Denizen Merchant's Reserve 8 Years Old Rum
Brilliant, medium amber color The aromatics are quite compelling and complex offering scents of rich fruit, caramel, oak, and the unique accent of "ho-go" (a Rum—specific cool funkiness) found in old, pot-still Rums that takes the Denizen Reserve to rare territory. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and silky caramel and brown spice-driven core with waves of roasted nuts, tropical fruits, oak, and black pepper. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a lush texture that is kept bright and refreshing with ample acidity and spice notes. $29.99 – 5 Stars
West Peak Palo Madre Paloma (RTD)
Brilliant, crystal clear with a very pale straw color. The nose is quite attractive offering scents of grapefruit, candied grapefruit zest, Tequila, and spring flowers. The palate somewhat agrees with the nose as the grapefruit flavors become far more pithy with soft, faint citrus and Tequila flavors finishing with a bitter edge. Medium-bodied with subtle flavors and less carbonation than we would prefer. $50 – 3 Stars
Cierto Private Collection Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is very aromatic with scents of fresh cut herbs, spring flowers, baked agave and aloe with hints of citrus and earth. The palate echoes the nose while delivering more sweet agave than the nose reveals with supporting notes of mineral, black pepper, citrus, and sea salt. Medium-bodied with bright acidity that gives lift and elongates the baked agave core accented by generous spice notes. $89 – 4.5 Stars
Cenote Ahumado Tequila
Brilliant, pale, golden straw color. The nose is intriguing with scents of wood-aged avage spirit with accents of citrus, earth, and campfire smoke (not Mezcal levels of smoke), vegetal notes. The palate echoes the nose delivering an earthy, baked agave center with generous notes of smoke, wood, and spice finishing with black pepper accents. Medium-bodied with competing flavors of earth, smoke, wood, and agave. $75.99 – 3 Stars
Cultor Flora (RTD)
Brilliant, grapefruit color being completely opaque. The nose is complex and intriguing with scents of watermelon, cucumber, grapefruit and just a faint hint of floral notes but we wanted more hibiscus. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a fruit-forward core with sweet grapefruit and cucumber in the lead with pithy citrus notes on the finish. Medium-bodied and very refreshing, especially when served over ice. $22.99 – 3.5 Stars
Cultor Coco (RTD)
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with the scent of fresh coconut water with limejuice and subtle notes of Tequila. The palate echoes the nose albeit a bit sweeter than expected with coconut flavors in the lead with hints of lime and Tequila in support finishing with a slightly tart, citrus pith note. Medium-bodied and very refreshing. $22.99 – 4 Stars
Cultor Passion (RTD)
Brilliant, golden color being nearly opaque. The nose is very tropical with the scents of ripe passionfruit in the lead with subtle hints of chili, citrus, and Tequila. The palate agrees with the tropical notes found in the aromatics but the chili was very stealth and rises on the palate following the tropical fruits and finishing with a lingering, bold chili accent. Medium-bodied with lovely fruit foiled by spicy chili flavors. $22.99 – 4 Stars
Cultor Soul (RTD)
Brilliant, pale straw color being nearly opaque. The nose opens with some funky organic notes with fermented pineapple in the lead supported by notes of ginger and Tequila. The palate echoes the nose while being more pleasingly fruity with welcomed peppery ginger notes and citrus. Medium-bodied with a great balance of flavors and a long, lingering finish. $22.99 – 3.5 Stars
Batch 22 New American Aquavit
Brilliant, golden color. The aromatics are totally alluring, offering scents of freshly baked rye bread, fresh dill, lemon zest, and hints of caramel. The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky fruit and caramel-centric core with waves of a bright potpourri of botanicals, including fresh herbs, citrus, and peppermint. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with warm spice notes and floral accents. $42.99 – 4.5 Stars
Bribon Blanco, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with the scents of spring flowers, white sugar, green tea, and hints of earth and salt. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet, fruity core with waves of vanilla, fresh herbs, iodine, pepper, and powdered sugar. Medium-bodied with good balance thanks to a vibrant dose of citrus and black pepper on the finish. $19.99 – 3.5 Stars
