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 Three shifts the conversation slightly, introducing a delicate touch of oak while preserving the distillery’s signature clarity. Aged just over three months in barrel, the influence is intentionally restrained, allowing the agave to remain front and center. The nose is immediately expressive with cooked agave layered over honey, light oak, citrus peel, and soft baking spice. On the palate, warm cinnamon and baking spices lead into creamy cooked agave, honey, and butterscotch, with subtle herbal and citrus elements adding lift and complexity. The texture is supple and rounded, offering a gentle richness without sacrificing freshness, while the finish carries a harmonious blend of honeyed agave, spice, and lingering citrus with just enough structure to keep things focused. This is exactly what great reposado should be: restrained, agave-driven, and quietly complex, with the barrel acting as an accent rather than the headline, but still adding depth and nuance to the picture.