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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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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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Herradura Legend Tequila
Distiller Score 93
The grooved barrels have certainly influenced the aroma with oak and char smoke coming through along with dried herbs and toasted nuts. The tequila is medium full and shows the peppery agave notes that are found in Herradura tequila. The aftertaste is earthy and bittersweet and the tequila feels warm in your chest. The fact that these are new barrels rather than used bourbon allows the tequila to retain the peppery and herbal quality in the tequila.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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El Tesoro 85th Anniversary Extra Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 96
The aroma from the tequila is wonderfully complex with a mix of cedary wood, ripe agaves, barrel spices, a touch of vanilla, some caramel and a mix of wildflowers. The flavors on the palate move to a darker profile, and while the oak barrels are dominant, there is still an herbal/vegetal agave note to be found. Finish has a charred oak quality which enhances the peppery agave notes adding another layer of complexity. A mature tequila with gravitas which leans more herbal and spicy than sweet and dessert-like. Serve neat.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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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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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El Tesoro Mundial Collection: Laphroaig Edition (2023 Release)
Distiller Score 90
The aroma brings to mind a lightly smoked mezcal. There's also a savory smoked meat scent and bright tropical fruit accents. The peat flavors from the Laphroaig casks present moderately and there's some medicinal accents here which fans of the single malt will enjoy. The mid palate is where you'll find the cooked agave flavors as well as an earthy, mossy taste. The finish is dry with a peppery bite and a smoked meat taste. Definitely a tequila with lots going on.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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 "El Carrizal" 2008
Distiller Score 92
An unexpected oyster liquor sets the tone for the briny, floral nose along with mint and lime. The viscous palate offers rich layers of baked agave, caramel, plantains, and hints of cocoa and dark chocolate. The warm and lingering finish offers more cooked agave, mint, notes of orange peel and oak.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Gran Patrón Smoky Tequila
Distiller Score 79
Campfire smoke and chocolate combine on the nose in smores-like fashion, with baked apples and agave. The palate is oily and phenolic with burnt rubber, asphalt, and diesel, along with roasty agave, black pepper, and limes. The finish is sharp, with bell peppers, light vanilla, and lemongrass. All told, it's lacking balance and depth.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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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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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