June 2024 - Agave

June 2024 - Agave
This month's Spirits feature is Agave

Agave Reviews

Montelobos Tobala Joven Mezcal
97 points
$99
New, enchanting flavors abound with every captivating sip; complex, creamy, fruity, and spicy notes are expressed with each welcome return to the glass.
Montelobos Pechuga Blanco Mezcal
97 points
$129
An incredible, almost otherworldly Mezcal, perhaps brought to you by Willy Wonka because you are seeing tastes in shades of green and purple and it's taking you to wondrous, unheard of places.
Nocheluna Sotol
96 points
$42
Light and refreshing mixed spring greens and herbs but then all of them pickled; a wonderfully refreshing aperitif to prep the palate for a salad or veggie course.
Mezcal Vago Mezcal Ensamble En Barro
96 points
$69
A little bit demure on the nose at first but enlivened by the first sip and then the complexity grows every time you revisit the glass; so much character shines through even with the higher ABV.
Siempre Exclusivo Edicion Especial Vivo Blanco Tequila Batch 01
96 points
$119
With great depth of flavor and a little funk, this is a Tequila headed in the direction of Blanco Mezcal; not all those who wander are lost.
Gran Centenario Leyenda Extra Añejo Tequila
96 points
$149
Oak influence that is bordering on Whisky territory, but the agave spice is still there and would pair nicely with a ligero wrapper cigar or crossover to Bourbon drinkers that like a sipper with a high rye, black pepper note.
Mezcal Vago Mezcal Espadin Emigdio Jarquin
95 points
$51
So well balanced between the flavors of sweet fruit, spiced vegetables, light cream, and gentle smoke; just incredibly warm and inviting.
Mezcal Vago Mezcal Espadin Joel Barriga
95 points
$51
Leathery and fruity with beautiful floral notes and a pleasant smoke; this Mezcal is a joyride from start to finish.
Del Maguey Chichicapa Single Village Blanco Mezcal
95 points
$69
Fruity with just the right amount of smoke and funk; if a Mezcal could be an 'old soul', it would be this one.
Wild Common Cuishe Blanco Mezcal Artesanal
95 points
$80
The sipper you want with some of the finest al pastor tacos or oysters; a superb Blanco Mezcal that is flush and loaded with tons of character; let's just sit around and nose this all day.
Shelter Distilling Rancho Del Sol California Agave Spirit
95 points
$154
Full of spicy and woodsy flavors with a bit of floral honey sweetness and the back bone to stand up in cocktails.
El Tesoro Mundial Collection Laphroaig Edition Añejo Tequila
95 points
$175
A little bit of crisp agave, a little bit of an almost Mezcal vibe, and then a little spice of smoky Scotch all adds up to super interesting and just gorgeous.
1800 Milenio Extra Añejo Tequila
95 points
$224
Complex and bold without being aggressive; deep, rich flavors show up from the oak balanced by a backbone of agave from the nose all the way through to the long and sumptuous finish.
Alquimia Reserva De Oro XIV Cask Strength Extra Añejo Tequila
95 points
$275
Smooth and palate enveloping, a gentle yet compelling sipper that wraps you up like a big wool blanket around a campfire on a starry night.
400 Conejos Mezcal Joven Artesenal Batch No. 00224AE046
94 points
$29
Smoky and savory meaty umami with traces of fruit; damn this is tasty.
Ojo De Tigre Joven Blanco Mezcal
94 points
$32
A uniquely fruit-forward Mezcal to pair with your favorite beer or Radler and let the savory, fruity notes shine.
Tres Papalote Mexicano Mezcal Artesanal Blanco
94 points
$49
Tasty and vibrant and really showing some funky umami notes; large and in charge.
400 Conejos Mezcal Joven Artesenal Añejo
94 points
$59
A well made product to be sure with the vibrant agave flavor present while the vanilla and caramel notes from the barrel tone down the intensity of the smoke but very much leave it in place.
Montelobos Ensamble Joven Mezcal
94 points
$69
Rich and comforting agave aromas with tropical fruit and sugar cane funk that will add some pop to your cocktails while you watch a movie in the park.
Wild Common Blanco Tequila
94 points
$70
Beautiful, sweet roasted agave flavors of under ripe pineapple, lush green herbs, and fresh cracked black pepper.
