Jose Cuervo Especial Silver

Rating: 8/23 I remember enjoying this more than most (although still not much). Let's see if my previous impression stands. Nose: I perceive mint, cedar, powdered sugar, possibly a hint of agave, and a trace of caramel coloring. Palate: The powdered sugar is quite prominent for me, along with a strong cedar flavor. There's some indication of agave, but this doesn't really align with my idea of tequila. It has a slightly savory quality and also a touch of citrus (mostly orange), mint, and perhaps a hint of almond. There's a significant alcohol presence and some roughness, but it doesn't taste like rubber; this might just be showcasing the distillate's lightness rather than an abundance of heads and tails. It's sharp and somewhat light in flavor, but with a chalky sweetness. The sharpness helps to mask the roughness, but not completely. Finish: The powdered sugar dominates here, obscuring most other tastes. Hints of orange and some bitterness from the caramel coloring and cedar remain, along with a substantial alcohol presence. This is the weakest part of this drink. I must admit, it's not as good as I recalled. I still believe much of the criticism stems from people associating it with negative party experiences, but it's genuinely unpleasant to drink. It's not actively painful, though, and I suspect it would be acceptable masked by margarita mix. It's not a 10, but better than a 6 and likely not a 7 either. I'm settling on an 8 because the roughness is really starting to affect me.

Aroma: mint, pepper, clay, mild cooked agave, fresh wood, faint citrus zest, noticeable ethanol burn. Flavor: sawdust, citrus zest, mint, ginger, pepper, earthy grassiness, sweet cooked agave, clove, vanilla, moderate alcohol bite. Finishes quickly with fading pepper, mint, and grassy notes. It's not excellent, but it's not as disappointing as I had anticipated. The cooked agave is subtle on the nose and palate, suggesting this isn't a high-quality, well-crafted tequila. If you're on a tight budget, it's adequate for mixing, but I suggest spending a little more on something like Olmeca Altos Plata, which is more flavorful and made entirely from agave.

Typical inexpensive tequila intended for making margaritas and providing many financially challenged students a fantastic time. It will lead to a hangover due to impurities if consumed neat. The necessity of lime and salt should give you an idea of this drink's flavor profile.

Purchased this on promotion - two 100ml bottles for $4 - and decided to give it a go. Fortunate for the sale, as even $2 was excessive for what you receive. The aroma was repulsive - only sour jalapeño peppers. It was so unpleasant that I skipped the tasting.

A crisp Agave Spirit crafted by NOM 1122. It has an aromatic beginning with notes of agave, fruits, flowers, herbs & spices, while a rich life led to a balanced death of medium length. May 2017

Appearance is clear and sparkling. Smells of smoke, agave juice, and pepper. The taste mirrors the aroma. It has a medium body. The mouthfeel is smooth. The finish is mostly dry. RJT