Recently, Dolly and I found ourselves thinking back to Brooklyn—specifically, the Taste of Black Spirits event, where crowded rooms, shared pours, and passionate conversations collide in the best possible way. That’s where we met Melanie.

Introductions came through friends, as they often do in this industry, and what started as a casual conversation quickly turned into something more meaningful. We learned about her tequila brand, Enelalma, and about the work she was doing that didn’t feel like branding for branding’s sake—it felt intentional. Grounded. Purpose-driven. The kind of project that isn’t just about putting liquid in a bottle, but about reclaiming space, honoring heritage, and doing things the right way even when it’s harder.

We tasted the tequila. We talked about agave, process, and patience. And we walked away thinking the same thing we always think when something really clicks:

This one matters.

Not long after, Melanie became a supporter of The Bar Book, backing what we were trying to build in those early days—when the app was still forming, the idea was still raw, and everything felt like a leap of faith. So when the opportunity came to bring Enelalma Tequila into the Tasting Room for a full, thoughtful review, there was never any hesitation.

We’d enjoyed it before.
Now it was time to sit with it properly—and share the story with everyone else.

Enelalma isn’t positioned as just another premium tequila—and once you understand the philosophy behind it, that makes sense. This is an additive-free, small-batch tequila crafted in Los Altos, Jalisco, using traditional methods and single-estate agave. But beyond technique, Enelalma is deeply personal.

Founded by Melanie Shelby, the brand is rooted in honoring Indigenous and African American heritage, blending cultural respect with spiritual intention. It’s not flashy. It’s not rushed. And it doesn’t rely on shortcuts. From brick ovens to open-air fermentation and careful distillation, everything about Enelalma feels deliberate.

That intentionality shows up in the glass.

The first impression is clean and honest. Fresh agave leads the way, followed by bright citrus and soft florals that feel natural rather than perfumed. There’s a subtle minerality underneath it all, grounding the aroma and keeping it from drifting too sweet.

Aroma notes:

• Cooked agave
• Bright citrus
• Light floral notes
• Fresh herbs
• Gentle minerality
   

It smells like tequila that wants you to slow down.

On the palate, Enelalma Blanco immediately confirms what the nose promised. The agave character is front and center—sweet but not sugary, vegetal but not sharp. Citrus notes carry through, joined by a soft peppery spice that adds structure without heat.

There’s a purity here that’s hard to fake. No vanilla shortcuts. No candy coating. Just agave, treated with respect.

Taste notes:

• Fresh agave
• Citrus peel
• White pepper
• Subtle herbal tones
• A touch of earthiness
   

What stood out to the Tasting Room team was how balanced it felt. Nothing rushed. Nothing loud. Everything in its place.

The texture is smooth and slightly viscous, coating the palate gently without becoming heavy. It’s elegant in the way great sipping tequilas are—enough weight to feel luxurious, but clean enough to stay refreshing.

This is a tequila that doesn’t demand ice, salt, or lime to behave.

The finish is crisp, clean, and quietly persistent. The agave lingers, joined by light citrus and a faint mineral note that fades slowly and gracefully.

Finish notes:

• Clean
• Crisp
• Agave-forward
• Light citrus
• Soft minerality
   

No burn. No bitterness. Just a calm, confident exit.

This one didn’t take long for someone to say what everyone was already thinking.

“This doesn’t taste like tequila that’s trying to impress you—it tastes like tequila that knows exactly who it is.” — The Bar Book Tasting Team

And that might be the best compliment we can give it.

Enelalma Blanco is built first and foremost for sipping. Neat, in a proper glass, with a moment to appreciate it. It’s perfect for quiet conversations, intentional gatherings, or introducing someone to what high-quality, additive-free tequila is supposed to taste like.

That said, it also shines in high-end cocktails where the spirit is meant to be showcased rather than buried. A minimalist Margarita. A refined Paloma. Anything where agave gets to stay the star.

This is a bottle for people who care about what’s in the glass—and why it’s there.

This is exactly the kind of spirit we love introducing through The Bar Book. Enelalma might be a revelation for you… or it might be a thoughtful stretch outside your usual comfort zone. That’s where your Flavor Fingerprint™ comes in.

The Bar Book is the Vivino for spirits and the Spotify for alcohol, powered by flavor-matching and personalized recommendations—and when it comes to choosing the right pour for the right moment, it’s Match.com for the occasion.

Explore it here:
👉 Enelalma Tequila Blanco on The Bar Book

And when you try it, share your experience. Because Enelalma isn’t just a tequila—it’s an invitation into a story that’s still being written.

Cheers to Melanie and everyone behind Enelalma Tequila. We’re grateful for the support, the conversation, and the opportunity to share your work with the Tasting Room community. We can’t wait to see where this journey goes—and we’re proud to have Enelalma in The Bar Book.

Where Flavor Meets Story.
Tasted and Reviewed by The Bar Book Team.
https://thebarbook.app

If you would like us to spotlight your brand for FREE, send us an email — we’ll gladly add your bottle to our lineup of stories, tastings, and flavor deep dives.