Avion Reserva Cristalino Tequila
Avion Reserva Cristalino Tequila is a 40% ABV (80 proof) cristalino in a 750mL bottle — a blend of 12-month-old añejo with a touch of 3-year-old extra añejo, double-charcoal filtered to crystal clarity, from NOM 1416 in the highlands of Jalisco, available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Aging: blend of 12-month añejo + a touch of 3-year extra añejo, then double-charcoal filtered (cristalino = filtration designation, not an age class)
- Agave: 100% blue Weber agave, hand-selected; slow-roasted three days in traditional brick ovens; double-distilled in small batches
- Origin: NOM 1416 — Productos Finos de Agave, Jesús María, Jalisco (Los Altos highlands, ~6,954 ft elevation)
- Maker: Master Distiller Alejandro Lopez; launched February 2022 by Pernod Ricard as the second Reserva entry
- Score: 94 pts, Tastings.com (April 2024)
Fifty-Six Prototypes to Crystal Clarity
Avión was founded by entrepreneur Ken Austin, who searched the Highlands for agave and partnered with the Lopez family — fifth-generation growers in Jesús María. The Cristalino was developed with cocktail and spirits expert Virginia Miller after 56 prototypes, and it launched in February 2022 as the second entry in the Reserva range. The idea behind the cristalino category: take aged tequila, filter out the color, and keep the barrel-derived complexity — a prestige pour that drinks like an añejo and looks like a blanco. (The añejo component is described as 12 months in launch press and 12–17 months by some retailers; the blend includes a touch of 3-year extra añejo.) Shop our tequila collection, browse the Avion range, or compare other añejo tequilas.
Tasting Notes
Oak, vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, lime zest, fresh agave, and minerality on the nose. The palate is creamy and balanced — vanilla, pecans, roasted agave, pineapple, honey, peppery warmth, and fresh herbs. The finish is dry, crisp, and moderate, with vanilla and mineral notes.
How to Enjoy
Neat or on the rocks to taste what double-charcoal filtration leaves behind — or put the crystal clarity to work in a clear margarita or martini-style serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What NOM is Avión?
NOM 1416 — Productos Finos de Agave, Jesús María, Jalisco.
What is a cristalino tequila?
Aged tequila (añejo/extra añejo) that is filtered — here double-charcoal filtered — to remove color while keeping aged flavor.
Is Reserva Cristalino 100% agave?
Yes — 100% blue Weber agave.
How long is it aged?
A blend of 12-month añejo with a touch of 3-year extra añejo (some retailers cite 12–17 months for the añejo component).
Aged flavor, crystal pour — order Avion Reserva Cristalino Tequila online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.