecutive San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Golds, and a 2024 TAG Global Spirits Awards Best in Show — Cazcanes No. 9 has earned all of them. The use of volcanic spring water from the remote Navichi Springs is a production detail rarely seen in tequila, contributing a mineral backbone that distinguishes this expression from more conventional blancos. Its additive-free, organic, and kosher certifications offer a level of transparency that is still uncommon in the category. At 100 proof, it delivers the kind of uncompromising agave intensity that rewards both the neat sipper and the cocktail builder who refuses to let flavor disappear behind ice and mixers.
