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Tequila El Mayor French Oak Chardonnay Cask Finish Reposado
Distiller Score 92
This experimental tequila pours an attractive light-gold hue and offers aromas of creme cake and baked honey juxtaposed with attractive herbal tones of peppery agave. The mouthfeel is full and vinous flavors of golden apple and French oak dominate until a slightly earthy jalapeño finish brings a touch of spice. A regal sipping tequila that won’t necessarily wow fans of the category's more wild entries, but it nonetheless provides a civilized and decadent experience.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Arta Tequila Extra Añejo
Distiller Score 96
Lots going on here to savor: It starts with a floral potpourri of lavender, sandalwood, rosemary, sage and thyme. The palate deepens with ripe raspberry, strawberry, cashews and Marcona almonds. Dates, figs, and raisins make up the dried fruit flavors mixing with milk chocolate and buttered pastry. However, this mix is not at all cloyingly sweet and it finishes quite earthy, which much of the agave flavor still present as it moves into a toasty, smoked pepper finish. A very fun thing to sip that would go exceptionally well with a flan or even a cheese course.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Avión Reserva 44 Extra Añejo
Distiller Score 94
There's deep vanilla, salted caramel, and cappuccino on the nose, along with cinnamon, clove, and mild jalapeño--and that's just on the first couple of whiffs. There's much more going on here. On the palate, there is a smooth harmony not unlike what shows in some very mature cognac. The agave flavor doesn't hide behind the oak influenced flavors, it rides along beside them, peeking out once in a while to remind you this is indeed tequila. The finish is long, creamy, and deeply complex.
Reviewed by Paul Belbusti
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Dulce Vida Extra Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 97
A vanilla sweetness on the nose is bolstered by dark chocolate infused with chili and cinnamon and abetted by caramel and honey. On the palate there's a suggestion of rhum agricole made more macho with agave and spice. The finish is lovely and lingering, its heat banked beautifully but still apparent. For sipping by said fire with a faithful spaniel--or significant other.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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Código 1530 Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 86
A lush and ripe añejo that marries the natural sweetness of French oak and agave quite well. Rich aromas of fresh fig, honey, melon, and chili fill the glass. The palate is subtle with vanilla and pear on the entry, and closing with a peppery finish. An elegant sipper for any añejo fan.
Reviewed by Colin Howard
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Suerte Extra Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 90
The extended time in Jack Daniels barrels has softened and rounded the Extra Añejo. The nose offers cherry, chocolate and oak. The creamy mouthfeel on the palate is reminiscent of flan, with agave on the back end. The long finish lingers with holiday spices, agave and a hint of smoke.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Tequila Ocho Añejo "La Magueyera" 2014
Distiller Score 89
People often think "sweet" when it comes to añejo, but this one stands out in the crowd. Like a good mole, there are flavors of cocoa and buttery richness, but it's also quite vegetal and peppery. It finishes surprisingly clean with a sweet-saltiness, giving it a distinctly elegant and restrained style.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Patrón Añejo Tequila Sherry Cask Aged
Distiller Score 87
Agave syrup and clover honey appear first on the nose, along with dried fruits such as pineapple rings and apricots, and fresh tropical fruit including papaya and mango. The palate is dry, with a strong nutty and saline sherry characteristic, along with roasted agave, and dark chocolate covered pretzels. The finish offers tannic oak, lemon peel, green olives, and menthol.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Expresiones del Corazón Sazerac Rye Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 92
Verdict: more tequila distilleries need to get on board with rye barrel aging! The classic sweet bell pepper and brine tastes of agave take on an unusual potpourri of fresh berry fruit, cinnamon, orange blossom, vanilla, cashew nuts, sage and spearmint. The burst of flavors ends with a pleasant pop of peppery heat, possibly owing to its higher proof.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Tequila El Mayor Single Estate Los Lobos Plantation Blanco
Distiller Score 94
Aromas of jalapeño skin, cinnamon stick, aloe, and white chocolate combine for a beguiling nose on this luxury tequila. In the mouth the spirit explodes with a salty mineral tang before showing its powerful baked agave stone fruit. A gently spicy finish rounds out the experience and lingers after tasting.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Don Julio 1942 Tequila
Distiller Score 92
The aromas are a combination of butterscotch, dried grass, and old wood. On the palate, the tequila is full and creamy with white pepper, mint, and cinnamon joining in on the sweet caramels. There's a slickness that stays with you and helps to cushion the alcohol. The finish is long with a taste reminiscent of churros (fritters) dipped in Mexican chocolate.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Tequila Ocho Añejo "Los Corrales" 2010
Distiller Score 91
On the nose, the añejo starts with earthy baked agave balanced with lavender, dried fruit and holiday spices. More interplay between fruit and spice on the palate, with agave, roasted peppers and brown sugar. Coffee, nutmeg and a hint of oak on the finish.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang