Today we’re stepping out of bourbon territory and into tequila with Avión Reserva Cristalino Tequila — a filtered aged tequila meant to combine barrel character with a crystal-clear look.

When we poured this week’s glass for DadDimes on the Rocks, we stepped into something that tries to bridge two worlds, tradition and polish with Avión Reserva Cristalino Tequila. Right away, it’s clear this isn’t your typical visual cue for an aged tequila. You expect color… that warm barrel-kissed amber. Instead, you get crystal clarity, filtered smoothness that almost dares you to forget it spent time resting in oak.

On the nose, though, the barrel story shows up fast. There’s vanilla and caramel lifting off the glass, backed by roasted agave sweetness and a light oak spice. It’s refined and approachable, not aggressive, not challenging more of a welcoming handshake than a firm grip. Letting it breathe a moment reveals faint cocoa and a touch of citrus brightness hiding underneath.

First sip lands soft. That Cristalino filtration rounds the edges, and the mouthfeel leans silky rather than weighty. You get hints of toasted sugar, mild pepper warmth, and that signature agave backbone that keeps it grounded.

The oak influence comes through in waves, never dominating, but definitely shaping the experience. It’s the kind of pour that invites slow conversation rather than analysis paralysis.

Mid-palate is where the personality settles in: gentle sweetness, light spice, and just enough complexity to keep it interesting without demanding attention. It’s approachable for someone new to sipping tequila, but polished enough for seasoned drinkers to appreciate what it’s trying to accomplish.

The finish is clean and measured. Not particularly long, but balanced, leaving traces of vanilla, light oak, and a whisper of pepper warmth that fades without overstaying its welcome.

At the DadDimes table, this is the type of bottle that sparks discussion about intention. Cristalinos aren’t about showcasing raw, rustic character, they’re about refinement and accessibility. Avión Reserva leans into that lane confidently. It may not be the pour you reach for when you want bold, earthy agave punch, but when you want something smooth, composed, and easy to share, it absolutely delivers.

Another glass poured, another conversation had, and that’s really what this show is about.