Ben N. rated 890d ago

Fortaleza Reposado - Winter Blend 2022

86 SCORE

“This was ok, I felt as though it had more barrel influence than it should. I’m not sure of the particulars of the barrel (I’ve forgotten) or the aging specifically, but it drank almost like an anejo and less like a reposado. Overall I felt as though the nuance of the agave was lost to the influence of the barrel. It’s far from bad, it’s good… just not as good as the regular Fortaleza Reposado which strikes a better balance. ”

Ben N. rated 902d ago

ArteNOM Selección de 1579 Blanco

89 SCORE

“Like other 1579 tequilas, this one has the citrus nose, and the softer flavor. It’s got enough nuance where it’s a multitude of flavors, but is still strong enough to be easily identifiable in a drink like a margarita. I think it’s a great higher level tequila.”

Ben N. rated 928d ago

El Gran Legado De Vida Still Strength Blanco

88 SCORE

“I thought this was really good, it’s the first 1123 that I didn’t immediately think it smelled/tasted essentially the same as the other 1123 products - I like that flavor but it was exciting that this was something new and different. This has a great nose, almost a 1579 nose. Strong agave but delicate. The taste is very salty, I wouldn’t say briny, just salty and peppery. I like the nose more than the flavor. It isn’t hot at all, it drinks well below 54.5% so it doesn’t blow you away with ethanol or alcohol. I put it in a Paloma, and it sort of disappeared. I will try it in other drinks. It’s not super sweet so it might work well in a sweeter drink, maybe a traditional margarita. ”

Ben N. rated 966d ago

Volans Still Strength Blanco

91 SCORE

“Wow, this smells like the G4 Madera, and a lot of the other tequilas that are Tahona crushed, and fermented with fibers etc. but when I taste it… it’s a heck of a lot sweeter than the nose would suggest. It tastes like sweet citrus, and then has a spicy finish. It’s surprisingly good. I came in thinking it would taste like G4 108, but it’s nothing like that. Give it a shot. I think this would be a near perfect margarita tequila as it has a lot of “tequila” punch, but because it’s so sweet you’ll need to use less agave nectar. Edit: I’ve made a Tommy’s margarita with this and it wasn’t good. It’s too sweet. I will try a traditional margarita and see. ”

Ben N. rated 994d ago

Don Fulano 20 Aniversario Sherry Cask Añejo

92 SCORE

“To me, this smells like Don Fulano Fuerte meets Fortaleza Anejo. Then you taste it, and it starts with the familiar Don Fulano Fuerte mature agave flavor, then spins to a nice sweet vanilla barrel influence, and the finish veers way out (in a good way) to citrus peel that lingers with a bit of mouth and tongue zing. It’s really good. ”

Ben N. rated 995d ago

Pasote Still Strength Blanco

89 SCORE

“There’s a dry dustiness here that is reminiscent of a very dark chocolate mouthfeel. This tastes like a highlands tequila with rustic elements. It’s multilayered and I don’t think it drinks as hot as other 55% tequilas. I put it in a Tommy’s margarita and it wasn’t very sweet, which I like. ”

Ben N. rated 1033d ago

Tequila G4 Blanco Madera (Lot 01)

88 SCORE

“This one is interesting. I couldn’t not think of Fortaleza Still Strength when I was drinking it, especially the smell. It feels like the Fortaleza guys did a guest visit at G4. That being said, it’s good. It’s got that “we know how to make tequila in the old way” vibe. I prefer G4 108. I feel it has more of what G4 is about, but if you want to listen to 80’s music, then you drink this at the same time. ”

Ben N. rated 1065d ago

Don Fulano Reposado

91 SCORE

“This is awesome stuff. I’m not sure why it’s overall ranked lower. It has the softness of the Don Fulano Blanco, with a light touch of aging that culminates in a touch of honey-like sweetness in the finish. There’s no burn, no heat, and it’s very agreeable while also tasting well done and quality. I would say this is a reposado where the barrel adds rather than detracts, it shares the stage with the agave. ”

Ben N. rated 1081d ago

Tequila G4 Blanco 108

90 SCORE

“I can see why this is scored so highly. Even though my review may be premature (I’ve only just opened the bottle, and let it rest a bit - I haven’t done my customary open a high proof and wait a week) this is the most nuanced high proof I’ve had right out of the gate. It’s a bit green but with a minty green tingle, not really an outright vegetable green. And then there’s the alcohol, and then there’s some nice citrus. Once this sits for a week or two I have a feeling it’s going to blossom up beautifully. I’ll update my review if my overall sentiments change. Something tells me this would make a great margarita and a great Infante. ”

Ben N. rated 1089d ago

Volcan de Mi Tierra Blanco

76 SCORE

“This one smells vegetal and like a regular quality tequila. The aftertaste is really what gets me here. It’s all anise, which I don’t like. If you like anise this is probably a superstar. ”