Nose: Immediately, I get that sweet cooked agave, clean and full. Then comes a damp earthy note, like rain on dry ground, followed by a hit of black pepper and warm cinnamon that wake things up. There’s a subtle mineral streak running through it all. Palate & Mouthfeel: This one doesn’t waste time. Cooked agave shows up bold, with chili heat and fresh bell pepper pushing things into high gear. A bright lactic snap gives it a jolt, just before a wave of citrus, honey, and fresh green notes pull it all back in. It flirts with being unruly, like it wants to kick the door open - but instead it tightens up and shows you it knows exactly what it’s doing. Controlled fire, not chaos. Finish: Slow burn of pepper, sweet agave with a touch of honey, and that dusty minerality that sticks around. Clean, dry, and lasting. Final Thoughts: This tequila doesn’t follow a formula - it sets one. Others try to hit this kind of balance and presence, but few come close. It’s fearless without being loud, refined without being dressed up. A true standout, and honestly, a benchmark.
A very complex blanco from Chava. This blanco has a lot going on in aroma and flavors. Had this as a 2 oz pour in a snifter at a local restaurant at a reasonable price point considering the cost of the bottle. The smoky notes definitely come through from the Earthen pit in a good subtle way. Nose: cooked agave, vegetal, Earth, minerals, citrus, lavender, smoke, and herbal. Palate: cooked agave, vegetal, citrus, Earth, minerals, smoke, black pepper, herbal, and lavender. A blend of different techniques and methods from Cascahuin coming together to make a beautiful nose and great complexity.
Nose: Sweet, inviting, and a little indulgent. Picture getting a scoop of pralines and cream in an ice cream shop. There’s a soft nuttiness and a salty edge, with the agave still clearly calling the shots. Nothing overly oaky or masked, just a clean, balanced aroma that promises good things. Palate & Mouthfeel: Think sweet meets savory: pralines again, but drier, saltier, more grownup. The barrel shows up just enough to add depth without smothering the agave, which shines with that signature sweet and peppery punch. Mouthfeel is silky and polished. It’s elegant without feeling engineered. Finish: Light, but lingers like a perfectly timed goodbye. That sweet-salty mix hangs around just enough to make you notice, but never overstays or weighs you down. Clean, clear, and crave-worthy. Final Thoughts: Value is subjective - but flavor isn’t, and this one nails it. Yes, it’s a premium priced reposado, but it drinks like it knows it’s worth it. A finely tuned balance of sweetness, spice, and restraint. I love this one. A lot.
Good aroma and barrel flavors with fruity overtones. A little more watery than some other brands but overall solid.
The conversation has shifted to highlight producers that omit glycerin, sweeteners, and other additives in their product. But is additive-free the only indicator of quality?
Sorting through the options can be overwhelming, which is why we always opt to trust the experts. To get their take on a workhorse option, we asked bartenders to share with us their go-to tequilas.
An estimated 70 percent of all tequila contains undisclosed additives, like vanilla extract and aspartame. One couple is on a mission to change that.
The 12 finalists are tequilas that offer vibrant and varied aromas and flavors with good texture and a pleasing aftertaste.
Lou gives some mighty high praise for this affordable blanco tequila.
The team behind the Tequila Matchmaker have launched a “Verified Additive Free” program for tequila brands and distilleries. This is the first known independent, additive-free verification in the spirits world.
Largely dependent on U.S. bars and restaurants, Mexico’s craft distilleries are in trouble, and trying to find new ways to connect with consumers.
In his "You Can't Take It With You" series of video reviews, Lou opens up this rare bottle of tequila.
Lou gives his opinion (and approval) of this high proof Tequila Valley gem.
Very easy to drink with loads of agave up front, mixed in with tad smoke, loads of minerals, earthiness and vegetal. It has a backend of lavender and black pepper.