Jaquay Q. rated 8d ago

Tequila 'Ay Pa' Todos Reposado

83 SCORE

“The aroma opens with light oak, honey, and a nutty, earthy character, accompanied by mustiness, grassiness, vegetal notes, citrus, and a restrained ethyl presence. On the palate, oak and cooked agave lead, followed by grassy, vegetal tones carried over from the Blanco. Fruity notes, including a hint of red apple, mingle with whiskey, buttered toast, and earthiness, while lime-citrus and orange peel add brightness. Barrel spice, pepper, and light vanilla round out the profile, yet the expression retains much of the zesty freshness found in the blanco. The finish is led by lingering oak, with fading citrus and a light touch of honey remaining as the final note.”

Jaquay Q. rated 8d ago

Tequila 'Ay Pa' Todos Blanco

83 SCORE

“The aroma opens with a nutty, earthy character, accompanied by mustiness, grassiness, vegetal notes, citrus, and a noticeable ethyl presence. On the palate, grassy and vegetal notes lead with fresh agave, followed by light butter, fleeting cacao, and a musty hazelnut character. Lime citrus and mint add a fresh, zesty quality, while honey brings a touch of sweetness. There is a slight astringency that becomes noticeable but never quite crosses into a deal-breaker, with small traces of minerality adding further definition. Overall, this blanco carries an interesting combination of toasty nuttiness and bright freshness. The finish is light, leaving behind subtle anise, clinging lime citrus, trailing grassiness, and a final touch of cooked agave.”

Jaquay Q. rated 9d ago

Ocho Tequila Reposado

88 SCORE

“The aroma is direct and earthy, opening with minerality, green vegetal notes, grassiness, leche, and black pepper. A scathing ethyl presence cuts through the profile, giving the nose a rough edge. There isn’t much fan service here; it’s straightforward. On the palate is where this entertains and shines: petrichor washes over the tongue with a strong green vegetal character, intertwined with orange, lemon, and lime citrus. Light barrel spice and chocolate add depth, while wintergreen brings cool mint and a combination of sweet and warming spice. Creamy vanilla, pronounced salinity, light caramel, and cinnamon invite return visits. The finish is relatively simple, with grassy agave and light pepperiness lingering as the other flavors fade. An indeed enjoyable release. ”

Jaquay Q. rated 16d ago

Tequila Carrera Tahona Blanco

88 SCORE

“The aroma opens with vinegar and petrichor, followed by cooked agave, soft brine, yeast, and green plum. The ethyl is notably subdued, adding only a restrained edge to the otherwise earthy and fresh profile. On the palate, petrichor and plum lead, joined by lemon and orange citrus. The ethyl remains controlled and complementary, allowing light florals, purple plum skin, cooked agave, and crisp mint to come through. Nutty and bready tones add some depth, giving the palate a nice balance between freshness and earthiness. The finish tapers with sweet cooked agave, faint yeast, light salinity, and cinnamon. Petrichor persists as the other notes fade into a soft, earthy final impression.”

Jaquay Q. rated 16d ago

Yéyo Joven Sol: Day of the Dead

85 SCORE

“The aroma opens with tropical fruit and green apple, followed by a vivid Jolly Rancher–like cherry sweetness and cinnamon imperials. Light wood, cooked agave, and a subtle yeast note add some depth beneath the fruit. On the palate, rum influence becomes more apparent, joined by yeast, allspice, cooked agave, and pronounced cinnamon imperials. Strong salinity cuts through the sweetness, while fruit and cooked pineapple bring a bright, tropical quality. The finish is light and clean, with lingering spice, a touch of grassiness, green apple, and fading cooked pineapple.”