Salvadores 70 400 Louies Liquor Private Batch Selected Destilado Con Cafe Y Cacao Pechuga Mezcal Batch CCX-01
94 points
$81
Fun and delicious flavors that lean into cocoa, smoked nuts, and seeds; such tasty, rich, and earthy notes that continually challenge and entice.
Wild Common Reposado Tequila
94 points
$85
The complex and savory herbal notes with the pepper and delicate citrus on this Tequila are beautiful.
Shelter Distilling Limited Release Lowlands Agave Spirit
94 points
$89
A sweet and savory flavor delight; a refreshing sipper to be enjoyed on a brisk day with light conversation.
Creyente Mezcal Tobala Lote No. 00223AE046
94 points
$104
In every sense, this dram is inviting and engaging; the salinity in this expression would be a dream with oysters and shellfish.
Avión Reserva Cristalino Añejo Tequila
94 points
$144
Agave-forward character that is pleasantly tempered by its barrel influence; sip over ice while enjoying light, leafy dishes.
El Tesoro Extra Añejo Tequila
94 points
$150
An agave forward Añejo with vibrant fruit and a depth of herbs and spices.
El Tesoro Mundial Collection Knob Creek Rye Edition Añejo Tequila
94 points
$175
Hot damn, an Añejo with the balance skewed towards the agave and the use of barrel to highlight baking spice and sweet peppers rather than overwhelm with vanilla; huzzah!
Rodeo De Las Aguas 5 Year Extra Añejo Tequila
94 points
$229
Sweet and smooth and with just enough complexity that it doesn't lose the plot and maintains its agave profile alongside the other flavors.
Tequila Comisario 7 Year Aged Small Batch Extra Añejo Tequila
94 points
$1299
An alluring nose and a decadent palate that makes you want it for dessert while enjoying a Drew Estate mocha cigar.
94 points $1299
Jose Cuervo Tradicional Cristalino Reposado Tequila
93 points
$32
Very pretty, with tons of agave character and hints of barrel still lingering around but just enough to elevate rather than distract.
400 Conejos Mezcal Joven Artesenal Tobala Blanco Batch No. 00123BE046
93 points
$43
Dry, mineral driven, and really rich, this expression shows a lot of the agave and has a delightful smoke expression.
400 Conejos Mezcal Joven Artesenal Cuishe Blanco Batch No. 00123BE046
93 points
$43
Delicious and delightful for all agave drinkers and a great introduction to the category; lots of plant flavor and the smoke enhances it beautifully.
Centinela Eterno Cristalino Tequila Añejo
93 points
$49
A Cristalino that retains the flavor of the agave as well as the wood it was aged in; a refreshing example of the style.
Creyente Mezcal Artesanal Joven
93 points
$49
A bit demure on the nose but vibrant fruit and smoke on the palate; a lovely starter Mezcal for transitioning Tequila drinkers, or just your nice, everyday house bottle.
Mezcalum Artesanal Blanco Mezcal
93 points
$49
Deliciously layered and nuanced; should be consumed with food and attention.
Siempre Tequila Plata Lote No 03
93 points
$49
Herbaceous and savory with a sea breeze salinity, this is a lovely sipper showcasing some excellent agave freshness.
El Tesoro Blanco Tequila
93 points
$50
A deliciously green vegetable, pepper, and herb forward sipper that shows off the quality of the agave and will make a killer Margarita.
Mezcal Vago Mezcal Elote
93 points
$51
Spicy, smoky, and herbal sweet corn all in play in this incredible sipper that will surely liven up some cocktails.
Cavagave Extra Añejo Tequila
93 points
$69
The comfort of a Chai latte in the form of an Añejo Tequila and is a delicious choice for a late night cap on the bedside table.
El Tesoro Añejo Tequila
93 points
$85
The agave is still deliciously present and well integrated with gentle barrel caramel and baking spices.
Creyente Mezcal Cuishe Lote No. 00123AE046
93 points
$114
Like a smoked mango black tea; tropical, savory, and refined while maintaining just a bit of that rustic authenticity.
Patron El Alto Reposado Tequila
93 points
$179
Tons of rich, complex flavors that interact very well; chocolate and tropical notes are finely in balance.
Jose Cuervo Tradicional Plata Tequila
92 points
$20
Best Buy
A Tequila to sip on over time to get something unique and new each time.
