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Reviews for 2023

June 2023 - Agave

June 2023 - Agave
This month's Spirits feature is Agave

Agave Reviews

Fuenteseca Reserva 7 Year Aged Extra Añejo Tequila
98 points
$259
Somehow manages to be both richly barrel-aged while expressing fresh green tones; perplexing, contemplative, well-executed, but most importantly decadently delicious.
Cazcanes No. 10 Blanco Tequila
97 points
$110
Complex and refreshing, this is great on its own but would make amazing cocktails; it is rich and pure making this truly an excellent example and a delight to taste.
Del Maguey San Pablo Ameyaltepec Single Village Blanco Mezcal
97 points
$124
Funky and fruity with light smoke and nice heat, this is exceptionally delicious.
Del Maguey Minero Single Village Blanco Mezcal
96 points
$99
Cocoa nibs, smoked leather, citrus, roasted berries, grilled nuts... so much complexity and deliciousness; nom nom nom.
Fuenteseca Cosecha Blanco Tequila
96 points
$129
Incredible red fruits on the nose and palate with an interesting interplay of fresh savory herbs; bursting with flavors but not overwhelming.
Don Pilar Extra Añejo Tequila
96 points
$160
Cinnamon and black pepper dusted dates on baklava; you will return for seconds of this exquisite sipper.
Fortaleza Tequila Blanco
95 points
Very green and herbaceous lowland agave driven flavors with excellent minerality.
ArteNOM Selección De 1123 Blanco Histórico Tequila
95 points
$64
Smells and tastes like legit old school, ripe, lowland agave; just WOW.
Hacienda de Xalpa 100% Agave Tequila Reposado
95 points
$68
Delicate and light yet an excellent product on the nose and palate; agave forward with an elegant integration of subtle barrel flavors.
Patatús Mezcal Ancestral Joven
95 points
$148
Aggressively funky, smoky, and delectably different, with an intense and rich nose.
Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia Extra Añejo Tequila
95 points
$184
Fancy, old, and decadent; like a Tequila soaked Bentley rolling down the street.
Tequila Comisario 7 Year Aged Small Batch Extra Añejo
95 points
$1299
Rich cascading layers of barrel flavors, dominated by manuka honey roasted nuts; the agave spice is there in the background but this is all about the barrel.
95 points $1299
Lunazul Añejo Tequila
94 points
$26
Rich barrel characteristics work in harmony while maintaining and earthy base of Agave flavors.
Espolón Reposado Tequila
94 points
$27
Peppery and fruity agave with a nice touch of barrel spice that lingers as cinnamon on the finish; a joy of a reposado.
Ojo De Tigre Reposado Mezcal
94 points
$35
Proper agave notes and good use of mild barrel flavors shine.
Goza Special Reserve Reposado Tequila
94 points
$38
Spicy and peppery, and a nice change of pace for cocktail or cigars; enjoy the notes of green herbs and red vegetables.
Mina Real Blanco Mezcal
94 points
$39
Fruity, savory, and sweet in a super tasty menagerie; something about this makes you want a smoky pulled pork sandwich.
Se Busca Joven Mezcal Artesanal
94 points
$42
A delicious benchmark loaded with grilled green fruit and flowers.
400 Conejos Mezcal Joven Artesanal Tobala Blanco
94 points
$43
Benchmark for what more advanced but not yet esoteric consumers are looking for from a Mezcal.
Alquimia Estate Grown Blanco Tequila
94 points
$50
Surprisingly floral on the nose and loaded with mature agave sweetness; a subtle but complex stunner.
Volcan De Mi Tierra Blanco Tequila
94 points
$54
Green papaya, cucumber, and tart melon salad with freshly ground black pepper; this is a salad course in your glass; happily drink the color Spring Green with a little pepper.
Pluma Negra Joven Artesanal Blanco Mezcal
94 points
$59
Rich smoke aromas, followed with fruit and vegetal flavors make for an intense yet incredibly well balanced Mezcal.
Santo Mezquila
94 points
$59.99
Delicious and fun, this is a great bridge between Tequila but before getting into full blown esoteric Mezcal.
94 points $59.99
Salvadores 70 400 Destilado Con Elote Mezcal
94 points
$69
Exceptionally subtle for a flavored Mezcal; Daiquiri or Margarita doesn't matter as this will kill in a sour cocktail.
Casa Maestri Blanco Mezcal
94 points
$79
Rich and delicious with loads of smoky and savory herbal notes with a wonderful surprise of butterscotch candies at play as well.
Suavecito Extra Añejo Tequila
94 points
$149
Sweet, savory, and herbaceous in a deeply satisfying way with aromas and flavors continuing to unfurl in the glass.
Se Busca Joven Madrecuishe Mezcal Artesanal
94 points
$150
A fascinating dark and toasty nose of smoldering campfire and roasted nuts; a must have for the Mezcal lover.
400 Conejos Mezcal Joven Artesanal
93 points
$29
Lighter smoke with depth of agave make this is a benchmark for those looking to get into Mezcal.
San Dimas Joven Blanco Mezcal
93 points
$34
Smoky, peppery, meaty, horchata in the tastiest way.
Del Maguey Vida Blanco Mezcal
93 points
$37
Smoky, savory, mildly fruity, and herbaceous; this is the benchmark Mezcal for getting agave drinkers started in the category.
Kapena Silver Tequila
93 points
$39
A vibrant Blanco with easy going and approachable agave flavors.
400 Conejos Mezcal Joven Artesanal Cuishe Blanco
93 points
$43
Smoky, funky, fruity, vegetal and all around tasty.
Maracame Reposado Tequila
93 points
$49
Barrel forward and sweet aromas on the nose but the sweet spices and pepper notes of the agave unfurl upon the palate.
Rancho De La Luna Mezcal Artesanal Joven Espadín Angustifolia Blanco Batch 06
93 points
$49
Mild and easily approachable flavors and aromas that come alive with more subtle contemplation.
Tres Papalote Mezcal Artesanal Mexicano Blanco
93 points
$52
Complex and fascinating and would be very cool in an espresso Martini.
Del Maguey Vida De Muertos Blanco Mezcal
93 points
$54
A delicious, spicy and slightly vegetal Mezcal that reminds of an earthy green tea.
Inspiro Luna Blanco Tequila
93 points
$54
Green and vegetal on the nose with lovely fruit sweetness on the palate; a nice balance of mature lowland and highland agave.
Erstwhile Espadin Mezcal
93 points
$55
Smoky, leathery, and smells of the countryside lead into a palate that tastes like summer memories.
Maracame Añejo Tequila
93 points
$59
Rich and flavorful barrel characteristics shine from start to finish but the fresh green agave manages to stay ever present as well.
Mezcal Campante Mezcal Artesanal Blanco Mezcal
93 points
$64
Smoky and fruity with a refreshingly green and herbaceous finish.
Del Maguey Las Milpas Single Village Blanco Mezcal
93 points
$69
Absolutely delicious; modern and rustic like eating raspberry sorbet after some smoked bacon while attending the US Gran Prix.
Shelter Distilling Ranchito Bendito Agave Americana
93 points
$80
Somewhere between Tequila and Mezcal with an interesting grilled cherry quality; over delivers for an agave outside of Mexico.
Lapis Añejo Tequila
93 points
$89
Deep, rich flavors and aromas of candied nuts and melon abound.
Don Amado Largo Mezcal
93 points
$94
Smoky green fruits with an earthy, leathery, and nutty quality offering something captivating that just continues to bring you back for another sip.
Celosa Rosé Joven Rosa
93 points
$129
The floral and savory tones of the agave come through and meld nicely with a pleasant baking spice from the aged spirits; like bananas foster vanilla ice cream.
Mexica Blanco Tequila
92 points
$26
Intense fruity with hints of flowers make this quite tasty indeed.
Avión Silver Tequila
92 points
$39
A wonderful sipping blanco that will also make a killer Margarita.
Don Rico Blanco Tequila
92 points
$45
Layered flavors of red fruits with nice tannins and some umami notes that will make this interesting in cocktails as well as a stand alone sipper.
Don Pilar Añejo Tequila
92 points
$50
A pleasantly nutty and oak forward sipper; maintains its roasted agave notes among the rich and complex oak flavors.
Contraluz Cristalino Mezcal Artesanal
92 points
$59
Layers of complexity and savory, fruity, deliciousness yet delightfully subtle hints of smokiness.
Lana Azul Blanco Tequila
92 points
$79
Very good bordering on excellent; green and herbaceous tones with a nice minerality to the palate make this is a high quality sipping blanco.
Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia Reposado Tequila
92 points
$84
Delicious and complex but heavily focused on the barrel flavors with just a whisper of agave.
ArteNOM Selección De 1146 Añejo Tequila
92 points
$89
Decadent and old but absolutely delicious barrels; this is for lovers of well aged spirits.
Por La Gente Reposado Tequila
91 points
$47
A fascinatingly delicious explosion of pineapple fruit flavor.
Gran Malo Churros Flavored Liqueur With Tequila
90 points
$19
Best Buy
Deliciously nutty with cinnamon, vanilla, sugar flavors; add chocolate covered hazelnut and cinnamon biscuits to your next agave based drink.
90 points $19 Best Buy
Cimarrón Reposado Tequila
90 points
$24
Pleasant barrel spice characteristics while maintaining fruity and herbal agave tones.
