Ocho Tequila Añejo (Single Barrel) - La Magueyera 2014

93 SCORE

“Penetrating the 54% ABV on the nose can be something of a challenge however what sits beneath is one of the purest forms of aged agave I’ve encountered. 39 months in French oak has not limited notes of melon, fresh agave and herbaceous elements of anise with an underlying custard sweetness. On the palate the high proof performs a delicate high-wire act to leave enough room for an interplay between engaging citrus notes (orange/mandarin) and a herbaceous counterpoint of black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom and a hint of clove. Finishing with a warming note reminiscent of salted caramel the high proof allows all flavours to linger without clinging to the palate in a saccharine way. Having tasted all expressions of the 2014 La Magueyera (including popping the top off the last bottle of extra anejo in Australia for a tasting in 2018) I must tip my hat to Tomas and team for releasing the single barrel expressions at cask strength which take the experience to another level for an agave nut such as me!”

Fortaleza Reposado - Winter Blend 2019

96 SCORE

“This is possibly the best reposado expression I’ve ever tasted. Cinnamon, vanilla and chocolate on the nose with a hint of grassiness. Agave sitting very much in the background but still present. In the mouth the competing forces of full-textured agave and 46% ABV, the savoury stiffness of French oak and the lingering caramel of American oak interlock as of by magic. This is a reposado that is full to the teeth with character yet retains bright and fresh notes of a great blanco. Some may feel the aged agave flavour has been left too much in the background however i often remind myself this is not an anejo tequila where this is expected. On the whole, this is an approachable, artisanal expression bottled at cask strength that outshines pretty much any other reposado I’ve tasted. Guillermo and team should be very proud. And I feel very fortunate to have one of the 5,184 bottles ever made (Bottle 4,505 for those playing at home). ”

Codigo 1530 Blanco

81 SCORE

“It goes against some of my traditional leanings but I really love drinking this agave. I think it displays great minerality, cleanliness with approachable sweetness making it an accessible sipper for those at the start of their agave journey. With a tale of mystery and intrigue surrounding its origins and how it came to market (and never let the truth get in the way of a good story) this is the Tequila to share with a good group of friends - relaxing watching the sunset with a smile on your face!”

ArteNOM Seleccion de 1146 Añejo

93 SCORE

“One of my favourite aged expressions particularly when introducing whiskey drinkers to Tequila thanks to its oak, caramel and vanilla signature flowing though from the barrels. And I really love their story that attempts to create some distance between great artisanal product and the billions spent in brand marketing to ‘buy’ the success of lesser quality agaves. The true Art of the Distiller (NOM) on show. ”

Fortaleza Blanco (Still Strength)

91 SCORE

“Blanco as it should be. (Mostly) traditional methods mean this is more about what gets left in the juice than what is filtered out. ”