Montezuma White Tequila

74 SCORE

“The flavor of this tequila is very good. To each their own but I really do like the buttery rich flavor and smoothness of this brand. That said, I can never bring myself to buy it ever again because it gave me the worst hangovers I've ever had while drinking tequila. My guess is since it's not blue agave or perhaps maybe not even agave at all, that's the reason for the trouble. I lost an entire day recovering from a couple shots the night before, and my old standby, Kirkland Silver, has literally never given me a hangover ever. The Kirkland Silver also is in the $20 for 1.75L price range, but sadly, is being discontinued which is what led me to try this. You could totally get away with serving Montezuma at a party, it tastes fabulous even straight up, but your friends may despise you the next day.”

Cazadores Tequila Reposado

88 SCORE

“I do enjoy this Cazadores. It is pretty sweet, and has a thicker viscosity which I enjoy while having my signature drink: straight tequila, sipped. The pros: You will enjoy this tequila unless you prefer harsher spirits. This is a little bit like a velveteen rabbit in a glass. Very smooth, friendly, sweet and caramelly. It goes down EXTREMELY easily so do beware as the tequila flows to at least keep some of your wits about you. Chatting with a friend one evening I drank way too much of it; we killed the bottle, and it nearly killed us. ;) It is an excellent value for its flavor, $23 for 750ml these days. My only complaint is that there seems to be an "off" flavor, a synthetic vanilla or something that sets in after swallowing. It doesn't taste completely natural. It's slight enough to still enjoy this tequila greatly, but when given the choice I will choose my favorite colored tequila, the pricier Kirkland Anejo because it has no fake taste at all. That said, I've enjoyed many a cozy evening with Cazadores Resposado and wouldn't hesitate to keep it on hand. The expeirence: Upon unplugging the bottle, a thick brown sugary aroma wafts up to your nose, followed by an almost bourbony caramel scent, followed by a light, super sweet vanilla. Upon drinking, you taste these flavors to the highest mark, the warmth of the alcohol is very soothing and relaxing, but then a slight chemically/unnatural taste sets in for only a few moments, but noticeable. That said, it is delicious enough to recommend as a sipping tequila, and would likely make amazing margaritas. ”

Exotico Blanco

53 SCORE

“So my go-to tequila (Kirkland Silver from Costco) has been repeatedly sold out lately, much to my great distress. So a friend who was a bartender for 10 years recommended this one. I must be spoiled by the deliciousness of the Kirkland (it is amazing, try it!) but this one doesn't hold a candle to it as far as drinkability or flavor. Upon opening the Exotico, you do smell a lovely bouquet of aromas, but the pleasantries stop there. You smell a high amount of grass and a strong peppery scent, enough to make you sneeze if you inhale too deeply. With those scents is an underlying sweet smell, maybe the agave. This is still a good tequila, only $14 for 750ml at Walmart, but it is HARSH. It says 100% agave on the label, but it does not say 100% blue agave like the Kirkland does. So I'm guessing based off the taste there is a difference btwn it being all blue agave vs regular agave (?) Anyway, on to the sip. Sipping tequila straight is my standard cocktail. I'm in love with tequila, tbh lol. So when you sniff the glass it still smells delicious enough to get your hopes up, the vibrant spicy green smells happy, however as you taste it that happy grassy aroma is quickly dwarfed by the flaming scorch of the ethanol/alcohol upon tasting. I was very shocked & all I could think of, as it burned down through my insides, was what my dad used to joking always say in such circumstances, "Well that'll put hair on your chest!" Funnier bc I am a girl. I will be checking first thing tomorrow, but yes, this tequila, having the peppery aroma/flavor already is then without warning accelerated to 160mph by the harshness of the alcohol bite. You do actually feel as if you've been stung. Unfairly, the burn is oh so real and sticks to your insides for so long afterwards, that any buzz you might hope to relax by is pumped out of your system by adrenaline. So I hope the Exotico folks go back to the drawing board and figure a way to make this scorcher more smooth. I appreciate the complexity and uniqueness of the grassy scent etc., but drinking this is not really enjoyable or relaxing due to the heavy-handed burn.”

Kirkland Signature Añejo Tequila

94 SCORE

“This is a delicious tequila! I tried it when it first came out a few years ago, but was completely disappointed. This one is different, improved and amazing. The fragrance of vanilla & brown sugar hits you first. along with some minor alcohol scent. Although 100% agave, the agave is not the strongest player here. Upon sipping, the maple taste shines through, in a warm, smooth, buttery flavor, maybe with a hint of tobacco. It is FANTASTIC. My only hope is that they lower the price, I know it's not that much but on my budget it is for $30 per 750ml. Definitely a sipping tequila, but I'd wager it makes the best margaritas in the world. This and the Kirkland Silver Tequila are my all-time favorites, and sipping straight tequila is my go-to alcoholic beverage. Neither has ever given me even a hint of a hangover. Truly the nectar of the gods. Cheers! ”

Kirkland Signature Silver

92 SCORE

“This is my #1 favorite tequila on a regular basis. It is the tequila that got me drinking tequila straight, after drinking only margaritas for years. The experience: This is a very velvety smooth, almost syrupy tequila. It is not syrupy, but to me just the perfect sheen, viscosity (?) and flavor. The flowery blue agave aroma hits you hardest straight away, followed up by a strong citrusy scent, then a less strong browned butter / vanilla scent. These are also what you taste as you sip it. Surprisingly, some pepper hits you along with it. There is almost zero alcohol burn, which is what I prefer most of all. It is very easy going down, so pace yourself. I'm not a heavy drinker, but I've had days where I drank this all day, & it's never given me a hangover. I would kiss the man who made this tequila. Add to that the fact it.is $23 a 1.75L bottle & this tequila becomes impossible, in my opinion, to beat. Lately Costco is always out of it so I suspect a local restaurant has been buying them out. I prefer it over any other brand I've ever had, with maybe the exception of the Kirkland Anejo. Grab this giant silver one if you can! And Costco, please never stop making it! Salut!”