Leticia A. rated 64d ago

Lost Lore NASA Liquor Single Barrel Añejo

90 SCORE

“Tried this in Chicago at Sabor y Cultura. Important Note: don’t pass on this just because you think you don’t like stout influence. This release is a nod to the stout influence but not overpowering. Nose is delicious, palate is rich and deep with chocolate all day long. Super nice sipper. Finish is lingering in the best way. ”

Leticia A. rated 102d ago

Don Vicente Fuerte Reposado

90 SCORE

“Great high proof repo! Beautiful light gold in the glass. Nose bursts with agave, light vanilla, a hint of cinnamon and citrus. On the palate bright strong agave and big minerality. The citrus from the nose turns toward orange peel. Vanilla also comes in and a great tingle on the mid tongue with a very pleasant mouth feel and mid to long finish. Lovely, my favorite Don Vicente expression (and all are good). ”

Leticia A. rated 123d ago

Lost Lore Valley Blanco

90 SCORE

“ Valley Blanco Distillery Name & NOM: Feliciano Vivanco and Associates, NOM 1414 Master Distiller: Cesar Vivanco Region: Lowland (Los Valles) Agave Source/Harvest Location: Valley agave, Jalisco, Mexico Bottle Presentation & Label Art: The label is a showpiece. Rendered in rich gold foil and deep green on a cream background, the vintage etching style calls to mind recovered manuscripts and heirloom documents. A beautifully detailed blue agave plant anchors the center of the label, surrounded by landscape scenery. A bold ribbon reading “Crafted with Valley Agave” makes provenance the headline. The handwritten edition and bottle number (2025 342) delivers a limited-release feel. This bottle holds space on a shelf beautifully. Color Intensity: Crystal clear Viscosity: Notably oily for a blanco, earning a 7/10. The legs tell you something different is happening here before you ever take a sip. Nose: An incredible punch of agave wrapped in citrus and minerality. Clean, expressive, and generous. Could nose this one all day. Palate: Delivers exactly what the nose promises. Intense agave forward with the citrus resolving to bright lime and the clean minerality of valley agave shining through. The high proof is present but well integrated, making this a phenomenally drinkable high proof expression. Finish: The high proof extends the finish beautifully, with the valley agave minerality lingering. Long, clean, and satisfying. Bang for the Buck: A little on the higher side for a blanco, but when you understand the intention and process behind this unique release, it feels not only reasonable but worth it. Stocking up on a few more bottles is the right call, and here is hoping Arturo and Cesar return to this concept again.”

Leticia A. rated 123d ago

Tequila Alquimia Reposado

85 SCORE

“As always, I include the full experience I enjoy with the tequila which includes things I feel are important to the bottle as a whole, such as packaging, color intensity of the tequila, viscosity, and any other notable elements. Please feel free to skip what isn’t important to your experience of a tequila! Distillery & NOM: Grupo Tequilero México, NOM 1468 Master Distiller: Dr. Adolfo Murillo (Founder/CEO), who describes the role as a collaboration between himself and his chemical engineer, a deliberate choice reflecting his hands-on production philosophy Region: Highland, Los Altos, Jalisco Agave Source: Single-estate blue agave from Rancho Murillo, near the village of Agua Negra, Jalisco. The brand states all agave is estate-grown and certified USDA organic, with no outside agave sourced, a requirement of their organic certification. Bottle & Label: The bottle is made from recycled glass, crafted by artisan glassblowers, consistent with the brand’s published commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly production. Each expression is distinguished by a color-coded glass stopper; the Reposado carries a rich dark red. It presents well on a shelf and the packaging aligns with the story the brand tells about itself. Color: Medium intensity for a Reposado, 7/10 Viscosity: Above average for the category, 8/10 Nose: Opens with noticeable heat that softens considerably after about 20 minutes in the glass. Once it settles, ripe fruit, medium oak, and a light natural sweetness emerge. Palate: Warm entry with cooked agave as the anchor. Light sweetness carries through, balanced by moderate baking spice and a clear black pepper note that adds complexity without overwhelming the agave character. Finish: Medium length, still carrying some warmth. Agave remains present throughout, with the pepper expression building slightly toward the close. Bang for the Buck: Alquimia sits at a premium price point, which the brand attributes to its certified organic practices, single-estate sourcing, and small-batch production model. For drinkers who prioritize provenance and sustainability alongside quality, the Reposado holds its own. Those expecting a more polished, oak-forward repo may find the heat a consideration, but patient sippers will find it opens up nicely.”

