Shaun M. rated 2d ago

Ocho Tequila Reposado

88 SCORE

“Nose Musty and damp, almost reminiscent of wet dog. A slight cinnamon note develops alongside barrel influence and a light floral character. Taste & Texture Clings nicely to the glass with a coating mouthfeel. Sweetness leads into cinnamon and pepper, followed by a slight bourbon note. There’s some tongue tingle along with a vegetal character underneath. Finish Barrel tannins are noticeable but don’t overly dry the mouth. The tongue continues to tingle through the finish, leaving no question that this is a high-proof pour.”

Shaun M. rated 2d ago

Manuscrito Tequila Reposado - Chapter Four

89 SCORE

“Nose Damp fermentation leads the nose, giving it an earthy, funky character. Taste & Texture Coats the glass nicely with a good mouthfeel. Peppery warmth comes through with cinnamon and a subtle sweetness underneath. There’s a light tingle on the tongue without being overly hot. On the last sip, a briny, almost salty note begins to show. Finish Long, warming finish that slowly builds, leaving a slight numbing sensation through the throat and gums. Barrel tannins dry the mouth as the finish lingers.”

Shaun M. rated 2d ago

Don Vicente Fuerte Reposado

88 SCORE

“Nose * Damp concrete * Strong mineral character * Barrel/oak notes TNT * Thick * Coats the glass nicely * Sweetness * Pepper * Vegetal character * Good tongue tingle Finish * Noticeable barrel tannins * Drying mouthfeel * High-proof warmth spreads through the mouth * Almost a slight numbing sensation * Vegetal flavor lingers”

Shaun M. rated 5d ago

Wild Common Tequila Añejo

96 SCORE

“Wild Common Añejo — NOM 1123 Nose Sweet from the start with an almost coconut-like note, followed by vanilla and brown sugar. Cinnamon comes through along with a noticeable whiskey/barrel aroma. The barrel influence is definitely present, but rather than taking over, it adds another layer to the sweetness and spice. Taste & Texture Thick and rich in the mouth with excellent viscosity, coating the tongue and clinging to the glass. The sweetness continues immediately from the nose, joined by cinnamon and pepper. Barrel tannins add a pleasant dryness and structure while a warming tingle develops across the tongue. Finish Long, sweet and peppery. The sweetness that started on the nose carries all the way through the finish, accompanied by cinnamon warmth and lingering spice. The barrel remains noticeable but never becomes overpowering, and the tannic dryness provides a nice contrast to the sweeter notes. Overall This was the bottle from my Texas haul that I was most excited to open, and it did not disappoint. There is a consistent sweetness running through the entire experience—from the coconut, vanilla and brown sugar on the nose, through the rich palate, and into the lingering finish. The thick mouthfeel gives it a richness that makes you want to slow down and enjoy every sip. What surprised me most was the whiskey/bourbon influence. Normally, that’s something I don’t particularly enjoy in tequila. Here, however, it works. The barrel doesn’t overpower the tequila or turn it into something else. Instead, it complements the sweetness, cinnamon and pepper while adding vanilla, brown sugar and drying tannins. For someone who normally criticizes a tequila for becoming too bourbon-like, that’s probably one of the biggest compliments I can give it. ”