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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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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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Mezcales de Leyenda Puebla
Distiller Score 95
A light campfire smoke marries fantastically with dulce de leche and apple cake aromas in this spirit's fantastic nose. The palate shows more dry and mineral flavors with a blast of sea salt and brined lemon that carry a delicious savory character. The finish has a pleasant spice note and lingering mango fruit flavors. A very complex sipping mezcal.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Don Amado Añejo Mezcal
Distiller Score 96
This is truly a regal take on what many consider to be a rustic product. There are savory, mesquite aromas that hint at a backyard barbecue and toasted cayenne pepper, but these flavors flow deftly between layers of succulent tones of baked stone fruit from the strong brandy barrel influence. The palate continues in similar form with with notes of grilled pineapple and finish with a bright saline minerality for a long, refreshing coda. Don Amado Añejo Mezcal shows amazing complexity beyond smoke and is a great example of how barrel flavors can complement rather than mask agave’s wild charms.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Del Maguey Tepextate Mezcal
Distiller Score 92
The nose is a bit unexpected with a blast of anise supported with lemon and black pepper. Its taste is a bit more typical (but certainly not boring) with vibrant notes of guava, Meyer lemon zest, and hint of fresh mint. It is vibrant, refreshing and profoundly crowd pleasing.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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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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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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Mezcales de Leyenda San Luis Potosí
Distiller Score 93
This fabulous spirit has a complex nose of celery salt, seawater, and tangerine zest. Far from a smoke bomb, this spirit captures an elegant and pure style of mezcal. The mineral flavors provide an excellent framework for tones of grilled pineapple and toasted jalapeño. The finish has a bit of heat but lots of sweet fruit. Very good sipping mezcal.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Los Vecinos del Campo Tobalá Mezcal
Distiller Score 89
On the nose this mezcal has a rich and sweet roasted agave aroma with hints of grapefruit rind and salinity. It's flavor is rich, with rounded notes of sweet, barbecued tropical fruits and a palate-tingling spice. Very easy to sip.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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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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Del Maguey San Jose Rio Minas Mezcal
Distiller Score 93
This is a very fruit-driven style of mezcal; pineapples jump out of the glass and right into your nose. White flowers, sheet rock, white pepper, and candied orange accented with the savoriness of smoked meats follow. These aromas follow suit on the palate along with melon, beeswax, and pine. This is a very lush and chewy mezcal.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat