Ed S. rated 2713d ago

Siempre Tequila Plata (1438)

86 SCORE

“This has been on the "bucket list" for awhile. Originally $74 @ the LCBO here in Ontario, I was lucky enough to stumble upon it on sale for $50.... This tequila is a classic, quality blanco! It is clean, bright, easy drinking, smooth..... lots of cooked agave, a hint of black pepper and citrus....surprises me that this Lowland (Tequila Valle) product tastes so much more like a highlands (Los Altos) tequila to me.... Flavour is awesome, finish is a little short, but pleasant. No harsh alcohol burn. From the description it seems this is a fairly artisanal process, well made tequila. I enjoyed it immensely. Points deducted for the outrageous price here in Ontario. I would compare this favorably against Siete Leguas or Fortaleza (two of my personal favourites) and would say it is closest to Milagro blanco in overall flavour and mouthfeel. All in all, I would recommend this as an excellent blanco, but NOT at $75 a bottle..... IMHO. I would drink this every day, except for the price.... :( ”

Ed S. rated 2739d ago

Ocho Tequila Reposado

92 SCORE

“Of all of the different expressions from Tequila Ocho I've tried so far, this has been my hands-down favourite! Roasted agave is front and centre in both the aroma and the flavor. No additives, no colourants... just pure tequila. Ocho starts in stone ovens, is mill shredded, and distilled in stainless steel... all in an effort to make sure the process imparts as little influence on the pure agave as possible. This reposado has been aged the bare minimum so that the wood leaves only a slight presence, which I grealy prefer.... colour is extremely pale straw. The finish is lingering and smooth..., mouthfeel is slightly oily without being cloying, leaving me wanting more! Having seen the process of making Ocho Tequila at La Altena and having met both Tomas Estes and Carlos Camarena, I am an unabashed fan of the brand, but this one stands out for me! THIS is what a well made tequila should be! ”

Ed S. rated 2745d ago

Santo Puro Mezquila

61 SCORE

“Well.... what can I say? I had pretty low expectations of this tequila/mezcal blend....and my expectations were spot on. I never understood the reasons behind this product, and expected it to be a largely celebrity driven publicity stunt... I even tasted this at Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas.... maybe hoping the iconic ambiance would help... nope. First off... the fact that they insist on serving this $10 USD one once shot CHILLED was the first red flag.... the fact that chilling it didn't do anything to improve the antiseptic bite of something between turpentine and floor cleaner wss the second big red flag......surprised it didn't come with a lime wedge and salt... but it probably should have come with a disclaimer! This is promoted as a blend between 100% agave premium tequila and a quality 100% Espadin mezcal.... unfortunately, I couldn't smell or taste either one.... There's no appreciable bitterness or smoke from the mezcal, and the tequila has "diffusor" written all over it....there's no depth here... I only finished the shot because I paid so much for it.... Not sure who this product is for, but it's definitely not for me. I will stick to drinking good tequila, and good mezcal, but NOT blended together.... ”

Ed S. rated 2745d ago

Ocho Tequila Añejo

89 SCORE

“Found this at a little out of the way tequila shop in Cabo San Lucas. Paid $55 USD... which seemed a little steep, but tequila prices in Cabo seem to be inflated on everything..... when I realized the original price tage was 1800 pesos... or $90 USD, I felt a little better about my little find.... :) Like all of Ocho's other expressions, this anejo is VERY pale and influence of the barrel is kept to a bare minimum, which I absolutely love! In the glass, it looks more pale straw like a reposado. Further proof that the colour hasn't been enhanced or altered. Great legs....slightly oily mouthfeel... great substance for such a deceptively pale juice. Lots of agave on the nose, with hints of oak... there's a sweet but citrusy undertone that sets up the flavour profile to a tee.....roasted agave, pepper, citrus, green olives.... I generally prefer bright, clean agave-forward blancos, and normally get turned off of anejos with too much oak... but this anejo is well crafted and VERY tasty.... BUT, if you are a big fan of aged tequilas with lots of wood, vanilla, molasses, brown sugar- steer clear! You won't find it here. I am an unabashed fan of what Tomas Estes and Carlos Camarena are doing with Ochos. This was an awesome find and one more terroir to add to my growing list! ”

Ed S. rated 3000d ago

Terralta Tequila Blanco

85 SCORE

“On it's own, this is an excellent blanco. We tried it side by side with the 110 proof, and I much preferred the slightly bolder flavors and aromas of the higher proof blanco.”

Ed S. rated 3007d ago

Astral Tequila Blanco

85 SCORE

“Pleasantly surprised for 46% ABV. VERY vegetal. Lots of raw agave, white pepper, spice. At $56 not bad value for Ontario...”

Ed S. rated 3007d ago

Corazon Añejo Tequila

71 SCORE

“Bland.... almost wonder if this is a diffuser tequila now... Not much oak for an anejo... not much "anything"... Had hoped for more....disappointed. ”

Ed S. rated 3014d ago

Terralta Tequila Blanco 110

91 SCORE

“Not what I was expecting from a 110 proof blanco... amazingly smooth and complex. No harsh alcohol burn. As close to true still strength as legally allowed. LOTS of agave, spice, white pepper, citrus. Tasted directly at El Padillo distillery, next to the 40% ABV blanco... both were tastly, but I preferred the bolder flavor profile of this 110 proof! ”