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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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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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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
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Fuenteseca Reserva Extra Añejo Tequila 9 Años
Distiller Score 98
Utterly distinguished, the nose starts with sweet treble notes of nutmeg, cardamom and allspice. On the palate, baked apple and syrupy agave flavors are bounded by subtle vanillin, raw sugar cane and pipe tobacco. The spirit really melds well with the wood here; this is likely in part due to the focus and restrain of the column-distillate that forms a preponderance of the blend. There is less raw agave character than some might want, but it is a compelling vision of what aged tequila can be, with the delicacy and refinement of a fine Cognac. A singular masterpiece.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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Casa Dragones Reposado Mizunara
Distiller Score 95
The tequila is a marriage of the agave herbaceous notes and the warm, toasted barrel spices coming through with the Mizunara oak. From the first nosing, you know you're about to drink a tequila, but the gentle cedar/incense-like note is a new sensation paired with an aged agave spirit—no vanilla, no smoke, and no whiskey flavors. The tequila is moderately full on the palate, and a touch sweet, but the spice factor comes in a bit stronger on the palate than the nose. The oak adds a soft tannic structure to the tequila, but the agave sweetness smooths out the rough edges. It's labeled correctly as a "sipping tequila" as you'll definitely want to take your time with this one.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Tequila Ocho Extra Añejo "San Agustin" 2009
Distiller Score 93
Pale golden in color, the aroma is spicy yet sweet. Notes of spice-poached pears, and a touch of Tellicherry black pepper are found. San Agustin is starting to develop this perfume-like acidity in the palate that bounces back and forth between sweet and dry. The highly floral ending has a kiss of cacao and coffee.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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Mijenta Tequila Añejo Gran Reserva
Distiller Score 97
The nose shows a myriad of aromas including roasted coffee beans, hazelnuts, cinnamon, milk chocolate frosting, butterscotch and a very light cherry wood scent. The agave aromas come through a bit stronger on the palate than the nose showing a leafy green back note along with dried tobacco leaves. The sweet level is moderate. Often añejo tequilas can become quite dominating with vanilla and oak. Here, the wood varieties each have a chance to shine while not letting you forget you're drinking tequila. Lots going on here so take your time sipping this one.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Tequila
Distiller Score 90
Dark with rich, syrupy legs in the glass, this tequila entices with aromas of fresh vanilla-fudge, medium oak and roasted agave. The mouthfeel is thick and unctuous, providing the perfect vehicle for deep oak, agave, roasted pineapple, vanilla pound-cake and piloncillo sugar. Hints of saddle leather, cinnamon, red apple and pear are evident, and a big, rich finish satisfies with more vanilla, oak, and roasted apple all which are slow to retreat.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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Dulce Vida Extra Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 97
A vanilla sweetness on the nose is bolstered by dark chocolate infused with chili and cinnamon and abetted by caramel and honey. On the palate there's a suggestion of rhum agricole made more macho with agave and spice. The finish is lovely and lingering, its heat banked beautifully but still apparent. For sipping by said fire with a faithful spaniel--or significant other.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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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