Leticia A. rated 123d ago

Tequila Alquimia Añejo

86 SCORE

“As always, will review appearance as well as nose, palate, and finish. A note on the bottle which is heavy recycled glass with a glass topped stopper. The añejo topper is a beautiful blue. Nice touch that each expression has its own unique colored glass stopper. Clear attention to detail in the bottle design which is substantial and stately on the shelf. On first pour, a rich, beautiful color 7/10 in color intensity, which is a little darker than many añejos. On the nose, lightly sweet with cooked agave and dark cherry/dark berries and a nice caramel-vanilla. Opens nicely at 20 minutes with the warmer oak aromas coming through. On the palate the nose did not mislead. Warm roasted agave, cherry, caramel, vanilla and some light warm spice. The finish comes in with some gentle heat and a hint of anise. Lovely tequila and very well priced. ”

Leticia A. rated 184d ago

Alma del Jaguar Tequila Blanco

83 SCORE

“Nice agave aroma with mineral and vegetal notes with a bit of citrus. On the palate, agave, light pepper, that fresh vegetal edge (maybe cucumber???) and some light citrus. Very smooth with great mouth feel. Drinks very easily and good as a sipper or a stand up option in a cool marg (think cucumber/jalapeña marg - a match made in heaven with ADJ blanco!). Will be a regular on my shelf. ”

Leticia A. rated 259d ago

Siembra Valles Aniversario Joven

87 SCORE

“Tried this at Techo agave bar in Austin Texas and now I need to find a bottle for my bar. Tons of sweet agave with a touch of honey and that complex Cascahuin profile turned up a notch. Definitely a repeat sipper!”

Leticia A. rated 259d ago

Entremanos Tequila Blanco High Proof

84 SCORE

“My first Entremanos and happy I tried the HP. Nice agave on the nose, light minerality. On the palate more agave, minerality, some light citrus. The finish is solid. This drinks very well at the high proof. Definitely will buy a bottle for my bar. ”

Leticia A. rated 264d ago

Cascahuín Destino

90 SCORE

“Wow the nose on this is vibrant with agave, minerality, and that is before the layers start hitting. On the palate - agave, petrichor, then layers of a light floral, then a minty whisper with an underlying faint smokiness. The mouth feel is crazy for a blanco! Full and lingering - this pour just keeps bringing different layers of enjoyment. Really wish I could get another bottle without the ridiculous price. Guess I will be rationing this one for a bit. ”

Leticia A. rated 317d ago

Zumbador Tequila Blanco

89 SCORE

“Nose is all fresh agave and pepper, with a hint of malolactic funkiness that appears and then recedes under the minerality and a fresh petrichor/rain aroma. Tasting notes surprised me as the agave takes on a warmer baked taste and there is no detectable malolactic taste. This is vegetal and mineral at the same time - far more complex than expected. Still get pepper and earthiness but this does not drink hot. Finish is medium and pleasant. I would sip this and continue to learn from the complexity. Added notes: I always remark on the bottle and the label art as these are things that impact what I am drawn to although they don’t reflect the product. Here the label represents the brand well and draws on the hummingbird “zumbador” motif as it represents the resurrection of the soul and the enduring nature of the human spirit. Would love to see more info about production methods on the label but this is an incredibly well priced bottle so the brand can’t be faulted for simplicity in labeling. The bottle is solid with a great seal and pleasant pouring. Overall a great budget option and another solid offering from 1643! My score gets an edge upward for bargain pricing!”

Leticia A. rated 319d ago

El Ateo Blanco Still Strength

89 SCORE

“Nose is bright and sweet agave with a lively vegetal and mineral aroma. On the palate this delivers an agave bomb balanced well with pepper, minerality, some light cinnamon and the finish is nice and long but not hot for a 100 proof. Really enjoy this!”

Leticia A. rated 376d ago

Viva Mexico 25th Anniversary Extra Añejo

92 SCORE

“Wow I have been eager to try this for over a year and it does not disappoint! Agave still shines in spite of the aging and the warm fruit, maybe cherry or another stone fruit, combines with light vanilla. Finish is long and mouth feel is rich. Worth the wait!”