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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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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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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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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 Rosa Tequila
Distiller Score 91
Fragrant aromas proclaim a valley origin - green olives, pickle brine and green beans - and pop from this tequila and continue through the taste, joined by a slight tannic bite and fruitiness. It rolls across the palate with plenty of spice, agave and brine, a lip-smacking and robust blanco with a little something extra
Reviewed by Jack Robertiello
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Siete Leguas Añejo Tequila
Distiller Score 90
Light golden bronze in color. Warm, intense nose of cedar, browned butter, vanilla frosting, and butterscotch, with hints of bell pepper, banana, and apple. Full bodied but not oily, warm cinnamon, vanilla, and just barely noticeable barrel tannins give a nice structure to the mouth feel. More restrained and less sweet than many other añejos make this a sophisticated sipper. Enjoy neat, on the rocks or in a classic booze-forward cocktail.
Reviewed by Kelley Slagle
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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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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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Mijenta Tequila Blanco
Distiller Score 86
The nose gets started with grapefruit peel and pith, plenty of vegetal and grassy notes, lemon juice, and cotton candy. The palate offers grilled pineapples, vanilla, and waxy honey, moving into a finish with toffee, black pepper, a bowl of freshly made oleo saccharum with citrus peels and sugar, and moderate minerality. Bright citrus through and through.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Casa Dragones Tequila Blanco
Distiller Score 84
The aroma shows a sweet and herbaceous note, particularly mint and something akin to tree bark. The sweetness continues on the palate initially before ending in a slightly bitter and musky finish. The tequila is fairly neutral otherwise and would appeal to those just getting into the category.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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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