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Tequila and Mescal Reviews

Tequila Reviews:

Agave Based Liqueurs

A Note about Tequila

Tequila is an Agave based spirit distilled from the Blue Agave plant in the Tequila Region of the state of Jalisco in Mexico.  If the product is produced outside of this Tequila region then the spirit must be labeled as Mescal.  This is like the distinction between Cognac and Brandy.

Tequila may be labeled as Mixto or 100% Agave.  100% Agave tequila uses only Weber Blue Agave as the base ingredient for fermentation. Mixtos may use other varieties of Agave, or other sugars (fructose)  in the fermentation process, but they still must use at least 51% Weber Blue Agave.

Tequila may be labeled as “Blanco” (unaged clear), “Gold” (usually caramel colored blanco), “Reposado” (rested  in oak for two months to a year), “Anejo” (aged in oak for one to three years) and “Extra Anejo” (aged in oak for more than three years).

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Mezcal Reviews:

A Note on Mescal:

Mezcal is distilled from 100% Maguey (or Agave) in the Mezcal Region of Mexico. Whereas Tequila must be produced from Blue Weber Agave, Mezcal may be produced from many different varietals. Mescal labeling based upon classifications of maturity. These Classes are as follows:

Blanco or Joven: Mezcal which has not been altered in any way after distillation. (No aging)

Madurado en Vidrio: Mezcal that has been rested in glass vessels larger than 5 liters for over 12 months either buried underground or in a specialized area that minimizes variations in light, temperature, and humidity.

Reposado: Mezcal that has rested in wooden barrels for two months but not longer than 12 months in a specialized area that minimizes variations in light, temperature, and humidity. There are no specifications or limits regarding the shape or size of the barrels.

Añejo: Mezcal that has rested in wooden barrels for over twelve months in barrels that are no larger than 1,000 liters. They must be rested in in a specialized area that minimizes variations in light, temperature, and humidity.

Abocado con/Infused with: Mezcal that has had ingredients or extracts added to the mezcal post-distillation to contribute flavor. These ingredients can include, but are not limited to: Agave worm, damiana, orange, lime, mango, honey, or others, provided they are authorized by Ministry of Health.

More information maybe found here: (Mescal Explained)

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Each Tequila and Mezcal review contains a rating or score out of 100, and these scores can be interpreted using the following scale:

0-25     A spirit with a rating this low would actually kill you.
26-49   Depending upon your fortitude you might actually survive this.
50 -59  You are safe to drink this…but you shouldn’t.
60-69   Substandard swill which you may offer to people you do not want to see again.
70-74    Now we have a fair mixing spirit.  Accept this but make sure it is mixed into a cocktail.
75-79    You may begin to serve this to friends, again probably still cocktail territory.
80-84    We begin to enjoy this spirit neat or on the rocks. (I will still primarily mix cocktails)
85-89    Excellent for sipping or for mixing!
90-94    Definitely a primary sipping spirit, in fact you may want to hoard this for yourself.
95-97.5 The Cream of the Crop
98+       I haven’t met this bottle yet…but I want to.

Very loosely we may put my scores into terms that you may be familiar with on a Gold, Silver, and  Bronze medal  scale as follows:

70 – 79.5    Bronze Medal (Recommended only as a mixer)
80 – 89.5     Silver Medal (Recommended for sipping and or a high quality mixer)
90 – 95         Gold Medal (Highly recommended for sipping and for sublime cocktails.)
95.5+            Platinum Award (Highest Recommendation)

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I use the same Review Methodology for Tequila as I have been using for Rum and Whisky. Although this is currently under review, for the time being the method I use is detailed here:

My Methodology

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