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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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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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Gracias a Dios Mezcal Tobalá
Distiller Score 94
Though this mezcal certainly contains all the things tobalá aficionados crave, it does so with some restraint. Bandaid-like rubberiness, strong smoke and stewed peppers are the dominant flavors, but with some sweet tropical notes and even some fresh mint. Accents of black pepper, portobello mushroom and dark chocolate add more intrigue to this viscous and nuanced spirit.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Nocheluna Sotol
Distiller Score 90
The aromas here are a diverse mix of green leaves, roasted peppers, earthy clay, and a touch of rubber with a top note of pineapple. The sotol feels soft on the palate and there's a bit of smoke throughout, but it just accents the herbaceous, earthy and savory flavors in the sotol. If you're up for an adventure, you'll be happy with this purchase. Would sip, but totally fine to mix as well.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Wahaka Mezcal Joven Ensamble
Distiller Score 94
The nose is unmistakably Tobalá - distinctively herbaceous and floral. The volcanic terrain of the Madre Cuishe offers earthiness and minerality on the full-bodied palate, along with citrus and pepper notes. The Espadín ties it all together with an underpinning of agave and light smoke that carries through on the long finish.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Wahaka Mezcal Reposado con Gusano
Distiller Score 92
The nose is floral and smoky, offering notes of agave and tobacco. On the smooth and balanced palate, there are notes of roasted agave, vanilla, butterscotch, oak and a light smoke. The dry, medium finish offers grassy and subtle vegetal notes, citrus peel, a hint of almond, and a wisp of smoke at the end.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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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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Mezcal Pierde Almas Espadín
Distiller Score 89
The nose is bright and floral with a bit of smoke, hints of citrus and tropical fruit. The palate is smooth on entry, with agave notes upfront that give way to more fruit notes that include banana, apple and orange peel. The lingering finish continues with more agave, as well as a noticeable minerality, anise and subtle smoke.
Reviewed by Daniel Djang
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Patrón Ahumado Reposado
Distiller Score 87
The aroma has a medium-light amount of smoke along with a touch of vanilla and hazelnuts. Meanwhile, the green agave notes are there as a secondary note. Initially the tequila feels soft and lightly sweet on the palate, but it soon becomes a little dry with the oak flavors coming through. There's a peppery bite and warm barrel spices coming through. Overall, there's a nice mix of flavors and textures coming through with the smoke as a gentle back note.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Cráneo Organic Mezcal
Distiller Score 88
A mixture of sweet, roasted agave and smoke greet you on the nose. The roasted quality continues with further trips to the glass with the aromas leading to roast vegetables and ancho chilies. The mezcal is round and soft on the palate with the savory quality continuing on the finish. The finish is tart and gently smoky. One to sip and savor rather than mix.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Patrón Ahumado Silver
Distiller Score 83
The smoky aroma is most prominent, but there's a mild herbaceous note here as well as some stony mineral notes. The tequila feels full and soft on the palate initially and reveals a mix of herbal, earthy, and roasted vegetable notes. Of course the smoke again is here, but it doesn't dominate every other flavor. The tequila has a peppery bite and it feels lightly slick on your palate at the finish. As you exhale after drinking it you are left with a smoke ring on your palate.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Tequila Ocho Plata "Corralillos" 2023
Distiller Score 91
The pleasant aroma displays a green herb and an almost smoky green pepper note. On initial taste, the tequila feels soft and creamy on the palate. The lingering taste offers a range of flavors from herbaceous to earthy to sweet-tart. A complex spirit worthy of sipping.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno