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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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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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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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Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal
Distiller Score 94
As with many traditionally made mezcals there can be batch variation and the Chichicapa is no exception. That said, what you should expect on the nose is for there to be an intense and not shy aroma. Sweet and savory with notes of butterscotch, burnt sugar, fireworks, pine, grilled pineapple and freshly snapped green beans. Much of that is mirrored on the palate but with emphasis on: tamarind, butterscotch, smoky bacon, grilled pineapple and sea salt. Truly a bold spirit. Lush, rich, fatty, sweet, savory and contemplative. All while accomplishing the rare feat of being both filling and refreshing!
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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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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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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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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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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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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Mezcal Marca Negra Espadín
Distiller Score 92
An interesting bouquet, with fresh agave, mint, peaches, herbs and athletic tape. A hint of a medicinal, smoky quality wafts in the air. On the palate, an initial wave of sweet agave gives way to white pepper, then cooked agave, with an undertone of baked fruit. Freshly zested lime peel is next, the flavors coming so fast that it almost feels like a rollercoaster ride. Things finish off with a note reminiscent of campfire embers, and a hint of graham cracker peeking through the smoke.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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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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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