Lee B. rated 153d ago

Villa Lobos Distillation Strength Blanco

87 SCORE

“2018 bottle bought in Paris 2026 (bottle no. 113) Blind tasted this against Tapatio 110 (both La Alteña) Based on the reviews I’d read previously I expected lots of HEAT! The Tapatio was definitely the hotter of the two (as I discovered on the reveal). Nose was reminiscent of Arette 101, I got fresh Agave, grass, brine, olives, cherries, sports hall. Flavour was cherries up front, dark chocolate, cream cheese, olives, black pepper, mouth feel was silky, balanced, full, slight warmth but no heat. Finish was long, slow; and smooth warmth It’s very nice, but the Tapatio was bigger and bolder… although interesting much hotter! Maybe the Lobos had had a few years to calm down in the bottle. My blind guess was wrong; but in my defence, I was VERY conflicted. I’d assumed the hotter one would be the fresh cracked Lobos, even though I felt the nose on the Tapatio was incredibly familiar. In the end it was the heat that distracted me! Tapatio 110 is a feisty beast!!”

Lee B. rated 220d ago

Arette Blanco

75 SCORE

“Nose - bit funky, not much agave, rubbery, vegetal Flavour - vegetal with slight sweetness on the back end Overall not much to talk about with this. I tasted it alongside the Tapatio blanco and they seemed worlds apart in complexity. I’ll keep buying this as a mixer I think”

Lee B. rated 221d ago

Tapatio Blanco

90 SCORE

“This was the new branded bottle, which I think is really cool, I know it divides opinion but I’m in to it. Very interesting experience this one! I’d had the 110 quite a while before I got around to the blanco. The agave hit is instant, even as you’re pouring it. I would go as far as to say it’s as strong in cooked agave aromas as the 110! Liquorice is present, pepper with lots of fresh herbs and citrus. A very big, bright, punchy nose! Flavour is as expected, full cooked agave, anise, herbs with a beautiful mouth feel and well balanced warmth. The agave lingers in the mouth for several minutes as the warmth rolls down the throat.. Splendid. Well done Tapatio. ”

Lee B. rated 222d ago

El Negócio Tequila Reposado

90 SCORE

“Lots of barrel notes on the nose, very oaky, spices and cooked agave, molasses. Vanilla and chocolate Coats the mouth beautifully, love the oak flavours with a very slight smoke. Cooked agave, raisins and a well rounded sweetness This was on the dressing room rider of the singer I work for when we were in Mexico. She left it behind, so naturally I made sure it went a good home. ”

Lee B. rated 222d ago

Ocho Tequila Añejo

80 SCORE

“San Jerónimo 2023. Lots of agave and vegetal in the nose, rounded off with vanilla and caramel Quite earthy, little woody/oak. Didn’t get the sweetness I expected. Quite grassy Average mouth feel. Short to medium finish, lingering agave. Not overwhelmed by this one, but would happily drink again”

Lee B. rated 236d ago

Amatiteña Tequila Blanco Origen

89 SCORE

“As someone that is used to the taste of tequila being separate to that of a mezcal, I was quite taken aback by this bottle. I’ve watched and read reviews that don’t elude to the smokiness of this drink… well it’s definitely a feature! Don’t get me wrong, it’s by no means overwhelming, but it’s definitely fully present alongside the prominent agave. This was a 2023 bottle bought in late 25. ”