123 Organic Extra Añejo Diablito Tequila

Review score: 18/23 I've been curious about this brand, but this is my first time sampling it. Nose: Abundant menthol accompanied by a hint of spearmint. Some ginger and other barrel spices are present. The aroma is dry and clean, with notes of lime leaf and a subtle briny agave emerging later. It develops further, revealing a more balanced character as the mint recedes, allowing subtle sweet caramel and more pronounced savory notes to surface. Palate: This is pleasant. While the aroma didn't particularly impress me, the palate is very well-integrated. My only reservation is the low proof, which is quite noticeable here. Flavors include mint, agave syrup, brine, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, dry wood, and a touch of rich minerality. The balance is excellent, with the flavors harmonizing effectively. The complexity is good, though not outstanding. Hints of musty paper and the faintest trace of mustard appear, along with fleeting notes of envy apples. Finish: Dry and clean. Echoes of apples mingle with clean water minerality, and lingering notes of bitter spices. A slightly vegetal and faintly savory agave is present in small amounts. This finish is not especially captivating, but it's acceptable. I do wish it had more intensity. - Conclusion - Partida Añejo (15) is significantly richer and fuller than this offering. When compared side-by-side, the Partida exhibits some of the overly sweet and flat character of El Jimador, which, while highlighting the elegance of this spirit, also underscores its mildness, especially considering the Partida is already a fairly mild tequila. I would choose this over the Partida, but the comparative shortcomings are substantial. However, upon revisiting this, its mildness is less apparent. I'd be surprised if my score dropped to a 16. Fuenteseca Reserva Edad 7 Años 2010 (18/23) is richer, spicier, and sweeter, with a more pronounced sense of age. This spirit is more elegant and nuanced, but lacks the same level of indulgence. It could potentially receive the same rating, though I find it difficult to rate this higher than the Fuenteseca. I genuinely like this, but I've encountered superior aged tequilas. I don't believe this surpasses the Fuenteseca, though they are quite close. My final rating is an 18. It's a fine drink, but not a major standout in the extra añejo category. I could be persuaded to give it a 19, but it just doesn't quite reach that level in my estimation. As a final comparison, El Buho Arroqueño (18/23) is very different but shares a similar complexity and sophistication. Both could benefit from a bit more presence, but they possess a certain elegance. I believe my 18 rating was accurate. Thank you for sharing this with me! It's always a pleasure to try such a rare find.

I typically avoid tequila and was looking for bourbon. The owner persuaded me to sample this. It was fantastic! Exceptionally smooth and delicious. I decided against purchasing a bottle because I had already spent over $100 on other items, and this alone would have doubled my expenditure. Sadly, I haven't encountered it since and wish I could buy it now. (The "Tres" 1-2-3 variety is decent, but inferior to this one.) My recommendation if you get this: resist the urge to mix it. It's best enjoyed straight, or perhaps chilled, maybe with ice if absolutely necessary.

This aged tequila is quite possibly the finest I have tried. It offers a robust aroma of raw agave, cinnamon, mace, and faint wood. The taste is similar, with added black pepper, and hints of vanilla and toffee. Absolutely brilliant.

Fantastic spirit boasting strong, lively agave, caramel sweetness, fruit, and a hint of spice.

One of the very few XA tequilas that you can taste the beauty of aged agave. Bravo DR!

Smooth and sugary. A simple sipper. Absolutely delightful.