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Clase Azul Tequila Plata
Distiller Score 93
Clase Azul has a very delicate aroma with sweet candied notes of papaya, mango and lemon zest. Quite a sweet sipper with lots of caramelized brown sugar and soft notes of black pepper. The finish is long and strong of with flavors of butterscotch and crystallized honey, almost like an American cream soda.
Reviewed by Brock Schulte
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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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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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123 Organic Añejo (Tres) Tequila
Distiller Score 93
This Valley añejo displays big aromas of vanilla and oak, followed by dark, bitter Baker’s chocolate and sweet ripe peaches. Up front, the flavors are of sharp white pepper and bright lemon peel, followed by rich roasted agave and orange marmalade. Overall, this is a rich and unctuous tequila with a very enjoyable evolution.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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123 Organic Reposado (Dos) Tequila
Distiller Score 93
This reposado offers a great balance between age and youthfulness, displaying herbal and vegetal aromas of grass, mint, and piquillo peppers followed fruit and baked aromas of marzipan, orange peel, cloves and Mexican chocolate. On the palate, there is a lot of fresh agave flavor, a lemony citrus-peel brightness followed by rich salted-caramel and vanilla notes. Overall, a rich and complex reposado offering great variance between spice, fruit and vegetal with a bold agave backbone and delicate minty finish.
Reviewed by Ryan Conklin
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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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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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El Tesoro Reposado Tequila
Distiller Score 91
The nose has mild notes of cinnamon, lime, and chocolate along with a touch of char smoke and mint. The palate is slightly sweet with vanilla and a touch of agave vegetal notes. More mint and lime are found. The finish is clean and refreshing.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Del Maguey Minero Santa Catarina Minas Mezcal
Distiller Score 92
The mezcal shows wet stones, a fair amount of smoke, and dark green vegetation. On the palate, there are high levels of minerals, clay, and more green herbal notes. The mezcal has a tangy quality to it and leads you to a finish which is dry; what lingers is smoke and an almost meaty flavor.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Wahaka Mezcal Joven Madre Cuishe
Distiller Score 95
Fruity and herbaceous on the nose, with lime and agave notes standing out. There is a noticeable minerality, umami and earthiness as well as notes of white pepper and grilled pineapple which the warmer temperatures and drier conditions of the volcanic terrain seem to have brought out in the mezcal. The dry, medium finish shows hints of grass and citrus.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Del Maguey San Luis del Rio Mezcal
Distiller Score 90
The aroma is full of citrus fruits, sweet agave, and an earthy smoke. A touch of clay comes on the palate and this 100% espadín agave mezcal is soft and creamy with much of the same aromas found on the aroma.
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