So much sweet agave on the nose, vanilla, distinct caramel and a hint of butterscotch. The minerals are definitely there. As it opens up, I get something almost like dulce de leche but it’s faint and disappears quickly. Some cinnamon, but surprisingly, that round, sweet agave note is dominant. A bit of raisin. The palate is immediately hit with a gorgeous medley of vanilla, caramel, and agave. Very oily and full bodied, an explosion of flavor. This is 110 proof in all of its glory. A little bit of oak and some baking spices. A fruity note, like prune or raisin, something in that range. This is a symphony of flavors and I’m here for it. This is hands down one of the best tequilas I’ve ever had. I can’t believe how much flavor there is here. It’s a little pricy but to be honest, given that it’s a 110 proof, I think it’s actually a very decent price at that $150-175 mark. That proof takes it right over the edge. There’s a little heat to let you know it’s 110, but this is amazingly drinkable. Solid stuff, one of the best I’ve ever had.
Immediately on the nose I’m getting Cinnamon and berries, and definitely peaches. Some whiskey, and that Terralta minerality, but not as intense in lesser aged offerings. Butterscotch, Vanilla, not a ton of oak. There’s a lot going on, and this has a very sweet, fruity nose. Almost like bubble gum after it opens up, very fruity. Some molasses. Very complex nose, so much going on. Almost reminds me of a panadería. The tasting is delightful. More agave than the nose suggests but those baking spices, very fruity and surprisingly sweet. I’m getting cherry, butterscotch and vanilla, and the agave comes through more on the finish. Stunning expression from Felipe, this is damn good. I picked it up for $75 and for me, it’s hard to beat that. High points on value for an XA.
Lou explains why this is his #1 favorite high-proof blanco tequila.
Lou and his friend Warren get into Terralta Añejo, made at the famous El Pandillo distillery.
Lou does a video review comparing Fortaleza, G4, Terralta, Pasote, and and Volans tequilas.
Blind tastings are the best way to find out what you really like, free of marketing hype, bias, and previous experiences. They also give you the opportunity to experience tequila in a whole new way—using only your senses.
We sent 4 new-to-market reposado tequilas to our tasting panel to get their opinions. They were selected because of their different flavor profiles, and because we think they are good quality tequilas worthy of consideration.
Tequila distilleries can differ from each other in many ways. So we used our database to find out which distilleries are creating tequilas that score highest among users of the Tequila Matchmaker app.
The truth behind “the coming tequila shortage”, and the real risks the industry faces.
In an industry rife with artifice, Felipe Camarena is working against the tide to preserve true tequila.
Additives in tequila? I bet you’ve never thought about it. But whether you are for or against additives it’s useful to know how they are used, the rules that govern them, and how to sleuth them out.