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Del Maguey VIDA Mezcal
Distiller Score 84
The nose opens with the expected smoke, follows with roasted agave, tobacco, and well-worn (and recently ridden) saddle leather, and finishes with a hit of white pepper. On the palate the smoke is initially veiled by roasted fruit (think grilled grapefruit brushed with brown sugar and orange juice), cinnamon spice and hint of salinity underpinned by a welcome oiliness. The smoke and tobacco return for an after-dinner cigar on the finish.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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Mezcal Alipús San Andres
Distiller Score 91
The smoked notes hover over cooked vegetables, earthy mushroom, and sweet tobacco aromas. A sweet and fruity note is found among it all. The body isn't rich but there's a touch of an oily quality to the mouth-feel. The roasted smoke notes come through fairly strong while some cherry fruit greets you on the finish.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Don Julio Blanco Tequila
Distiller Score 94
The nose is bright and sassy with fresh agave aromas bolstered by some lemon and grapefruit. A little smoke accompanies pear and citrus peel on the palate. The flavors persist on the finish with agave making a return appearance, along with some lingering pepper. The blanco is a stainless fist in a glove of terciopelo (a pit-viper snake)--seductive and velvety on the surface, steely and smart on further acquaintance.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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Herradura Silver Tequila
Distiller Score 84
This is something unusual, a "white" tequila with distinct wood-derived notes, not aged for long enough to be a reposado. The brief aging complements the agave character nicely; rather than smoothing off some of the rough edges, the barrel spice actually accentuates the raw, vegetal character of this tequila, contributing notes of black pepper, coriander, and sandalwood. Great in citrus-based drinks where you want a little more complexity, but a reposado would be out of place.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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Wahaka Mezcal Espadín
Distiller Score 91
The crisp, clean nose opens up with smoke and vegetal notes. The creamy palate starts with pepper and holiday spices, as well as leather, agave notes and hints of dried fruit, before giving way to a savory and smoky back-end. The warm and lingering finish offers notes of vanilla, pepper and more smoke.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Alacrán Joven Mezcal
Distiller Score 87
The Scorpion announces its presence warily with some smoke, hints of cured meat and whiffs of tobacco, encouraging one to approach. On the palate, sensations become sharper: a bite of woody smoke, amplified by dried citrus peel and Mexican oregano. Having done its deed, the stinger withdraws to allow for a banked-heat finish that is unexpectedly (and deceptively) pretty.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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Suerte Blanco Tequila
Distiller Score 87
The herbaceous nose initially offers freshly cut grass and hay, as well as lime and agave. The slow-cooking process comes through in the earthy, vegetal palate that provides the foundation for tropical fruit and spice, giving way to a bright finish with citrus and pepper notes.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Scorpion Mezcal Reposado
Distiller Score 88
The bouquet is elegant, with gentle oak, vanilla and cooked agave notes along with a bit of white pepper, canned peach, and jasmine. On the palate, a big wave of smoke comes first, crashing onto the palate, As the smoke clears, cooked agave, white pepper, oak and cinnamon appear before a finish that features a vegetal, chile pepper-note, along with a bit of campfire smoke, a slight earthiness and more cooked agave.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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Tequila Tapatio Blanco
Distiller Score 90
Lots of character here, with raw, juicy agave notes overlaying a base of licorice, black pepper, and tar. Lively and pungent, it's surprisingly light-textured and has a clean, mineral finish. While it's quite sippable, it's clear they were going for maximum complexity and flavor impact rather than refinement or palate-coating richness.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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Sotol Por Siempre
Distiller Score 96
The nose features lime and grapefruit peel along with a bit of white pepper and a hint of florality. A bit of earthiness also presents itself, and just a whisper of smoke appears. On the palate, the entry is slightly sweet, with wet cement and saddle leather notes, before a rush of smoke and white pepper. Underneath, there is still an evident sweetness and some herbal notes before a nice finish of campfire smoke and leather. This sotol is an excellent example of the quality that can be achieved with skilled hands handling the distillation of the desert spoon plant.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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Mezcal El Silencio Espadín
Distiller Score 87
There's definitely a little mustiness to this mezcal with some earthy clay notes, moderate smoke, and fresh green herbs. There's also a metallic tinge floating around. The palate is much like the aroma with no discernable fruit and little sweetness. If you fear the funk, best to use this mezcal in cocktails rather than for sipping, but if that is something you can embrace, by all means, sip away.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Código 1530 Blanco Tequila
Distiller Score 92
A robust blanco that exercises a charming patience in the expression of its flavors. Sparked by the baker's yeast, the nose is layered with wafts of cactus flower, lemon peel, lavender, and earl grey tea. A lush and centered palate opens with fresh green pepper and guava, then tempered by peppery flashes along the edges and in the finish. Great sipping tequila with lots of character.
Reviewed by Colin Howard