Jaquay Q. rated 16d ago

Yéyo Joven Luna: Day of the Dead

82 SCORE

“The aroma opens with honey, caramelized fruit, and buttery vanilla, layered with brine and ripe red apple, pear, and cherry. The combination gives the nose a rich, fruit-forward sweetness with a subtle savory edge. On the palate, baking spices and cooked peach arrive alongside wheat, salinity, and a gripping pepperiness. Fleeting butteriness and red apple add some softness, but the ethyl is never subtle, snaking through the entire sip, adding to the spicy character. The finish carries lingering brine and bright cherry, followed by a light chocolate note and a persistent tingling heat that stays with the palate. ”

Jaquay Q. rated 16d ago

Don Vicente Tequila Blanco

84 SCORE

“The first night, petrichor, citrus, and pepperiness dominated both the nose and palate. By the second night, those notes had softened, allowing the cooked agave to come forward with more clarity. By the third night, the aroma had settled into a softer profile of agave, nonabrasive ethyl, and tamed petrichor. On the palate, cooked agave leads with anise, black pepper, soft lemon citrus, and faint grassiness. Salinity adds structure, while subtle ripe fruit and soft white florals appear in the background without fully defining themselves. The finish is relatively unremarkable. Overall, DV-B delivers quality, particularly by the third and fourth nights, but it doesn’t quite excite my palate. ”

Jaquay Q. rated 24d ago

Enelalma Añejo

86 SCORE

“The aroma opens with wood, barrel spice, and molasses, while green agave and a persistent green vegetal note continue to cut through the profile. On the palate, oak and char lead into vanilla, barrel spice, and caramel. A waxy vegetal tone remains present, joined by black pepper, barrel spice, and a deeper sweetness. The finish lingers with vanilla and barrel spice, along with a persistent waxy vegetal note. I can enjoy the crisp grassiness of the Blanco, but with this expression, the added barrel influence softens the virid taste and intertwines it with sweeter flavors, a pleasing balance between the agave’s green taste and the oak’s richness.”

Jaquay Q. rated 27d ago

Cazul 100 Silver Reserva

70 SCORE

“I was given a hefty pour at a get-together, and it wasn’t for my palate. I can recall citrus, brine and aggressive ethyl.”

Jaquay Q. rated 39d ago

El Ateo Blanco Ultra Premium

84 SCORE

“The aroma opens with bright citrus layered over fresh earthiness, cooling mint, and a light thread of petrichor. Pepperiness adds energy, while an assertive ethyl presence gives the nose a sharp, spirited edge. On the palate, lemon and lime citrus lead before yielding to earthy notes and a steady foundation of petrichor. Light floral tones, mint, and a touch of brine add freshness, while pronounced cinnamon, gentle wood, and allspice build warmth through the mid-palate. A subtle vegetal quality rounds out the profile without overwhelming it. The finish lingers with petrichor and citrus, but it's the cinnamon that ultimately leaves the strongest impression, clinging to the palate long after the brighter notes have faded.”

Jaquay Q. rated 49d ago

Tequila Mi Casa 9yr XA Single Barrel

85 SCORE

“The aroma hits with oak, warmed nuts (walnuts, almonds, and pecans), layered with molasses, caramel, and vanilla. A consistent ethyl bite cuts through the sweetness, keeping the nose from becoming overly rich. On the palate: bold notes of pink floral perfume and an unusual soapy pink Dubble Bubble gum character arrive immediately, intertwined with spicy pepper, cherry, clove, whiskey, and prominent oak. A mellow heat, reminiscent of sweet peppers but without any vegetal tone, builds across the palate, with all of the flavors competing for attention immediately at once. The finish lingers with persistent pink floral notes, reminiscent of rose, alongside enduring oak. This barrel pick’s taste is bold and feminine.”

Jaquay Q. rated 54d ago

Komos Tequila Extra Añejo

72 SCORE

“The aroma opens with an intense sweetness reminiscent of marshmallows, layered with caramel and chocolate. It’s totally confectionary, setting expectations of a dessert-like profile. On the palate, oak takes the lead, followed by intense caramel and vanilla along with salinity, pepperiness, and warming cinnamon. Notes of cherry, anise, and a subtle floral character are found, but an unmistakably doctored sweetness runs through the entire experience, becoming the backbone of the pour. The finish develops slowly, revealing a lingering saccharine sweetness alongside a dry floral note reminiscent of juniper. For me, the pronounced sweetness ultimately overshadows the spirit’s other qualities, specifically the French Oak barrel influence is amalgamated with other sweet flavors making it ‘just sweet’. ”

