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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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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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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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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
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Don Julio Reposado Tequila
Distiller Score 88
Don Julio Reposado offers less citrus on the nose than the Blanco, and the agave component now comes across as more cooked. The oak seems also to have tamed the original spirit's fruit and citrus (though the pepper remains) while adding a slight bitterness. Better as a mixer than solo, and much improved by a splash of Topo Chico.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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Herradura Double Barrel Reposado Tequila
Distiller Score 90
Sweet agave, fruit, spice and light smoke on the nose. The palate offers more agave, vanilla, allspice, clove and oak. The finish is long and peppery, with notes of agave, dried fruit and nutmeg.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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t1 Tequila Blanco Selecto
Distiller Score 92
On the nose, you’ll find earthy notes paired with stewed agave and green peppercorn, possibly some aromatic geranium leaf. On the palate, its earthier agave character may lack the creaminess of the Ultra Fino, but it more than holds its own with the help of the higher proof--which is discernible only as a foundation; there is no excess heat, just a deeper spice. Food pairing suggestion? Think duck with mole sauce.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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Tequila ArteNOM Selección de 1580 Blanco
Distiller Score 94
The aroma for Tequila ArteNOM Selección de 1580 Blanco leans towards dark, leafy greens and green olives. On the palate which is just slightly slick, you'll find cooked celery, bay leaves, and unsweetened pineapple. As you continue to drink, the savoriness intensifies and you get grilled vegetables. Of course cocktails can be made with this, but the complexities in this blanco make it an ideal sipper.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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El Tesoro Blanco Tequila
Distiller Score 92
The aroma is as if you buried your nose in a green smoothie filled with fresh-cut cabbage, romaine lettuce, kiwi, pear, aloe vera while preparing a beurre noisette (brown butter). These aromas follow on the palate where you’ll also find ripe heirloom carrots, Kaffir limes and roasted pear. This is a classic, flavorful tequila--one that is far from the vodka-like tequilas that are on the market.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Herradura Reposado Tequila
Distiller Score 89
This light golden tequila offers up classic aromas of agave, vanilla, and caramel along with a mild hit of alcohol burn and light notes of orange peel and cedar. On the palate, this is a pleasantly medium bodied tequila, lightly coating the tongue and showcasing a mélange of spice notes, light oak and agave along with vanilla and a slight earthy flavor. The finish is light, with more baking spice flavors and vanilla before ending with a very pleasant agave note.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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Tequila Ocho Plata "Corralillos" 2023
Distiller Score 91
The pleasant aroma displays a green herb and an almost smoky green pepper note. On initial taste, the tequila feels soft and creamy on the palate. The lingering taste offers a range of flavors from herbaceous to earthy to sweet-tart. A complex spirit worthy of sipping.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno