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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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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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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 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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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