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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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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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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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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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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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Don Pilar Extra Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 95
Loads of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg,and allspice wash over the tongue, mixing with cocoa flavors, much like a distillate form of Mexican hot cocoa. Herbal notes of rosemary and sweet mint begin to peek out, and allow the inherent flavors of the agave to come through the richness.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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123 Organic Extra Añejo Diablito Tequila
Distiller Score 95
Though this spirit is at a considerable age for a tequila, the aromas wafting from the glass still have the youthful exuberance of fresh agave, with a hint of brown sugar. The palate is a mouth-watering mix of vanilla, stewed agave and cinnamon with toasty oak flavors, orange zest and dill. An intriguing note of sesame adds a richness that tastes a bit like halvah candy, yet it never feels too heavy or weighed down. Though most would reach for this as an after-dinner drink, it's still light enough to enjoy as an aperitif.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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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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Fortaleza Reposado Winter Blend 2021
Distiller Score 92
Sharp spices and a blast of citrus tickle the nose. The palate fans out to spicy notes of ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice and black pepper mixed with rich vanilla, grapefruit zest, cocoa, thyme and rosemary. A faint flavor of red bell pepper adds a fruity kick to this tequila, which has a long, warming finish that has a bit of zesty brightness filtering through the richness.
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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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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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