After distillation, the silver expression is bottled as is, while the aged expressions enter a variety of cask types, including French oak, Hungarian oak and American oak ex-bourbon barrels. This no machine spirit is hand-harvested, cooked in an earthen pit like mezcal, crushed by a team of men with wooden mallets and distilled in an ancient alembic still made of pine, yielding a smoky, complex sipper that is simply unique on the market. That depends upon the taste profile the maestro tequilero is after, with The Bad Stuff (yes, thats the brands misleading name) currently leading the pack with its recently released Doce XII, a superb 12-year-old silky-smooth bottle that goes for $1,000. 93; Don Fulano Fuerte . Like this article? Copper-pot distilled in Jalisco by Germn Gonzalez, each batch is aged in barrels previously used for Islay scotch, Spanish brandy, and Spanish sherry for an irresistibly complex flavor profile. If youre not one for straight tequila, know that Milagros mixability is up there with the best, served well with lime or in signature tequila cocktails like a Paloma. These are often called a Mixto, where colors and flavors are added before bottling. Please dont deprive yourself of this tequilas full range of flavors by diluting it with ice. It's made from 100 percentblue agave and you can literally see the quality once you pour it over some ice. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Below we've listed some of our favorite sipping tequilas that will make you want to give your bar cart a makeover. This tequila is aged for a minimum of two and a half years in. Its light, soft and crisp, which arent exactly characteristics you expect from a tequila. Salud! When you're speaking of drinking tequila straight, many people would love to hear the words "smooth" and "soft." If youre stumped on what to get, dont worry some of our favorite bartenders have your back. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. And Volcn X.A (Extra Ages)an ultra-premium trio of reposado, aejo and extra aejo tequilasis aged in proprietary Grace Casks (basically boutique American oak barrels sourced by industry giant Mot Hennessy, which launched the brand). It's made completely from estate-grown blue agave in Tequila, Mexico, and the brand's maestro tequilero finishes each bottle by balancing the majority of unaged platinum tequila with a hint of ultra-aged extra aejo (the result is known as a "Joven" tequila). Thissmall-batch, 100 percent Pure Blue Agave silver tequila is fresh and bright withnotes ofgrapefruit and green apple. sales tax Bottle (750ml) Avion Reserva 44 Extra Anejo Tequila Vine Republic USA: (NJ) Mountainside Curbside pickup and local delivery More shipping info Go to shop $ 108.03 $ 144.04 / 1000ml This greatly intensifies the tequila, creating layers of complexity with sweetened notes of cooked agave, fruits and spices, along with heavily floral accents and a hint of caraway. Tequila Patrn, for example, has a NOM of 1492. Perfect for summer evenings. It's then bottled at 40% ABV and presented in a tall, slender bottle which stands . This tequila leaves behind color additives and is100 percentorganic, gluten-free, and certified kosher, making it a great choice for virtually everyone. Less cooked agave than I would have preferred, but very nice. This best blanco tequila is generally un-aged; although it can be put into barrels or stainless steel vats for a few weeks, it doesnt have time to develop the color and characteristics of a longer aging process. Talk about the perfect summer drink. However, its most significant distinction is sitting front and center on your bar for guests to admire. For more information, please see our . #cheers #bartenders #drinks #cocktails #tequila #donjulio #donjulioanejo #besttequila #yum #yummy #taste #spirits, A post shared by @ lou_the_bartender on Apr 6, 2018 at 12:45pm PDT, Miki Nikolic, beverage director at The Double Dealer in New Orleans. In the mouth, vanilla and cinnamon are the dominant notes. RELATED: The 20 Best Bourbons of the 21st Century (So Far). This labor of love aims for nothing less than a faithful recreation of how tequila was made 200 years ago. The blanco, reposado, anejo, and the still strength are all great to enjoy neat. Cenote makes a drinkable tequila thats flavorful without being overwhelming. The result, after 14 months of aging, is a tequila for whiskey lovers, with lots of vanilla, caramel and black pepper on the palate, in addition to roasted agave and cinnamon. Spend big on it if you have a little extra coin to throw around. ", Cristalino style is the hottest thing in ultra-premium tequila at the moment, and this onea barrel-aged anejo finished in port wine casksbrings the rich flavor of a tequila aged for nearly two years with the smoothness of a silver tequila. . We also suggest pairing this with a Tomahawk steak as big as your fridge will allow. In addition, there is ongoing experimentation with Irish oak and Japanese Minunara oak, with the possibility of even more interesting tequilas in the future. The tequila itself is noteworthy as well. The single estate agaves were harvested from the Camarena familys rancho La Ladera. Weve also made suggestions to pair them with specific foods for some of these options, just as you would a fine wine. With its golden color,it's no surprise this tequila has notes ofhoney, vanilla, almond, coconut, lemon, and pineapple. Produced in small batches and aged for a minimum of two and a half years, Don Julio 1942 Tequila is handcrafted in tribute to the year that Don Julio Gonzlez began his . A tequila for Scotch lovers, this richly flavored anejo marries the vanilla and caramel notes you love from a good aged whiskey with the subtle fruit notes of an agave spirit. I've seen comments that the Don Julio might be too sweet. and our . Don Julio Ultima Reserva Extra Anejo Tequila 750ML In 2006, Don Julio, with his family, planted their final agave field. . It does have a gentle fruitiness reminiscent of a brandy, mingled with a dry herbaceousness and a surprisingly vibrant agave presence, given all that wood aging. More: Tequila Cocktails to Get Excited About. The brand name alone can speak to the quality of this drink. Aejo tequila is complex, full-bodied and is recommended for sipping. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. There are four officially sanctioned styles of top shelf tequila authorized by the government agency CRT (Consejo Regulador del Tequila), which regulates the spirit: blanco, sometimes called silver or plata, it is bottled clear and unaged; reposado, barrel aged from two to 11 months, giving it a tannish hue; aejo, deeper in color and aged from one to three years; extra aejo, rich, brownish-golden tequilas that have been aged longer than three years. If you dont have any qualified sippers on hand, its time to order a few bottles for Easter weekend delivery. Review: Tequila Avion, Complete Lineup (2010) - Drinkhacker Includes digital magazine access + a free gift. The late Don Julio Gonzlez began his tequila-making career in 1942 and developed an extraordinary sense for taste and aroma, resulting in some of the finest tequilas in Mexico. The tequila itself is created by master distiller Arturo Fuentes, using water from the distillerys volcanic artesian wells and aged in specially toasted American oak casks. Is it Taco Tuesday yet? George Clooney and Rande Gerber started Casamigos based on their love of sharing tequila at their neighboring houses in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Hints of cappuccino, cinnamon, clove, deep vanilla, and salted. Espolon Blanco Tequila Review. Siete Leguas, named for Pancho Villas horse, has been family made since 1952 at the distillery where Patrn got its start. The quality is superb and on par with many high-level tequilas. That small amount of extra alcohol amplifies Tanteos flavor profile enough to make it really stand out in a margarita; it also makes a terrific highball, with a squeeze of grapefruit or lime for good measure. There are many great tequilas out there, but an inexpensive price point and very high-quality product puts this tequila as one of my favorites and the best in my opinion. Don Julio 1942 Reserva 750ML 98 Points Wine Enthusiast "A stunning limited-edition aejo. Some brands are certified as additive-free, however, meaning they eschew this process. Don Julio 1942 - 750 ML | OHLQ.com Dont be afraid to experiment. 90; Top Rated Reviews. 1942 is sweeter and heavier on the vanilla and caramel notes. Comedian Kevin Hart has joined forces with 11th generation tequila producer Juan Domingo Beckmann, CEO of Casa Cuervo, to create one of the few reposado cristalinos on the market, with an unusual twist of first being aged in Eastern European oak casks for six months before being finished in California Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrels for up to four additional months. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. However, the tequilas smooth palate with distinct flavors (the caramel undertones are soothing AF) makes this luxury option such a braggadocious selection. Appearing in the #2 slot is Don Julio 1942, which, by the way, also tops our " 100 Most Liked Tequilas " list. In a world of so many celebrity tequila brands, George Clooneys Casamigos is arguably the most successful and the one that others try to emulate. Time for some Fortaleza Reposado . Riazul's Aejo tequila is distilled twice and then aged for two years in Cognac barrels. Another thing to look for aside from region of origin: a four-digit number that represents each distillerys unique code. More: Facts Every Tequila Aficionado Needs to Know. Is The Keto Sweetener Erythritol Dangerous? Its infused with real fruit, too, so dont expect any of that artificial taste. Patrn Silver Tequila $51.99 Buy Now. TEQUILA BATTLE- DJ 1942 VS AVION 44 - YouTube Don Julio 1942 is twice the price and 10 times as good. For Legend, theyve used specially made new American oak barrels that are heavily charred and then deeply groovedsimilar to those used in Jack Daniels Sinatra Select expression. Our editors independently select the products we recommend. Some people love it, others not so much. Warm oak, vanilla, and roasted agave flavors lead into a lingering oak and rich vanilla finish. Youll find Beckmans use of these casksand the reason whyin one of our selections. Some might think jalapeo in their drinks isnt for them, but we assure you that it absolutely is. The 44th month is spent in "specially selected petite barrels, which are rotated daily," according to Avion's website. Although its widely known for its mixto tequila, Cuervo has some higher-quality tequilas in its lineup. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The golden color and caramel scent hint at what's to come: sweet . Plus, in our selection, of top shelf tequila youll find an even newer and rarer Patrn extra aejo that has been aged for eight years in French and American oak casks. These days, some of the best tequila brands in the world are more comparable to a fine bourbon or robust glass of wine than Jell-o shots and beer pong. Older than that, the barrels tend to dominate the spirit, often making it woody and overpowering. The resulting liquid is golden in color, with a bouquet of toasted oak and caramel, followed by flavors of apricot and citrus, and with a smooth, honeyed agave finish. . Avin Tequila Bottle Prices, Sizes & Buying Guide - Liquor Laboratory After launching with a blanco in 2020, they followed up with a reposado a few months later. This tequila is made by Maestra Tequilera Ana Maria Romero Mena, who is making her mark in the industry. As noted below, Patrns Extra Aejo 10 Aos is aged in a combination of used American oak and hybrid American and French Limousin barrels, while one of their newest limited editionsSherry Cask Aged Aejois aged exclusively in ex-Oloroso sherry barrels. This process results in a superb, smooth taste that exceeds expectations with each sip. It coats the tongue like velvet, and leaves a long, sweet and satisfying finish. I'm considering buying a nice aejo, and have narrowed it down to one of these. It has more vanilla and oak notes from the time it spends in barrels but still captures the grass and earthy flavors of the agave. Each bottle is aged 36 months in American oak barrels, then transferred to small casks for one month to further enhance the spirits woody characteristics. 25 Best Tequila Brands of 2022 | Reviews, Tasting Notes, Prices - SPY Its latest release in the Tradicional portfolio, Aejo combines the Cuervo family recipe with a touch of charred American oak to create a remarkably smooth tequila that might be confused for a light whiskey upon first taste. Also noteworthy is how often products from Casa Noble appear on the list (12 times! Another recent and growing trend is the charcoal stripping of color from tequilas, producing an entirely new caregory called cristalino (although it has yet to be recognized by the CRT), basically a clear aged tequila with distinctive flavor profiles. These two liquids are fermented and distilled separately, then blended together for the perfect balance. For countless bartenders, its the tequila of choice for margaritas, and for good reason. You probably already knowCasamigos, but if you're looking for the perfect one to sip straight, this collection is a great place to start. 40 % ALC./VOL. All three expressions are excellent, but the first one to try is the un-aged blanco. #seminolecasinococonutcreek #donsuenos #donsuenostequila #lifeonyourterms #100deagave #jalisco #mexico, A post shared by Don Suenos Tequila (@donsuenos) on Feb 3, 2020 at 8:44am PST, Bryan Long, assistant director of food & beverage at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Palm Beach, Florida. Reserva de la Familia was the worlds first extra-aejo tequila, and it's aged for a minimum of three years in French and American oak barrels. Get the Robb Report newsletter for similar stories delivered straight to your inbox. Its an ultra-premium reposado tequila made with Tequilana Weber Blue Agave that is slow-cooked in traditional stone ovens for a minimum of 72 hours. Finishes with a spicy zest that is robust, but never overwhelming. And just like wine, tequila can be aged in many different containers. Melaza Punch. If youve never enjoyed a glass of tequila neat or on the rocks, youre missing out on a complex, vegetal, flavorful experience. To start, agave plants are harvested by hand in the Jalisco Highlands, using farms that pass the strict standards of the Mexican Tequila Regulatory Council (TRC). Cracked the cap on Roca at the Cambria Hotel! There is a new anejo expression that was just released, but until that becomes more readily available try this one. With bold citrus notes and a fresh agave flavor, Patrn Silver will give your body an electric rush with every shot, plus it goes perfectly with lime juice and orange liqueur, just in case the aftertaste is too much for you to handle. Plus, get the exclusive Robb Report tote bag FREE. Reserva 44, Avin's "bespoke" extra aejo, is aged for 43 months in oak barrels and then aged for an additional month in specially selected "petite" barrels, which are rotated daily. And nearly every restaurant and bar has it. Immature agaves produce shallow and bitter-tasting tequilas, and any tequila that uses less than 100 percent agaves is a mixto, a sugary flavored concoction hardly worth pouring. Just adding a little something to the bar! Facts Every Tequila Aficionado Needs to Know, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. When they were setting up shop, the Oz-based founders of Sesin sought out an experienced tequila-making partner In Mexico, and found a good one in the Beckmann family, proprietors of a little brand you may have heard of called Jose Cuervo. For countless bartenders, its the tequila of choice for margaritas, and for good reason. Just ask Kevin Moran, general manager at Seagar's Prime in South Walton, Florida, who reps hard for Don Julio 1942. 40% ABV (80 Proof) 2720B. One can only revel in its magnificent taste, filling your mouth with ample coconut, almond brittle and salty caramel. Making the best tequila is a long and detailed process that requires a mix of craftsmanship, patience and a little bit of luck. Only 299 individually numbered decanters are being released at select fine spirits stores worldwide, as well as on Blockbar. Well also give you a peek inside Patrns historic distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. . This distillers blanco, reposadoand aejo expressions are each contained in captivating skull-inspired sculptures representing the Mayan, Peruvian and Nicaraguan cultures, and fashioned by local artists.