Joe L. rated 28d ago

Espanita Tequila Añejo

83 SCORE

“The color is very light yellow. The bottle says it’s aged in American Oak barrels, presumably new barrels based on the lightness of color and relative absence of whisky taste. The nose is promising, with cooked agave, and lesser notes of oak and grass. It has a clean, crisp mouthfeel at first, with initial honey flavor that devolves into a more bitter, spicy aftertaste. The finish is medium-long, but not as pleasant as the initial taste. This is OK as a sipper, good value, but not my favorite Añejo. It does mellow out a little after opening up in the glass for 15 minutes or so. ”

Joe L. rated 29d ago

El Tequileño Reposado Gran Reserva

87 SCORE

“This Reposado is light yellow in color. The nose is dominated by agave, but citrus and alcohol are also present. Taste is similar, with hints of herbs, pepper, and minerals I can’t quite identify. The mouthfeel is clean and sort of refreshing, but more tart than sweet. There is a lasting citrus, orange spice that burns nicely to finish. Great value!”

Joe L. rated 30d ago

Campo Azul 1940 Reposado

85 SCORE

“This is a Blind Tasting. I detect a floral / herbal scent and light toasted agave on the nose. The taste is smooth, fruity, citrusy, and earthy finishing with a hint of butterscotch. This is a little harsh as a sipper, but could make an excellent cocktail. I taste a woodyness, maybe oak on the finish?”

Joe L. rated 30d ago

El Jimador Blanco Tequila

82 SCORE

“This is a blind tasting. Mellow nose, citrusy and light on the agave. Taste is sweet, smooth, with hints of orange and tangerine. The finish is short, with a little burn and a cinnamon spice kick at the end. Would be better in a cocktail than as a sipper. My least favorite of the night, but not bad for an inexpensive tequila. ”

Joe L. rated 30d ago

El Ateo Añejo Ultra Premium

86 SCORE

“This is a Blind Tasting. There is a more pronounced nose of cooked agave than some other Añejos I’ve sampled. I also detect citrus and alcohol on the nose. The taste is smooth, with hints of agave, caramel, and butterscotch. This is another smooth sipper, with a medium Smokey finish. ”

Joe L. rated 30d ago

Corrido Blanco

87 SCORE

“This is a Blind Tasting. The first impression of the nose is that it’s agave-forward, with an earthy “funk” to it. I smell the alcohol, but also notes of pepper and minerals. The taste adds a saltiness and more agave & pepper. There is a long finish that descends into sort of an olive aftertaste. ”

Joe L. rated 30d ago

Aguasol Tequila Reposado

87 SCORE

“This is a Blind Tasting. I detect a flowery / herbal scent, minerals, and light toasted agave on the nose. The taste is smooth, woody, and a little soapy (but in a clean, good way). This is another smooth sipper that appears to be aged longer. The finish is short, but mellows gracefully, as if influenced by aging in whiskey barrels. I like this one, but it’s almost too sweet and too smooth to be “pure.””

Joe L. rated 30d ago

Espolon Añejo

92 SCORE

“This is a Blind Tasting, and coincidentally, my favorite of the night. The nose is agave-forward for an aged expression. I smell herbs and alcohol, but the taste is more complex. It is smooth, but the alcohol burn is present. It has an initial funk to the taste that evolves into a spicy chocolate finish. Viscosity is good, and the mouthfeel has a pleasant spiciness to it. The finish is long and the burn is mellow. It’s very pleasant, even if it’s a little different from other Añejos. ”

Joe L. rated 37d ago

Terralta Tequila Extra Añejo

93 SCORE

“The aroma is very citrusy. The nose is a sweet mixture of orange (orange juice, orange peel?) with agave undertones. The taste is very similar, but evolves into more of a caramel, butterscotch, and spice fusion. The finish doesn’t linger as long as you might expect, but it is very pleasant. There is an oaky quality to the aftertaste. This expression is not as agave-forward as other high-quality XA tequilas, but it’s an excellent sipper, reminiscent of a decent bourbon or scotch. ”

Joe L. rated 37d ago

Mijenta Añejo Symphony Series No. 3

92 SCORE

“Cooked agave, alcohol, and caramel on the nose. Excellent viscosity - really clings to the glass. Taste is more vegetal and spicy. Maybe a cinnamon influence (?). The agave and peppery feel linger for a lasting finish. Very smooth sipper. Not cheap, but this is a good example of, “you get what you pay for.” The quality is definitely there. ”

Joe L. rated 47d ago

Ghost Tequila Blanco

86 SCORE

“I didn’t expect to like this, but after hearing a couple of recommendations, I decided to give it a try. Wow! It smells like many other Blancos: agave dominates the nose. I’m not picking up much else. The initial taste is about what you’d expect - agave and lesser notes of orange/pineapple. But the finish is amazing! The pepper infusion is really evident and the burn lasts longer than most. If you like spicy - and I do - this is an excellent bargain. If you don’t like spicy, don’t bother - you will hate it. This is not an every day sipper for me, but for a change of pace, it’s a great distraction from the same ole, same ole. I will definitely drink it again - in moderation. 86/100”