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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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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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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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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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Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Reposado
Distiller Score 86
Honey roasted peanuts and agave show up first on the nose, with milk chocolate covered berries, and tropical fruits highlighted by mango. The palate offers fruit salad in sugary syrup, grilled pineapples, and mint. Towards the back, the wood spice and tannins of the French oak make their presence felt, leading into a vegetal and grassy finish, with bitter lemon pith and char-blistered peppers.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Cincoro Añejo
Distiller Score 93
Salty chocolate-covered pretzels are prominent on the nose, drizzled with caramel, along with agave nectar and roasted artichokes. The palate begins with an herbaceous and grassy profile, segueing into butterscotch, lemon zest, and a savory-sweet collection of spices like you'd find in a barbecue rub. The finish is sweet and lingering, with cocoa powder, milk chocolate, mesquite and leather.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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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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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 El Cielo
Distiller Score 90
The aroma displays notes of ripe agave, lime peel, wet stones and a green herbaceous quality. It's sweet/tart on the the tongue and has a medium-light body. The flavors are much like the aroma with a citrus-forward and stony minerality coming. The finish is peppery and has a moderate length. Would agree with Patrón's suggested serve: pour over ice with a slice of orange.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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