Jaquay Q. rated 93d ago

Yeyo Añejo - Mission 1530

88 SCORE

“The aroma opens with green apple, faint minerality, followed by hints of pineapple and a restrained ethyl snap. A gentle grassy undertone provides freshness, while upfront sweet vanilla leads the profile. On the palate, bright and citrusy pineapple arrive first. Rum cask spices adds warmth, highlighting notes of sweet cooked agave, earthiness, and vanilla. Fleeting hints of wintergreen appear throughout, also contributing a minty, sweet and woody nuance. The finish is fading spicy citrusy zest and lingering sweet wood, that gradually mellows away. What stands out most is the balance between freshness and warmth. The tropical fruit and citrus keep the profile crisp and verdant, while the spice, vanilla, and subtle wood influence provide depth. ”

Jaquay Q. rated 142d ago

Codigo 1530 Barrel Strength Añejo

86 SCORE

“The aroma opens, light, yet readable. French oak leads, followed by honey, toasted almond, hazelnut, anise, and wintergreen. Molasses and orange citrus add depth, while the cooked agave sits quietly in the background with a faint, well-integrated ethyl. On the palate, the French oak fully takes center stage. It’s joined by anise and wintergreen, creating a sarsaparilla tone, while butteriness and light pepperiness give it structure. Tangy orange citrus cuts through, alongside bitter cocoa, honeyed tobacco, and a touch of salinity that keeps things familiar. The finish leans citrus-forward with light pepperiness and lingering salinity, carrying into a subtle leather note. Right at the end, there’s a faint wine-like tone that shows up in the throat, which I didn’t expect but actually works.”

Jaquay Q. rated 164d ago

Ocho Tequila Plata

88 SCORE

“From a fresh opening, the aroma bursts with distinct petrichor, carried by the warmth of cooked agave at the forefront. With a bit of rest, the profile unfolds with steady cooked agave, bright lemon citrus and a soft yet assertive thread of ethyl that lightly singes the nostrils. On the palate, petrichor remains the star, delivering that classic earth-meets-rain freshness. As the bottle opens up and aeration smooths the rougher edges, the cooked agave engulfs along with an earthy, spicy depth. Supporting notes of lemon citrus, grassiness, cinnamon, almond, floral tones, mint, and raisin essence round out the profile. The finish fades worthy with lingering salinity, light grassiness, a dusting of cinnamon, soft floral tones, and a final whisper of sweet agave. ”

Jaquay Q. rated 168d ago

Caballito Cerrero Unicorn Azul

90 SCORE

“The aroma presents an assertive, earthy profile, opening with fresh-cut grass and petrichor layered over cooked agave’s, raisin-to-prune sweetness. Vegetal notes reminiscent of celery, sage, pine, a faint ethyl lift, touches of lightly toasted coconut, and a subtle ashy undertone. On the palate, petrichor takes command, framed by verdant notes of green pepper, oregano, thyme, celery, grassiness, and pine-cedar tones. Earthy agave is prominent, with butteriness, anise, and peppermint adding contrast. Bright citrus notes flicker and roll across the tongue, adding zest. The finish is clinging and lasting vegetal intensity, pepperiness, grassiness, freshness, and earthiness.”

Jaquay Q. rated 168d ago

House of Rare Founder's Cut Blanco

86 SCORE

“The aroma opens with cooked agave, toast, and almond, backed by earthiness and a noticeable ethyl sting. A faint thread of lemon citrus adds a bit of lift. On the palate, green agave and toasted almond lead, followed by mixed citrus, hints of berry, and fresh lemon citrus. A slight floral note and a touch of brine snake through. The finish is citrus and light fruit, leaving behind clinging toasted-almond earthiness and a persistent pepperiness.”

Jaquay Q. rated 215d ago

Tapatio Excelencia Extra Añejo

88 SCORE

“Lote 18 (Reminds me of El Tesoro Reposado) The aroma opens with oak at the forefront, quickly followed by a surge of petrichor that sets an earthy, grounded tone. Black cherry and fig emerge alongside clear whiskey and bourbon cues, softened by maple and honey. A faint ethanol singe adds a light prickle to the nostrils, while warm nuttiness (pecan, almond, and walnut), rounds out the profile. A touch of orange citrus lifts the heavier notes and keeps the nose composed. On the palate, oak and whiskey character lead, reinforced by barrel spice and layered wood. Cooked agave shows a warm, sweet–potato–like sweetness, complemented by cinnamon, maple, dates, and fleeting honey. A faint floral note, a familiar yet unfamiliar aged-fruit character (plum, perhaps), and a subtle, musty, toasted-hazelnut note give the mid-palate a slightly rustic character. The finish fades slowly, carrying barrel spice, citrus (lemon and orange), trace salinity, and pepper. Cooked agave lingers beneath it all, closely followed by a soft, enduring bourbon-whiskey impression. ”

Jaquay Q. rated 215d ago

Tapatio Blanco 110

87 SCORE

“On the first pour, the aroma presents with a potent, clearly defined cooked agave note, with a prune-like depth, intertwined with rich petrichor. The anticipated ethyl sting is notably restrained, allowing lemon citrus and fresh grassiness to come forward. Anise and mint add lift, while petrichor and agave remain the dominant tone, with a faint touch of brine. The palate opens with an immediate rush of agave, wrapped in waves of green and black pepper. Lemon, lime, and orange citrus balance with the elevated proof, while brief flashes of floral character evoke a well-made gin with a juniper-like taste. A grassiness is present but more tempered than in the 40-proof expression, allowing the agave’s earthy sweetness to stay consistent. The finish is unexpectedly citrus-forward, carrying a lingering cooked agave note as the ethyl gradually recedes. Anise and mint linger softly. ”

Jaquay Q. rated 215d ago

Tapatio Añejo

87 SCORE

“The aroma opens with a vibrant burst of pineapple and green apple, balanced by cooked agave, spicy ethyl, and orange citrus. Subtle nuttiness adds warmth to the otherwise fruit-forward profile On the palate, the fruit intensity continues, with ripe pineapple and tart green apple intertwining with citrus and grassy freshness. Cooked agave anchors the brightness, joined by hints of anise, wintergreen, and minerality. Light salinity complements notes of whiskey, soft cacao, and gentle oak, creating depth without heaviness. The finish is refined and airy, with fading brine, oak, and grassiness, while a faint wisp of ethyl lingers delicately on the tongue. Clean, tropical, and vibrant. ”

Jaquay Q. rated 215d ago

Tapatio Reposado

84 SCORE

“The greeting aroma opens with crisp green apple and cooked agave, supported by light wood and a faint whiskey nuance. Subtle dill and a touch of banana add complexity, while a noticeable ethyl sting sharpens the invitation. On the palate, cooked agave leads, joined by honey and butterscotch sweetness, before giving way to a bitter wood tone. Faint whiskey notes return, along with pepperiness, mint, pear, and cinnamon. Waves of ethyl move across the palate, accentuating a bright lemon citrus tang and adding heat to the mid-palate. The finish lingers with clinging agave sweetness, followed by a drying bitterness and a slight palate singe from the ethyl. ”

Jaquay Q. rated 215d ago

Tapatio Blanco

85 SCORE

“The aroma opens with cooked agave layered over a damp, earthy petrichor, followed by fresh grass and a green vegetal note reminiscent of green pepper. Orange zest adds a bright, aromatic lift that sharpens the profile. On the palate, lemon and lime citrus arrive first, crisp and immediate, before yielding to cooked agave and a steady thread of petrichor. Fleeting whispers of ethyl drift through without disrupting the flow, while a faint floral note emerges alongside quick, gripping pepperiness that fades almost as fast as it appears. Subtle green olive and cooling mint round out the mid-palate, adding savory depth and freshness. The finish leaves cooked agave clinging to the tongue, joined by lingering grassiness, pronounced petrichor, light brine, and a soft jasmine note that carries through the close. Easier to drink than I imagined. ”