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Tears of Llorona Extra Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 96
Displaying an amber/caramel color, Tears shows some slight bubbles on the edge of the glass (a traditional sign of quality), and puts out aromas of caramel flan, dark chocolate, vanilla and dried fruit. On the palate it's the same in spades, with a little added spice and sweetness from the sherry barrels--and yet Tears is still agave at heart. What a relief.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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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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Mezcal Los Siete Misterios Pechuga
Distiller Score 98
The mezcal starts off soft with fruity aromatic notes of papaya orange, and honeydew melon, as well as herbal aromas of hoja santa and mint with a touch of clove. The palate follows suit with the addition of pear, plantain and acacia honey making it even more complex. If you find one don't hesitate to pick up!
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Del Maguey Pechuga Mezcal
Distiller Score 95
An intriguing and appealing aroma of anise, almond, licorice, fig jam and cinnamon candle with prunes, pine needles and dates just beneath the surface. Velvety soft but not laid back on the tongue. A lot of good stuff going on here--peppery cinnamon in the form of red hots, along with cloves, star anise and cedar. A most elegant and complex mezcal with the smoke taking a back seat. Lots of sweetness to balance out the 49% alcohol makes it almost easy to drink. Don't miss a chance to sip this.
Reviewed by Kelley Slagle
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Casa Dragones Sipping Tequila Joven
Distiller Score 91
Vibrant and ethereal on the nose, with haunting tangerine, sea salt, pepper, and sandalwood aromas, the flavor profile transitions to pear and starfruit in the mouth, with the barrel-aged component really coming through in the nutty, minty, satisfying finish. The overall impression is characterized by a cool freshness that suggests rainwater, and the soft, effortless texture certainly sustains that impression. Could this be almost too easy to drink?
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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Tequila Tapatio Excelencia Gran Reserva Lot 1
Distiller Score 97
Given this is one of the most aged tequilas on the market, it tastes surprisingly vibrant. Sure, there are heavily-raisinated, dried fruit, dark caramel, banana, and sweet vanilla flavors. However, that's not the only thing going on here. Strong, funky herbal notes of sage, thyme and dill poke through. You can still taste the peppery vegetal properties of the agave, and there's a lemony acidity to round it out. Given how old it is, it actually has more complexity and finesse than some añejos a fraction of its age.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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El Jolgorio Arroqueño Mezcal
Distiller Score 97
This is a mezcal that commands your full attention with a rollercoaster of aromas and flavors, most of them on the fruity side, some natural and some artificial flavors. On the nose, cactus pear, aloe vera, durian, cotton candy, Runts fruit candy and lime zest to name a few. The journey continues on the palate with ash, watermelon, sweet apple, and blossom water. This is an extremely expressive mezcal that just leaps out of the glass.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Real Minero Barril Mezcal
Distiller Score 96
The natural characteristics of the agave play brilliantly with the flavors of the clay. It is lush with aromas of grass, cucumber, celery, and fresh pear. The palate offers another dimension with smoked meat, ripe plantain, dried papaya, and a deep clay note in the mid-palate. The intensity of this mezcal might catch you off guard but it quickly lulls you with stellar complexity and balance.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Dos Hombres Tobalá
Distiller Score 91
There's a floral flourish on the nose with lavender and clover honey, followed by raspberries, and phenolics in the form of black pepper and asphalt. On the palate, find cedar, dandelion greens, and grassy notes, along with fresh sugar cane and dark chocolate brownies. The finish is clean with macerated strawberries, grilled pineapples, and burnt caramel.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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The Lost Explorer Mezcal Salmiana
Distiller Score 86
The nose is zesty and herbal, with clover honey and wildflowers alongside grapefruits and tangerines. The palate is grassy and green, with arugula, cilantro and dandelions. The finish then takes a surprising turn, bursting with violets and bunches of red grapes dusted with sugar, as well as molasses, wintergreen, jalapeno, and sassafras.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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OAX Original Tepeztate
Distiller Score 93
Green bell peppers and fresh cracked black peppercorns kick off a nose which also features expressed lemon peel and wafting campfire. The palate is funky, floral, and resinous, with lavender, grapefruit, bitter-herbal epazote, and balsamic glaze. The finish offers tres leches cake, spearmint, spicy jalapeno, and agave syrup. If this is the kind of thing you're into, it's a home run.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Gran Patrón Burdeos Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 96
With a beautiful dark amber color, this tequila's aroma is what you would expect from a spirit finished in Bordeaux barrels: rich and slightly oaky with a hint of sweet dried fruit. On the palate, agave notes meld beautifully with equally rich vanilla and oak. This tequila's intensity and depth will have you rethinking what aged tequila can be. It's best enjoyed neat or over a large ice cube.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald