Alex L. rated 447d ago

Siempre Rebel Cask Añejo (Long Island Lou)

92 SCORE

“Yes, I’m rating our own barrel — and I get it, that raises eyebrows. But hear me out. This isn’t just a bottle we made — it’s one we almost didn’t. This cask came from a 400L experimental batch we created while dialing in the profile for Exclusivo Vivo. It was never meant to be released. But Lou tasted through the barrels blind and picked this one — one of just two barrels from that original test lot — and honestly, it’s special. Distilled on September 20, 2021 at NOM 1414 using agave from Arandas. We slow-roasted the piñas in a brick oven at lower temperatures for longer than usual, aiming to retain nuanced fruit and floral esters. We used a modified roller mill with less pressure than standard to reduce bitterness from fiber crush. Fermentation was open-air, using live yeast and the Mozart method (yes, we really do play classical music during fermentation — and no, it’s not just marketing). The barrel itself was seasoned — used 4 times prior — which means it didn’t overpower the distillate. We aged it 29 months and bottled it at the exact same proof it entered the barrel: 47.5% ABV. No water, no additives, no blending. Tasting notes (today, for me): • Nose: Cooked agave jumps out first — rich and buttery — with light florals underneath (we distilled during cosmos bloom season and I swear they left a trace). There’s a background of caramelized sugar, faint black tea, and dried orange peel. • Palate: Starts bright — roasted agave, white pepper, and fresh oak. It builds into this soft floral-meets-spice layer, like dried lavender with a dusting of cinnamon. There’s an almond-like roundness mid-palate that comes from the used barrel, not new wood. • Finish: Long and dry, with a pleasant minerality and lingering agave sweetness. Almost a savory snap at the end — that tells me it held up well in the barrel and never got flabby. This is one of those barrels that reminds me why we started Siempre. Nothing here was designed for mass appeal — it’s a full-flavor snapshot of a moment in time, from a barrel we nearly lost to history. Huge thanks to Long Island Lou for giving this one a voice.”

Alex L. rated 453d ago

Trujillo Manifiesto 56

88 SCORE

“Very different nose - attribute to the unusual stills. ”

Alex L. rated 473d ago

Siempre Tequila Añejo (1414)

94 SCORE

“Rating: Siempre Añejo NOM 1414 Rating: 94/100 Siempre's latest Añejo from NOM 1414 is an elegant evolution, beautifully rich and agave-forward, yet maintaining a refined balance. On the nose, expect inviting layers of caramel, vanilla, and subtle oak, paired with a graceful hint of spice. The palate is velvety—harmonizing deep, sweet agave notes with sophisticated whispers of toffee, chocolate, and warm peppercorn. It finishes warmly, gently reminding you of its exceptional quality. I'm genuinely excited about this new release. Siempre's shift to NOM 1414 means better quality, enhanced control, and deeper authenticity—exactly what aficionados appreciate. However, ensure you're grabbing the right bottle: the previous version is housed in a darker, rounded bottle from NOM 1438. The new release is unmistakably different—clear, broader-shouldered, sleek. Checking the NOM is essential, but with such a distinct visual shift, it's easy to distinguish the new Siempre from the old. Salud!”

Alex L. rated 830d ago

Excellia Reposado

87 SCORE

“Nice treat finding this in Atlanta. Tapatio esque - its nice. Likely killing the bottle we found at the bar.”