Cost at $500 drags this XA score down. I realize there is a surge in prices related to many factors in the whole production chain, but secondary market prices for product like this when initially placed in the market will kill the top tier of products. Pricing like this means the 14 year Alquimia XA or the upcoming Don Pilar Secreto XA are "worth" a grand or more. thanks to Matt for the sample
It’s a 90 if it wasn’t so expensive
I really good and balanced, not a caramel and vanilla bomb, and not as overly sweet as other XA's. This is aged for 9.6 years and does cost $500 a bottle, similar to other specialty offerings. it has a lot of layers and is enjoyable for sure
Immediately notice this one is a very dark XA. (Tasting along side a 2012 Ocho XA ant the color difference is dramatic). Aroma filled with “typical” barrel notes - fruit, oak, and baking spices. One note that stands out is mint. Syrupy mouthfeel that begins sweet (fruit, caramel) and transitions fairly quickly to some peppery heat. Lingers for just a minute but the finish is pretty short. Overall, pretty blah. Nothing bad here but also nothing really good. I’ve reviewed the Ocho and I’ll just say there is no comparison. 2023-02-19