Volans Still Strength Blanco

71 SCORE

“This is a tough high-proof to rate. Mainly, because it’s chaotic and not well balanced. That said, there were some very satisfying flavors (agave, lots of hot Pepper, black/white pepper corn, green apple and pear) that come in chaotically over a very long finish which kept me sipping. There is a prevalent burn that stays which is not satisfying at least to my palette. Made my tongue numb and stomach feel not quite achy but unpleasant. I decided to age this into an XA which turned out exceptionally well. A lot of the flavor notes I liked stayed with some added barrel notes and the heat subdued substantially. Mine was a medium toast French oak. ”

Yeyo Blanco

88 SCORE

“Yeyo is special! I’ve been privileged to try/own lots of great tequilas. This one was a unexpected and welcomed surprise to the collection. You get this punch of sweet cooked agave followed by a distinctive yeast which is very pleasant. At the end you can detect lemon/orange zest and something vegetal maybe green pepper. Tastes a lot like the aroma. This is a great buy and a repeat one. ”

El Luchador Blanco 110 Proof

63 SCORE

“The 1480 still strength is pretty underwhelming and a disappointment. I can understand why David the master distiller decided to move this brand to a new NOM in the altos. You get some agave, but mostly ethanol and harsh burn. It’s kind of undrinkable. I’ve heard at the new NOM this is exceptional and if I see it I’ll pick it up.”

Terralta Tequila Reposado

90 SCORE

“The only brand I haven’t had from EP is Primo. Of the lot, I’ve gone back to the Terralta Repo the most. I’m a blanco man at heart, but damn it this just speaks to me. One of the reviewers Ryan August hit everything on the aroma and palate. This has been my repeat buy more than any other brand. I’m one of the few I guess to prefer this over G4. ”

La Gritona Reposado

79 SCORE

“Beautiful bottle and was on the shelf next to some heavy hitters (siete leguas, g4, volans, don fulano, Fortaleza, ArteNOM, Wild Common, Calle 23, cimmaron etc). The salinity brininess of this reminds me little bit of Yeyo (like that more with more citrus notes). “Dirty martini” I saw commenter make which I totally agree with. I imagine that doesn’t make it everyone’s jam but for some it may. Very drinkable additive-free tequila”

Volans Reposado

90 SCORE

“I’m on my 4th bottle which makes it the most replenished tequila on my bar which has some heavy hitters (Terralta, Ocho plata, callle 23 criollo, G4, ArteNOM 1146, Mijenta and el Tequilano) just to name a few. I only mention this because there’s stiff competition. Aroma: lots of cooked agave upfront, caramel and dark chocolate, cinnamon and clove with a peppery and vegetal like finish. Tasting: similar to how it smells. It got a subtle burn to let you know it’s there but it’s more like a warm hug.”

Mijenta Tequila Blanco

88 SCORE

“NOM 1499 I heard some great buzz around this brand. Picked it up yesterday for $47 amongst some very excellent options (G4, Caschuin, Volans, Ocho, ArteNOM, siete leguas, Calle 23 criollo, cimmaron etc). Luckily I had expression from most of these brands on hand though it did put me in quite a pickle where I wasn’t sure if I’d have buyers remorse. I’m happy to report this was a great choice for the price. It’s true what people have said this expression needs a couple of minutes to open up a bit to get all the complexities. Beautiful floral/agave nose and had a prominence of citrus blend (lime/grapefruit) that comes in midway to the finish with white pepper and something else I can’t put my finger on. It’s funny I feel like this earns a spot as a great sipper, but I could also see it working well in a cocktail because of its price point but I’d feel a bit hurt by doing so….this is an awesome expression if you see it grab it without regrets it’s a tough one to find.”

Calle 23 Criollo

96 SCORE

“This is hands down one of the best blancos I’ve ever had. Complexity and different notes in every sip. Theirs a nice heat that is more like a warm hug than a kick to your esophagus that permeates all the way through to finish. The first sip can maybe be a tad harsh because of the high proof you’ll need to acclimate yourself to it and every sip beyond that is truly special. I had some nice agave notes right off the bat then evolves into a floral grass kind of note then elements of drupe like fruit notes and pear. Get some white peppery notes and spices again with a comforting heat all the way to finish. Amazing ”