G4 Blanco 108 Proof

If you want to understand why the Camarena family occupies the throne of tequila royalty, pour yourself a glass of G4 Blanco 108 Proof. Felipe Camarena—fourth generation at El Pandillo distillery, cousin of El Tesoro's Carlos Camarena—has created what many consider the definitive high-proof blanco: unfiltered, undiluted, and bottled as close to distillation strength as the law allows.

At 108 proof (54% ABV), this is tequila with the volume turned to eleven. The nose explodes with cooked agave—sweet, herbaceous, and intensely aromatic. Citrus peel, white pepper, and a distinctive mineral character unique to El Pandillo's deep well water create a foundation of remarkable complexity. Vanilla, floral notes, and a faint tropical fruit sweetness add dimension without softening the spirit's assertive character.

On the palate, G4 108 is a revelation. The higher proof amplifies every flavor while maintaining extraordinary balance. Rich agave sweetness coats the tongue, followed by layers of citrus, black pepper, earthy minerality, and an herbal complexity that unfolds over minutes. The mouthfeel is thick and oily—almost syrupy—in a way that lower-proof blancos simply cannot achieve. Despite the formidable proof, there's no rough burn; just pure, concentrated agave expression.

The finish is spectacularly long, with warm agave, pepper, and mineral notes that linger like the memory of a perfect sunset over the Jalisco highlands. Each sip reveals something new, and the complexity continues to evolve in the glass for a good thirty minutes after pouring.

At approximately $55, G4 Blanco 108 competes with—and frequently defeats—blancos at twice its price. It belongs in the holy trinity of high-proof blancos alongside Tapatio 110 and Terralta 110, and on some nights, after a particularly revelatory pour, it might just be the best of the three.