Devil’s Liquor Single Barrel, Tempe, AZ Barrel: B076-L344 Aged: 8 months Bottle number: 198/240 40% ABV This was a good tequila with some solid flavor and nice balance between agave and barrel. It didn’t quite reach the complexity of some other expressions I’ve had, but it was still an enjoyable pour. On the nose, I picked up classic cooked agave right away, backed by a solid layer of black pepper and oak. There’s a smooth vanilla and caramel sweetness, a bit of citrus brightness, and a rich butterscotch note that gives it a warm, dessert-like edge. On the palate, the cooked agave carries through nicely, supported by that same black pepper and oak combo. Vanilla and caramel add creaminess, and the butterscotch really pops here. It’s rich without being overly sweet. The citrus adds a little lift, while some light minerality and barrel spice round out the finish. Overall, it’s a well-made single barrel with a good mix of traditional and barrel-driven notes. Not quite standout territory for me, but definitely a bottle I’d be happy to sip again.

smoke (? where does this come from - the barrel char? = not from the productuon methods), some oak, barrel spices, mild caramel, minerality. on the nose, in the background, i did get that traditional ET bubblegum/banana

I tried two batches ( 5 & 6) that couldn’t be more different. My published score reflects my preferred Batch 6, while Batch 5 earned an 88 from me. Batch 5 feels like it came from a newer barrel—probably first or second use. It shows heavier barrel influence right away, starting with a richer color. The nose is oak forward with pronounced stone fruit notes, giving it a deeper, more layered aroma. Batch 6, likely aged in a second or third use barrel, still has oak but it’s lighter and crisper. The nose is more agave driven, with a fresh brightness and some mineral funk that keeps it lively. On the palate, Batch 5 stays true to its nose: oak, vanilla, and stone fruit dominate. It’s incredibly smooth, not too thick, but with a mouthfeel I really appreciated. Batch 6 brings sweet agave upfront, balanced by oak, pepper, and a touch of salinity. You can still find stone fruit and baking spices, but the agave shines through without being overshadowed. The finish on Batch 5 is super smooth with warm, lingering spices, think cinnamon and clove. But mostly it’s that incredible barrel sweetness that stands out. Batch 6 finishes equally smooth but with a brighter, sharper spice note, contrasting the warmer baking spices of Batch 5. That brightness really won me over. Final thoughts: Batch 5 feels like a bourbon lover’s XA, and that’s a compliment, not a criticism. It’s rich, smooth, and comforting. Batch 6 is a tequila lover’s XA. It’s agave forward, vibrant, and layered. It’s my personal favorite, but honestly, I’d enjoy either batch any day of the week.

BEST BLANCO I'VE EVER TRIED! ROBERT DENTON IMPORTS tasted 2018/2019 tasted again at john welch's feb 18, 2023 mexican 1 liter from 2003/2004 excellent !!! Thank you @seattlejuan