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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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El Tesoro Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 93
Cooked agave aroma dominates the nose while the barrel aromas like cinnamon, vanilla, and chocolate are mixed in. If you've had the reposado, this one is a little softer and slightly more sweet. A lovely sipping tequila to have in place of dessert. Although, if you want to add this tequila to your Mexican hot chocolate, that would also be acceptable.
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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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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Don Julio Primavera
Distiller Score 86
Expressed orange peels and roasted agave lead on the nose, followed by salted caramel and overripe pineapples. The palate showcases baker's chocolate and bitter citrus pith, as well as candied orange slices. A moderate length finish offers oak, spice, oleo saccharum, and a combination of musty cellar and dusty leather.
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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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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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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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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Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 90
Pale straw in color, the tequila begins with notes of fresh citrus and butterscotch on the nose. Oak comes across strongly on the initial attack, giving way to caramel, brown sugar, and vanilla. The finish has rich, lingering notes of butterscotch and caramel notes.
Reviewed by Katrina Niemisto
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Roca Patrón Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 89
The añejo tequila has a pleasant amount of baking spices on your palate along with maple syrup and vanilla. The agave notes come through on the palate and the tequila has a rich, full quality in your mouth.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Don Fulano Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 89
Green pepper and cocoa are flavors that match surprisingly well as they waft out of the glass. A pleasant hit of vanilla pops up around the palate, along with candied orange peel, ginger and slightly bitter black tea. It's surprisingly earthy for añejo, but in a pleasing way, making it less sweet and dessert-like and more like an aperitif.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster