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Don Julio Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 95
On the nose, vanilla and caramel are enlivened by a hint of spice and underpinned by cooked agave. The palate is extremely pretty (in only the best way), with honey and agave nectar added to the mix, along with lashings of pepper. The finish is consistent, though oddly less persistent than the blanco--perhaps due to its suavity.
Reviewed by Ron Bechtol
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Chinaco Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 96
Rich, dense and oily, this long-aged tequila has lots of swagger. What strikes me most about this product is the interplay between the herbal-peppery agave flavors and wood-derived vanilla and toffee. Mediating the struggle are wonderful warm notes of candied citrus, honey, and smoky bacon. Some might find the jumble of seemingly-unrelated flavors a little overwhelming, but I can't help but be compelled by its flamboyant intensity.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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Fortaleza Blanco Tequila
Distiller Score 94
Fortaleza Blanco Tequila is a tequila that manages to be fairly balanced in its earthy, vegetal, and sweet agave notes. It has an average mouth-feel without being slick or too sweet. Raw pineapple, green olives, and lime round out the palate. The finish is only slightly bitter and is dry, but not bone dry. This is a tequila that has a solid character and is a good yardstick by which to measure other valley tequilas.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Fortaleza Reposado Tequila
Distiller Score 92
Upon first whiff, the aroma lures you in with notes such as roasted pears, vanilla, toast, and citrus zest. Cinnamon, oak char, bananas and warm cream follow soon after. No surprises on the palate as you are piqued with notes of much of the same along with clotted cream, pineapple, sage and black pepper. Moderately tannic, medium bodied, fresh and lush with tons of agave sweetness. This is a VERY impressive offering that helps lift the reposado category out of the margins.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Código 1530 Reposado Tequila
Distiller Score 90
The agave aromas have a nice orange peel accent, followed by a savory tomato leaf note. Tropical fruits and cayenne pepper take center stage on the palate. There is a pleasantly dry finish, like a light dash of coco powder, that highlights the French oak influence.
Reviewed by Colin Howard
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Tequila ArteNOM Selección de 1146 Añejo
Distiller Score 94
The nose of Tequila ArteNOM Selección de 1146 Añejo is quite peculiar with butterscotch, quickly followed by grape "drink" (You know, the “purple stuff” in the back of the fridge in all of those Sunny D commercials). The aroma then progresses to freshly-squeezed orange juice, cinnamon, vanilla and cocoa. The palate is like a not-too-sweet dessert, with dense, chewy notes of toffee, walnuts, orange flan. The finish highlights Mexican dessert flavors like vanilla, cinnamon-sugar, and Mexican chocolate.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Tequila Tapatio Blanco 110
Distiller Score 90
The peppery spices are the first thing to come to the fore, then flavors open up to classic agave notes of bell peppers, grapefruit, mushroom and lime. A sweet note of vanilla ties it together before moving into a hot, cinnamon, slightly smoky finish. In all, the flavors are very strong, which is the whole point. Try it in a Margarita and for once you can taste more than lime, sugar and salt.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Expresiones del Corazón Buffalo Trace Reposado (2nd Release)
Distiller Score 92
A warm and roasty style of reposado, that manages to use the flavors from the bourbon barrel to enhance, rather than hide, the inherent character of the agave. It's more earthy and smoky, rather than sweet, but with spearmint and vanilla notes. A tart minerality and warm spice balance out the caramel flavors, making this the perfect reposado for those who prefer it on the drier side.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Gran Centenario Reposado Tequila
Distiller Score 92
The contact with the charred oak manifests in a spicy, peppery style of reposado with a delightfully smoky kick. Chili peppers and cinnamon spice fan out a bit on the palate to reveal vegetal and tropical fruity notes. Very pleasant to sip.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Fortaleza Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 97
A hint of sweet spice is sometimes the best way to enhance a green vegetable. Here cinnamon, nutmeg and clove bring out the flavor of sweet cooked agave (sort of like sugar snap peas), with hints of caramel, vanilla, coffee and toasted oak. The finish is bright and spicy with a measured sweetness adding to the agave flavors.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Don Julio Reposado Double Cask Lagavulin Finish
Distiller Score 93
With a very pale straw hue, this Scotch barrel-finished tequila has an interesting aroma, with hints of cinnamon, honey and menthol. It's crisp on the palate, with notes of sweet fig, jalapeño flesh, oak, baking spice, and a hint of smokiness toward the end.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald
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Herradura Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 92
Rich aromas of agave, chocolate, pineapple and dried cherry appear along with oak and vanilla tones. In the mouth, this is a rich and mouth-coating spirit, with flavors similar to the nose creating a lively counterpoint to the cinnamon and caramel also found. The finish is long and lasting, with gentle fruit notes giving way to a soft cinnamon note with hints of earth and minerality.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff