Alex P. rated 69d ago

Siempre Exclusivo Edición Especial Vivo

84 SCORE

“When I was in kindergarten, my school went on a field trip to a dairy farm. My mom came along as a chaperone and made her sister tag along to wrangle all the degenerate children. Life was good back then. Mid 90s with no cell phones, tik tok, Facebook or tequila match maker (or agave Match now) my mother and I were (are), for lack of better terms, cut from the same cloth. While she was miserable and regretting her life decisions of volunteering for her second born’s field trip, one of the other chaperones felt something tap them on the shoulder and realized it was bird poop. Unfortunately, that fecal matter would not be the star of the story that day. Walking deeper into this dairy production, we got an unforgettable whiff of the coldest, wettest, most penetratingly invasive cow dung you have ever experienced. Children were fleeing to the busses like the twin towers had just been hit (or blown up or whatever). It was a day that has stuck with me for three decades and now I know the reason why. I was in southwest Florida this afternoon and stopped at one of my favorite stores. In the “high value case” was clase azul, casamigos, Don Julio 1942 (OG and World Cup edition) along with two vessels of Siempre Vivo. I have had my eye on the vivo for a few years but couldn’t pull the trigger above $100. Luckily, this was discounted down to $77 so I knew exactly what to do. I took one of the siblings home and pulled the tab from the wax housing. The pastel green wax was somehow warm and sticky and yet crumbled. I knew I was in for a treat. I poured my first ounces into a scratched up, discount version of a fine rocks glass in our rental unit. On the nose, I was brought back into the mid 90s as the unmistakeable stench of cow feces filled my nostrils. I really cannot figure out how else to describe this other than that. Judge me all you want… but I liked it! I bravely brought the glass to my lips and took my first sip. Up front you get a sweet buttery, caramel taste with a hint of butterscotch. Through the palate, there is a distinct funky cheese note than takes over anything else you would have hoped for. Again… I liked it! For the price I paid, this was worth the experience. I am a clean blanco tequila lover so this isn’t necessarily for me but for that small sliver of nostalgia, I would certainly buy again. Here’s to you finding an island of comfort and nostalgia on your agave excursion. ”

Alex P. rated 592d ago

Los Dos Tequila Blanco

82 SCORE

“Heard a lot about this so gave it a shot. Some interestingly yeasty dough-like scents on the nose. A bit of nuttiness through the palate. Certainly a drinkable tequila just not my personal favorite. I can understand why so many enjoy this, however and you should give it a shot!”

Alex P. rated 592d ago

Caballito Cerrero Chato Blanco 46

87 SCORE

“Interesting bottle to say the least. No CRT affiliation. Unofficially a tequila. None of the mezcal smoke. Not your typical agave spirit by any means. This is special and you need to buy it if you find it. Non blue Weber expression. Even a novice will be able to tell there’s something special going on here. Might need more than a bottle to figure it out. ”

Alex P. rated 592d ago

LALO Tequila High Proof

84 SCORE

“Nothing wrong with this one. Strong herbal notes on then nose. Plenty of heat for those that enjoy such a thing. Earthiness with plenty of minerality. Enjoyable finish. A bit over priced compared to their blanco. Probably wouldn’t buy again at this price but definitely enjoying this bottle. ”

Alex P. rated 606d ago

Alma del Jaguar Nocturna Blanco

87 SCORE

“Big fan of high proof blanco (HPB) so naturally I was excited to get my hands on this. The nose is different than your typical HPB but still enticing. Tons of flavor here which is what you look for in a HPB. Often times flavor seems to get “lost in the burn” but the folks here have balanced this perfectly. Getting some wet grass notes mostly with a nice clean finish. Certainly recommended for the mid-range price. Happy sipping!”

Alex P. rated 620d ago

Tequila Ocho Plata Puntas - 2024 Mirandillas

82 SCORE

“Previously had the 2021 and 2023 and was expecting a similar profile here but, unfortunately, this isn’t quite what I was hoping for. Strong heat on the 2024 (which I enjoy with a SS) but just not much flavor to back it up. It definitely needs more balance on the back end to reach that next level. Price point was a tad more than previous vintages but not outrageous. If you find a bottle you should definitely try it… just don’t pay after market prices for this or you’ll be disappointed. ”

Alex P. rated 633d ago

Mijenta Blanco Maestra Selection No. 1

79 SCORE

“Different for sure. Not much like their blanco. Super fruity nose. Better finish compared to the blanco even as a SS. Could use a bit more depth on the palate. Really good sipper for $60. Too bad I paid $90. ”

Alex P. rated 633d ago

Suerte Still Strength Blanco 104

85 SCORE

“Fresh mint/agave nose. Good spice on the tongue. Solid price point for a SS. Pretty clean. Decent ending bite you look for with a SS. Will certainly buy again. ”

Alex P. rated 935d ago

Fuenteseca Cosecha 2018 - "Las Antenas"

88 SCORE

“Lots going on here. Interesting grape notes on the finish. Still pretty clean. Worth a buy at msrp. Not sure if it’s sippable (is that even a word?) at aftermarket price pushing $150. Worth a shot (no pun intended) if money isn’t a problem. Happy sipping.”

Alex P. rated 948d ago

Fortaleza Reposado - Winter Blend 2023

85 SCORE

“I really did not want to like this but… they’ve done it again. This is a truly special combination of aging that shines through the more you sip. The price point is on the verge of gouging (I paid $200 USD) but I do understand the economics behind it all. If you see this on a shelf I do think you need to experience all 1493 has to offer. ”

Alex P. rated 948d ago

Siembra Valles Aniversario Joven

88 SCORE

“Complex mix with the true agave base we like in our blanco selections. This joven is mixed with 2 month repo and the result is perfection. If you’ve enjoyed the high proof/blanco from siembra valles in the past then you need to get this in your cabinet asap. Purchased at $130 USD which I thought was fair given the special nature of the juice. ”

Alex P. rated 956d ago

Cazcanes No. 9 Blanco

85 SCORE

“Enjoyable amount of heat to keep you on your toes. Tons of sweet agave, herbs, earthy tones, OutKast (so fresh, so clean). Exactly what a Blanco should be. Nose a bit heavy on the yeast but not overbearing. Better options at lower prices but not outrageous either. ”