92 points $20 Best Buy
Ollitas Blanco Tequila
92 points
$29
Very green and vegetable, really showing the flavor of the agave, with a mineral driven backbone and a touch of creaminess to the mouthfeel keeping everything in balance.
400 Conejos Mezcal Joven Artesenal Reposado
92 points
$39
The oak softens but doesn't dominate here, making this a fantastic entry into the category for Tequila lovers.
Código 1530 Estate Harvest Still Strength Blanco Tequila
92 points
$49
Its funky, interesting notes would do really well in cocktails; nice to see an example of a higher proof Blanco.
Tequila Ocho Tequila Reposado
92 points
$59
A beautifully agave-forward Reposado with just a whisper of vanilla and a pleasing balance and integration of baking spices.
El Tesoro Reposado Tequila
92 points
$65
A Reposado with intensity and character; the oak is right at its peak of complexity without losing the agave.
Casa Maestri Café Flavored Tequila
92 points
$70
Good quality of coffee flavor with apparent but balanced agave flavor and not aggressively sweetened; very well executed.
Tequila Ocho Tequila Añejo
92 points
$74
A pure delight and an alluring expression of Añejo Tequila; to be sipped with minimal distractions.
Código 1530 Añejo Tequila
92 points
$129
Has everything one wants in an Añejo; it's complex, sweet, and has some heat.
Vivamor Añejo Tequila
92 points
$149
Rewarding and bold barrel flavors on the front with a nice agave boost in the back playing rhythm guitar.
Member’s Mark Silver Tequila
91 points
$19.98
Best Buy
An excellent blanco to have around the house or back bar for shots and cocktail applications.
91 points $19.98 Best Buy
Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado Tequila
91 points
$20
Best Buy
A bright and very palatable Reposado with a gentle agave balance delivering waves of nuanced spice.
91 points $20 Best Buy
1800 Cucumber & Jalapeno Flavored Tequila
91 points
$29
This flavored Tequila isn't shy about what it is or what it's trying to do; put this into a punch or mix it with your favorite fruit juice or soda.
Cavagave Blanco Tequila
91 points
$32
A Tequila that is great for introducing your friends to the category of premium Blancos.
Pelotón De La Muerte Mezcal Artesanal Maguey Espadin
91 points
$35
Gentle smoke and a soft palate; a great higher end Mezcal for the novice Mezcal drinker, but after they're already gotten over the hump and don't need to be convinced they might like Mezcal in the first place.
Del Maguey Vida Puebla Blanco Mezcal
91 points
$37
Perfect to mix in your classic Margarita with salt to smoke it up.
Bandero Blanco Tequila
91 points
$48
A very consumer friendly Blanco with ample agave flavor of herbs and vegetation with a light vanilla and fruit essence to make it more approachable to people new to the Tequila category.
Alquimia Blanco Tequila
91 points
$49
Bright, crisp, citrus fruit and herbs make this a natural base for classic Tequila cocktails.
Tequila Ocho Tequila Plata
91 points
$49
Very clean and while also very subtle on the palate, the interesting nose beckons you to keep coming back to find more.
Gran Centenario Cristalino Tequila Añejo
91 points
$74
An approachable Cristalino for new drinkers of the style; light, sweet, and well made.
Rodeo De Las Aguas Cristalino Añejo Tequila Batch 01
91 points
$110
Turn up with the Añejo that you want to sip at the club.
1800 Guachimonton Añejo Tequila
91 points
$159
This is like an Añejo Tequila Grand Marnier; a sure fire hit as a base for Cadillac Margaritas.
1800 Blanco Tequila
90 points
$29
A very tasty workhorse Tequila that is easy to drink on its own and could also be an integral player behind the scenes in a cocktail.
Ollitas Reposado Tequila
90 points
$32
Vibrant, fruity agave flavors are well balanced with creamy and sweet oak spices and vanilla.
Gran Centenario Añejo Tequila
90 points
$35
Tastes of a Sedona sunset; a gentle spicy nose leans into an equally spicy but very earthy palate making this a great warm evening sipper.
Los Rijos Tequila Silver
90 points
$37
The aromas are on the quiet side, but then this Blanco really shines on the palate and retro nasal with classic agave flavors.
Lunazul Primero Humoso Blanco Tequila
90 points
$37
Vegetal and tropical notes with a bit of a smoky kick in the front.
