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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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Herencia Mexicana Extra Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 91
Thick and viscous with a chocolaty nose accompanied by raisins, dried Açaí berries, Tootsie Rolls, dried figs, and a range of other fruits. It taste like dessert with those same flavors found on the nose along with apple pie dusted with vanilla and cinnamon. A very fruit-driven tequila with a slight grainy quality like a whisky, very chewy tactile texture.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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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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Clase Azul Tequila Reposado
Distiller Score 97
Everything that the plata is is doubled in the reposado. The nose is very subtle with floral notes of jasmine, apple cider, honey and cinnamon. Wet earth and vanilla combine to give the first sip a rustic but refined mouthfeel. Notes of tobacco and chamomile, anise and clove interweave into a beautiful bouquet you won't soon forget.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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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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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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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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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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Partida Roble Fino Añejo
Distiller Score 92
Of the three in this series (the others include Cristalino and Reposado) this one has the most complexity. It's surprisingly on the drier side, with a bit of earthiness along with flavors of orange peel (almost like a flamed orange peel for an Old Fashioned), mango tartness, red bell pepper, sweet and peppery spices and a hint of cappuccino. It would be an excellent accompaniment to a square of plain dark chocolate.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Partida Roble Fino Reposado
Distiller Score 87
The aroma wafting from the glass is much sweeter than the impression this tequila makes on the palate. Plenty of vanilla and caramel (like flan) coat the tongue, but there's a roasted agave note that cuts through the sweetness, and just enough herbal funk that keeps it from tasting too overoaked and sweet.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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El Tesoro Extra Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 92
This extra añejo tequila has a slightly golden hue and a mellow aroma of roasted agave, vanilla and walnuts. The flavor of this tequila is warm and inviting, with hints of chocolate, buttery toffee and cinnamon-flecked orange marmalade.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Patrón Cask Collection Sherry Añejo
Distiller Score 95
Burnt amber in the glass, a touch deeper than a traditional añejo, as a result of its nonconventional cooperage. Out of the bottle comes aromas of roasted almonds and brûléed banana. The nose carries true onto the tongue, particularly upon first sip, where a nuttiness makes itself immediately known. Appearing in the back palate are notes of vanilla and baking spice, enduring in their presence as they ride the wave of the liquid's rich mouthfeel. A supremely satisfying balance between distillate and cooperage.
Reviewed by Brad Japhe