Joel R. rated 2826d ago

Crotalo Tequila SnakeHead Gran Reserva XA

73 SCORE

“Snake Head bottle. Has a mezcal-like opening which does not work for me but not a deal-breaker. Good oak and a tiny hint of dewberry make the taste worthwhile. ”

Joel R. rated 2828d ago

Don Julio 1942

91 SCORE

“I’ve been drinking this stuff like it’s stolen! Actually I had it first at the excellent “The Mission” restaurant in Scottsdale AZ at Kierland. That glass was wonderful and the restaurant has a practice of giving you the bottle if you empty it. So I got the bottle. It was that good. The restaurant is fabulous too - please visit when you are in town. I went through another bottle over the next couple of months because it serves up abundant tequila essence yet adds gobs of so much eggy French vanilla ice cream flavor that you almost expect to see vanilla bean flecks afloat in your Riedel. Last week I was staring at that newly-empty bottle and getting depressed until my dear friends gifted me a new 1942 for my birthday. Keep it up Don Julio!”

Joel R. rated 2832d ago

Fortaleza Reposado

91 SCORE

“What can I say about this favorite? From the beginning sip, there is a tiny, lovely bite of green olive, then arrives the nuanced allspice and creme brûlée middle. Toasted pine nuts on the finish is a new flavor for me. This lovely spirit is happy by itself or with food. Punches above it’s price, too. Hope they never change the way they make this. Btw - their Blanco is just as good!”

Joel R. rated 2833d ago

El Tesoro Tequila Añejo

89 SCORE

“First off, you gotta love the depiction of the Tahona wheel on the new label. The bouquet does not disappoint, with a buttery wiff of nutmeg riding on the agave vapors. Flavor is round and bold - showcasing quality production using old world techniques. The finish was what pushed this over the edge, with a distinctive anise note. Good stuff. ”

Joel R. rated 2838d ago

Clase Azul Reposado

87 SCORE

“Keep going back to this. Great Agave gives way to smooth oak vanilla. Light raspa makes it approachable. Masquerades as an Añejo. Only short on finish - though this is not a big deal to me. We have cleaned out local merchant of his stock of Clase Azul. What’s their secret?”

Joel R. rated 2839d ago

Tres Generaciones Añejo Tequila

64 SCORE

“Promising bouquet but let me down a bit. Wish it drank better since it’s easy to find. ”

Joel R. rated 2839d ago

Corralejo Reposado Triple Distilled

71 SCORE

“A bit tight/unrevealing at first but pleasant as it sits in the glass or with an ice cube. Good value on sale. ”

Joel R. rated 2839d ago

Rey Sol Extra Añejo

88 SCORE

“Has this first time at a resort in Los Cabos. It was a revelation then, crafted by someone who clearly cares about the juice and the oak. Came back to US and got one via mail order. Still great but yikes it’s pricey - which is why the value meter pulls its overall score down. Have not tried the single barrel version which is said to be even better. Get one as a gift and thank your lucky stars -or- give one to a XA lover and be a hero. ”