Mezcal Rosaluna Single Estate Artesanal Joven Blanco Mezcal
90 points
$39
A classic Mezcal example that brings back happy memories of Oaxaca's sunny weather shared with friends and music.
González 1939 Blanco Tequila
90 points
$42
A clean, mild, tropical Tequila with melon and meaty notes; would pair well with food.
Tequila Comisario Blanco Tequila
90 points
$45
Light, clean, and herbaceous for either cocktails or shots with a round plush mouthfeel that lends itself to being a good sipping Blanco as well.
Tequila Comisario Reposado Tequila
90 points
$54
A maple treat with subtle notes of roast agave make this a lovely introduction to the category.
1800 Cristalino Tequila Añejo
90 points
$59
Complex in its simplicity; a fine example of the category.
Contraluz Cristalino Mezcal Artesenal
90 points
$59
A savory nose is followed by sweeter, creamier flavors on the palate.
Sapiens Bebida De Sabios Ahumado Blanco Tequila
90 points
$59
Complex and contemplative with a deep and earthy note of sweet, overripe tropical fruit complimented with baking spices.
Casa Azul Blanco Tequila
90 points
$69
A sipper or mixer for those that want a richer, creamier, sweeter, and smoother Blanco.
Patron El Cielo Silver Tequila
90 points
$129
Rich and textured and shows off the spice of the Tequila with corn and fruit notes; a clean distillate with a lovely transition from aromas to palate.
Alquimia Reserva De Don Adolfo VI Extra Añejo Tequila
90 points
$145
Very approachable for a well aged Tequila; would happily sip slowly near a campfire.
Cabrito Reposado Tequila
89 points
$21
Carries its oak very well and balances out the agave; a lovely example of using the oak to accentuate the agave rather than just drowning it out.
Cabo Wabo Añejo Tequila
89 points
$45
A very good Añejo that features good quality barrels highlighting a richly flavorful base spirit.
Siempre Reposado Tequila
89 points
$54
An approachable, easy sipping Tequila; great for the bottle you're passing between buddies to pour into a glass to nip on.
Storm King Distilling Co. Agave Especial
89 points
$65
Whiskey lovers who don't drink agave products would love this; elegant and elevated.
Rodeo De Las Aguas Reposado Tequila Batch 01
89 points
$70
Pair this complex Reposado with Mexican cuisine focused on elote flavors.
Tequila Comisario Añejo Tequila
89 points
$89
A fruit focused Añejo that has savory notes which could be paired with Asian dishes.
Rodeo De Las Aguas Añejo Tequila Batch 01
89 points
$99
Smooth and supple with nice, light, oaky notes elevating the natural agave sweetness; a very pleasant sipper that will go great with a cup of coffee and a tiny cigar.
1800 Coconut Flavored Tequila
88 points
$29
This is a great pineapple Tequila for use in tropical or tiki cocktails; would swap this in place of a pineapple Rum.
1800 Reposado Tequila
88 points
$29
Palate enveloping and robust for Reposado Tequila.
Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila
88 points
$35
Will work best in cocktails that feature the earthy highlights found in this strongly vegetal Tequila.
Los Rijos Tequila Añejo
88 points
$45
Balanced agave flavor with barrel spice and this dram continues to grow in the glass and improve over time.
Storm King Distilling Co. Agave Blanco Batch #6
88 points
$45
The sweetness on the front end is pleasantly balanced by the vegetal notes here.
Rodeo De Las Aguas Blanco Tequila Batch 01
88 points
$60
Use this for mixing cocktails as the spice and alcohol will make a good backbone to recipes.
Los Cabos Blanco Tequila
87 points
$9
Best Buy
A whipped and creamy choice for a coffee pairing after dinner.
87 points $9 Best Buy
Member’s Mark Añejo Tequila
87 points
$29
A sweet treat in a glass; a good transition for Bourbon drinkers looking to explore agave.
Jose Cuervo Tradicional Añejo Tequila
87 points
$32
A big after dinner Tequila, great with some tres leches cake and chill.
Centinela Origen Reposado Tequila
87 points
$37
Somehow subtle and flavorful at the same time; does a nice job of showcasing light, delicate flavors and not letting them get lost in the mix.
Reserva Del Señor Tequila Blanco
87 points
$37
A sweet, tropical Tequila that would do well in stirred cocktails with a bright tropical citrus tone.
