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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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Del Maguey Arroqueño Mezcal
Distiller Score 98
The nose and palate display very disparate characteristics but only work to enhance the depth and complexity of this experience. The aromas are dominated by roasted corn, black pepper, salt, dried chilies, fresh-cut foliage and subtle baking spices, specifically Ceylon cinnamon. Mouthwatering on the palate, the mezcal is extremely high-toned, dominated by Kaffir lime and other citrus, cedar, and fresh-cut agave blades. Overall, a brilliantly seductive mezcal with rich body and a long deep finish.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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El Jolgorio Tobalá Mezcal
Distiller Score 96
The nose on this tobalá smells of bubblegum, agave mash, pine, and lemon zest. The palate is surprisingly fresh and precise. The textbook tobalá brine is front and center followed by taffy, cedar, Smarties candy, finger bananas and ash. The flavor combination is unexpected but they strike an intriguing balance.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Mezcal Vago Tobalá
Distiller Score 95
Warm but fresh; masculine but delicate, this is just a joy to smell and to drink. Cool, leafy aromatics of wintergreen, aloe, and green peppercorns begin your journey. Next, the green hues fade to black on the palate with plenty of tar, black pepper, wood smoke, and candle wax. The slightest undercurrent of pear and melon keeps things fresh and dynamic. Quite classy and refined.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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La Venenosa Sierra del Tigre (Orange Label)
Distiller Score 92
A very different experience all around with the nose bringing aromas such as aged gouda, orange, mango, herbs, “barnyard” notes, and agave pulp. It is completely different on the palate. Tons of lush ripe fruit notes such as papaya, passion fruit, ripe mango, and tangerine flood your senses before those barnyard aromas come back with dashes of cocoa and black pepper. Rich and beautifully textured it is arguably the most compelling and definitely the most approachable member of the Venenosa line up.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Wahaka Mezcal Joven Madre Cuishe
Distiller Score 95
Fruity and herbaceous on the nose, with lime and agave notes standing out. There is a noticeable minerality, umami and earthiness as well as notes of white pepper and grilled pineapple which the warmer temperatures and drier conditions of the volcanic terrain seem to have brought out in the mezcal. The dry, medium finish shows hints of grass and citrus.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Ilegal Mezcal Añejo
Distiller Score 94
Each expression of Ilegal tastes of a smoky music club, with strong vegetal funk and earthy bass notes. This more mature version adds a touch of honeyed sweetness, and the smokiness also starts to veer toward the toasty sweet side, heading close to vanilla and milk chocolate territory. A salty undertone keeps it fresh.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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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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Wahaka Mezcal Joven Ensamble
Distiller Score 94
The nose is unmistakably Tobalá - distinctively herbaceous and floral. The volcanic terrain of the Madre Cuishe offers earthiness and minerality on the full-bodied palate, along with citrus and pepper notes. The Espadín ties it all together with an underpinning of agave and light smoke that carries through on the long finish.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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El Jolgorio Espadín Mezcal
Distiller Score 94
Like many espadín mezcals, the El Jolgorio is approachable, starting with an herbaceous nose of roasted agave and mint. The bright, savory palate has notes of citrus, basil, oregano and rosemary. The warm and lingering finish continues with smoke, agave and minerality.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Wahaka Mezcal Tobalá
Distiller Score 95
The nose is sweet and floral, with a distinctive herbaceousness that is one of the tobalá’s signatures. The palate offers notes of mango and pineapple, grass, as well as cinnamon and allspice. The creamy finish is smooth and lengthy, with more tropical fruit, herbal notes and hints of caramel and cloves.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Mezcal Marca Negra Dobadán
Distiller Score 93
Notes of agave, white pepper, grapefruit peel and green pepper appear on the nose. On the palate, this enters surprisingly mild, with a soft agave and piloncillo sugar note, with a touch of white pepper and molasses. It then erupts into a haze of herbal smoke, with cooked ancho chile, bitter herbs, and lemon peel before finishing with a medicinal, lozenge-like note. If a shaman's house burned down, this is what the air would likely smell like. This is a complex and challenging mezcal, yet one that delivers flavor in spades.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff