The exceptional new Manuscrito may be the most exciting brand to emerge from Mexico in years, but it is not the beautifully curated presentation that defines this tequila, it is the remarkable liquid inside. Produced in the Highlands at the new El Sabino distillery, Manuscrito is already turning heads. In a very short time, El Sabino has climbed into the upper echelon of Tequila Matchmaker’s rankings, just behind icons like Fortaleza, Cascahuín, and El Pandillo. That may seem trivial to outsiders, but the top tier has remained largely unchanged for years, making this rapid ascent incredibly significant. A handful of new producers are now challenging the old guard, and they are doing it with serious quality at very fair prices. The formula is simple in theory but rare in execution: secure fully mature agave at the right moment, invest in a thoughtfully designed distillery, and refuse to cut corners. While some traditionalists may note the absence of tahona extraction, the results speak for themselves. This is one of the finest tequilas available at any price today. Chapter Two takes everything that made the original release compelling and dials it up with a high proof bottling at 51.55% ABV, amplifying both structure and intensity. The nose is immediately more assertive, driven by bold cooked agave framed by bell pepper, earthy vegetal tones, and a lifted citrus edge with hints of white pepper and baking spice. On the palate, the texture is richer and more forceful, with sweet agave at the core wrapped in black pepper, cinnamon, and layered vegetal complexity, while citrus and subtle lactic creaminess add lift and balance. There’s a distinctly structured, almost tannic grip here, likely from fermentation with fibers, giving the tequila a serious, mouth-coating presence. The finish is long, spicy, and mineral-driven, with lingering notes of cinnamon, pepper, and earthy citrus that seem to echo endlessly. A powerful and uncompromising expression that shows exactly what this new distillery is capable of when pushed to the limit, Chapter Two feels like a clear step forward and a sign they are just getting started.