2007 Marbete stamp Nose: Fruity dark berries, cinnamon and spices, grilled pineapple, and a smidgen of vanilla. Floral hint of orange blossoms? Abundant caramelized agave emerges after opening up bit. Flavor: Flavor follows the aromas on entrance: floral and fruity. Slightly viscous mouth feel with scrappy baking spices and a pepper note. Sweet agave holds its own in the profile. A very faint soapy note. Finish: Pepper seems to bloom on the finish, but is mitigated by vanilla and silky sweet agave. This garners an extra point or two on value. Purchased for $275 pesos = $15 USD

Normal round tall bottle, Mexican 35% abv. version, LOTE L268HCR0715, marbete is from 2012, tasted on 10-14-23. Color: yellow to dark yellow. Aroma: light cooked agave, hint of cooked red apples, very mineral or metallic aroma that is not pleasant, although it does soften on the nose after 30 minutes in the glass but it is evident on the palate, light acidity. Palate: confirms aromas perceived, light pepper spiciness, strong mineral/metallic aroma is evident through my retronasal, ends short and thin. Finish is medium, although ethanol sensation lasts medium length, but light cooked agave and mineral notes persist but not too long.

OTE 033, marbete is from 2002, Mexican 38% abv. version. Color: very light yellow. Aroma: light cooked agave, soft vanilla note, earthy, alcohol sensation is very low, but I can smell aromas. Mandarin. Good sweet sour & citrus balance. Palate: light vanilla, earthy, slightly bitter, mandarin. Finish is medium to medium long, light vanilla with mandarin notes persist.