Ollitas Cristalino Reposado Tequila
87 points
$39
While there is a lot of vanilla and barrel on the nose, the agave shines through on the finish.
Cavagave Añejo Tequila
87 points
$42
Chocolate and sweet tropical notes swirl together in your glass for a sweet treat of a sip.
Espolón Cristalino Añejo Tequila
87 points
$59
Soft, woody notes remain with a mild agave backbone to hold it up.
Alquimia Añejo Tequila
87 points
$68
An Añejo Tequila for lovers of Bourbon and barrel-aged Rums; fruity and loaded with richly flavored barrel characteristics.
Código 1530 Cristalino Reposado Tequila
87 points
$89
Subtle nose grows to pleasing flavors on the palate and finish that would lend themselves well to a Tequila Espresso Martini.
Vivamor Blanco Tequila
87 points
$99
Clean and crisp with an earthy, mineral essence and a spicy vegetal after taste.
Casa Azul Añejo Tequila
87 points
$129
Rich and sweet without being sugary; makes for a great after dinner sipper.
Sombrero Negro Silver Tequila
86 points
$16
A nice, easy mixing Blanco with a touch of vanilla smoothness.
Espolón Blanco Tequila
86 points
$27
Nice little spicy kick at the end of an otherwise very gentle and unintrusive Tequila; will add just enough character to a cocktail with out being overpowering.
Gran Centenario Reposado Tequila
86 points
$29
A good house Reposado for all your bar needs.
Centinela Origen Blanco Tequila
86 points
$34
A nice sipper or mixing Blanco with some vanilla behind it to also make it approachable as a shooter.
1800 Añejo Tequila
86 points
$39
A smooth, light sipper; good for relaxing and having a light pour while contemplating the bigger things in life.
Centinela Origen Añejo Tequila
86 points
$43
A subtle and delicate example of Añejo.
González 1939 Reposado Tequila
86 points
$50
Roast agave and vanilla with an appealing orange and cocoa note and a lingering pepper spice.
Mi Familia Flores Reposado Tequila
86 points
$54
Totally appropriate in a big fruity punchbowl cocktail with lots of stuff hanging off the top and maybe something on fire.
Alquimia Reposado Tequila
86 points
$58
A magnolia forward Tequila that expresses sweeter notes on the back end.
Mi Familia Flores Cristalino Reposado Tequila
86 points
$59
The flavor is fun and sweet, with marshmallow and baking spices; drink at da club.
Mi Familia Flores Añejo Tequila
86 points
$74
This would do well in convincing a Bourbon drinker that they might like Tequila.
Chrome Horse Society Blanco Tequila
86 points
$75
A really unique nose, and brings some subtle but interesting flavors to the palate; more suited to a big cocktail.
Vivamor Reposado Tequila
86 points
$129
A plush and friendly Reposado for those just getting into the category.
Los Cabos Gold Tequila
85 points
$9
Use this for batches at a party or large format applications.
Member’s Mark Reposado Tequila
85 points
$16
Light and flavorful with just enough barrel to make an appearance without totally killing the agave flavor.
El Texano Blanco Tequila
85 points
$23
Very simple and serviceable; good for what needs to be done.
Cavagave Reposado Tequila
85 points
$34
Clean and red fruit forward.
Lunazul Primero Cristalino Añejo Tequila
85 points
$37
For Tequila drinkers that want to be barely aware of the agave base of their spirit while still having something vanilla forward, fruity, and hedonistically tasty.
Mi Familia Flores Reserva Suprema Añejo Tequila
85 points
$89
This is a Tequila to finish your meal with or pair with a hot coffee cocktail after.
Mi Familia Flores Cristalino Añejo Tequila
84 points
$79
Ideal for dessert cocktails or rocks sipping as a post-dinner dessert substitute.
Creyente Azul Cristalino Añejo Mezcal
84 points
$159
A wild flavor for the friends that don't like traditional Mezcal.
Gran Centenario Plata Tequila
83 points
$28
A friendly shooter or a soft and subtle mixer that retains a classic agave flavor.
Mi Familia Flores Plata Tequila
83 points
$49
A velvety and smooth mouthfeel with creamy vanilla throughout.
Mi Familia Flores Extra Añejo Tequila
82 points
$99
Spiced Rum meets Tequila makes this well-suited for Tiki cocktails.
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