Espolón Añejo Tequila
90 points
$37
Like drinking a sweet and spicy vanilla glazed praline.
San Dimas Pechuga Blanco Mezcal
90 points
$48
Some really lovely and complex flavors and aromas that lead into a gentle overall palate.
ArteNOM Selección De 1414 Reposado Tequila
90 points
$69
Sweet, earthy, and funky with sweet barrel spices interlaced throughout; a contemplative sipper.
Se Busca Añejo Mezcal Artesanal
90 points
$70
Cinnamon dusted elote with a caramel chocolate drizzle; yum.
Alquimia Reserva De Don Adolfo VI Estate Grown Extra Añejo Tequila
90 points
$139
A tasty, barrel-influenced adult Arnold Palmer for after your round, or as soon as you no longer care about your score.
Caralegre Reposado Tequila
89 points
$38
Rich vanilla and barrel spice flavors and aromas that will appeal to drinkers of finely aged spirits.
Caralegre Cristalino Reposado Tequila
89 points
$42
Fascinating aromas and flavors of mallow root and sweet anise that will make for an excellent digestif.
Regalo Ancestral Añejo Tequila
89 points
$49
A solid and flavorful barrel-aged spirit that maintains some agave-ness.
Se Busca Reposado Mezcal Artesanal
89 points
$55
Like a very dark chocolate cinnamon agave mole sauce.
Ventura Spirits Blanco Yolo Agave Spirit Batch No. 1
89 points
$60
Fruity and minty, quite fascinating and strangely delicious albeit atypical.
El Tequileño Cristalino Reposado
89 points
$65
Sweet and spicy barrel characteristics balanced with fruity and floral notes; this is a benchmark on how a barrel is supposed to compliment the agave base.
Lunazul Blanco Tequila
88 points
$21
Very earthy and savory aromas that are reminiscent of lowland agave.
Altos Plata Tequila
88 points
$29
Delightful aromas and a delicate palate, ideal for a nondrinker to mix away or a seasoned drinker to enjoy neat.
Anteel Blanco Tequila
88 points
$29
Earthy and spicy with a bit of citrusy, tart fruit; this is like drinking a finely made mild cigar.
Ojo De Tigre Joven Blanco Mezcal
88 points
$32
A good starter Mezcal with the smoky, savory agave notes you expect.
DeLeón Blanco Tequila
88 points
$39
Delicate and approachable while still being delicious; turn this into a refreshing glass of Tequila spa water to rejuvenate at the end of a long day.
Purasangre Blanco Tequila
88 points
$39
A solid, flavorful, and aromatic blanco that does a bit of everything right to be enjoyed by any Tequila consumer.
DeLeón Reposado Tequila
88 points
$44
Sweet and spicy with some earthiness and fruit; very likable.
Tres Generaciones Reposado Tequila
88 points
$44
Orange oil and mint aromas with vanilla intertwined; this will make a nice El Diablo cocktail.
Próspero Reposado Tequila
88 points
$45
Delicious but the agave is quiet; this is a reposado to persuade Whisky drinkers.
Próspero Añejo Tequila
88 points
$50
A light and complex sipper that seems like a nice pairing with ginger ale in a long drink.
ArteNOM Selección De 1579 Blanco Clásico Tequila
88 points
$59
Green fruits with hints of citrus and vanilla show a blanco expressive of the agave's terroir.
Hacienda de Xalpa 100% Agave Tequila Blanco
88 points
$60
A rounded texture and traditional flavors make for a very consumer friendly product.
Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia Platino Blanco Tequila
88 points
$65
A benchmark blanco Tequila that tastes and smells exactly how your minds eye envisions one.
Hacienda de Xalpa 100% Agave Tequila Añejo
88 points
$77
Dominant barrel flavors of vanilla, toffee, and butterscotch with wisps of agave spice and pepper.
Lunazul Reposado Tequila
87 points
$21
Reminiscent of a mixed green salad with a bit of lemon honey vinaigrette and freshly ground black pepper.
El Tequileño Reposado Tequila
87 points
$27
Bright citrus and floral notes with some balancing vanilla sweetness and fruit.
Regalo Ancestral Blanco Tequila
87 points
$34
A solid example of a blanco illustrating the savory herbal tones of lowland grown agave.
Maracame Plata Tequila
87 points
$39
A very richly fruited and vanilla forward style of blanco.
Suavecito Reposado Tequila
87 points
$39
Try this in a hot buttered cocktail on a cold winter day.
Tres Generaciones Plata Tequila
87 points
$39
Earthy and savory with a pleasant peppered citrus character that will play well in Margaritas or paired with a medium bodied cigar.
Próspero Blanco Tequila
87 points
$40
A solid blanco for the back bar and a nice introductory bottle for people just getting into the category.
Por La Gente Blanco Tequila
87 points
$42
A solid example of what the average consumer today thinks that they want from a blanco Tequila with approachable flavors of vanilla, ginger, and sweet fresh herbs.
Suavecito Cristalino Reposado Tequila
87 points
$45
The flavor is vanilla for days in all the right ways.
Por La Gente Añejo Tequila
87 points
$56
A rich and honeyed dessert in your glass; relax with a mild cigar and soak in the summer aromas and flavors.
Alquimia Estate Grown Añejo Tequila
87 points
$69
A very approachable and easy sipper with flavors that will appeal to lovers of bourbon barrel-aged things.
Casa Maestri Reposado Tequila Reserva
87 points
$69
A Tequila root beer float; different but also delicious.
Mayenda Blanco Tequila
87 points
$70
Nice texture and cool flavors of Chihuahua cheese stuffed poblano peppers.
Don Rico Añejo Tequila
87 points
$75
Lovely flavors of candied orange and butterscotch that dance on the palate.
Volcan De Mi Tierra X.A Reposado Tequila
87 points
$175
Tasty but almost too polished; cola, butterscotch, and sesame notes feature prominently.
Suavecito Blanco Tequila
86 points
$35
Sweet, friendly, and approachable; this is a great place to start your blanco journey.
Regalo Ancestral Reposado Tequila
86 points
$37
Full bodied and rounded with vanilla and pastry flavors.
Anteel Reposado Tequila
86 points
$41
Vanilla and oak forward on the nose with some spiced and peppery notes appearing on the palate and lingering on the finish.
DeLeón Añejo Tequila
86 points
$49
Cinnamon and vanilla pastry with a bit of pepper and alcohol heat to remind you that this is not dessert.
Gran Coramino Cristalino Reposado Tequila
86 points
$49
Earthy, nutty, and salty with lively spice and herbal notes.
El Tequileño Platinum Blanco Tequila
86 points
$52
Soft and elegant on the nose but with a peppery bite, this blanco Tequila invites you in to discover its layers of flavor.
Ventura Spirits Barrel Rested Yolo Agave Spirit Batch No. 2
86 points
$65
Complex and interesting; keeps coming back with new and unique flavors but always inviting.
El Tequileño Blanco Tequila
85 points
$21
A workhorse back bar Tequila with the citrus, pepper, and touch of sweetness.
Anteel Coconut Lime Tequila
85 points
$32
Blend it up and make some fruity tiki inspired cocktails, like a Tequila Colada.
Caralegre Blanco Tequila
85 points
$35
Pronounced vanilla but otherwise nice and consumer friendly.
Defrente Blanco Tequila
85 points
$35
A delicate and approachable spirit that follows through with a floral sweetness on the palate.
Caralegre Añejo Tequila
85 points
$44
Lots of barrel flavor with a little prickle of agave spice mixed with alcohol heat.
Purasangre Reposado Tequila
85 points
$49
Earthy and fruity flavors shine through with a long and mildly spicy finish.
El Tequileño Gran Reserva Reposado Tequila
85 points
$54
Assertively citrus with some vibrant spice, pepper, and heat; this will pop in a Margarita.
Don Rico Reposado Tequila
85 points
$55
A floral reposado that draws you in for earthy and savory flavors dancing on the palate.
Casa Maestri Añejo Tequila Reserva
85 points
$89
Intense sweetness on the nose that rolls into some spicy dryness to finish; rich and sweet barrel characteristics abound.
Lunazul El Humoso Smoked Blanco Tequila
84 points
$32
Like Mezcal but a sweeter and fuller bodied version; picture eating fruit candies by the lantern while camping.
Suavecito Añejo Tequila
84 points
$49
Pleasant flavors with a nice vanilla and baking spice component.
Cenote Green Orange Liqueur
84 points
$71
Bittersweet orange and green herbs from the agave, and a splash of vanilla candy.
Cenote Ahumado Smoked Reposado Tequila
84 points
$75
A smoky breakfast tequila; pair this with bacon and pancakes, or try it with a Hawaiian pizza.
Kapena Li Hing Infused Tequila
81 points
$45
Like a handful of salted chocolate caramel pretzels and sour orange candies.
Gran Malo Spicy Tamarindo Flavored Tequila
80 points
$19
Sweet and sour tamarind syrup; try with soda water.
Kapena Hawaiian Chili Infused Reposado Tequila
80 points
$45
A spicy addition to any agave based cocktail.
Storm King Distilling Co. Agave Blanco
80 points
$45
A fine agave alternative to traditional Tequila for a Margarita or the like.
Shortcut: https://www.tastings.com/Calendar-Spirits/Review-2023-06-01-Agave.aspx