Spirit Reviews

95

Cierto Tequila Blanco, Private Collection, Mexico, 80 Proof

A tingling on the nose delivers a fragrant sea salt, while lime and Asian pear meld with a whiff of fresh agave. Marshmallow, jasmine, and a veil of linen sweeps across the palate. Salted lime and just-ripened agave notes are streamlined through to the harmonious finish.

95

Cierto Tequila Reposado, Private Collection, Mexico, 80 Proof

Perfumed with lavender, toffee, orange peel, and a hint of saddle leather are toasty and savory. Floral tones persist on the palate, accompanied by cigar box, ripe figs, peppercorns, and brown-sugared peaches. Robust, with a velvet touch tat speaks to the terroir of Jalisco.

93

Deadwood Tumblin’ Dice Straight 4-Year Rye Whiskey, USA, 114.4 Proof ($60)

This dynamic rye is spiced with cinnamon hots while its oaky profile commits to flavors of baked apple, clove, resin, pecan, and vanilla bean. Big notes for a sturdy spirit.

93

El Pozo Blanco Tequila, Mexico, 80 Proof ($35)

Aromas of vanilla, gardenia, white pepper, and candy cane are soft and even. Earthy, with uplifted marshmallow sweetness and a hint of blueberry is seasoned with a glint of white pepper. Clean, pleasant finish with no edge.

96

El Pozo Extra Añejo Tequila, Mexico, 80 Proof ($100)

A top-of-the-line, 2-1/2 to 3-year aged spirit perfumed with resin, dried fruits, mocha, and orange peel. Luxurious mouthfeel. Notes of coffee-mocha are soothing and the entry of brisk peppercorn soon dissipates. Brown-sugared pecan melts across the mouth, with a strap of new leather. Elegant and noteworthy.

93

El Pozo Passionfruit Liqueur, Mexico, 36 Proof ($30)

Nectar aromas lead to a spirit with body and texture from the fruit concentrate of real passionfruit. Not overly sweet, and the agave is unmasked. Palate feel is sensational. Great with ice and sparkling water, or in a more complicated cocktail – we’ll be experimenting!

91

Fósforo Tobala Mezcal ($95)

Made by former Scotch whisky-now-mezcal Global Ambassador of Taste Jim Cramer, with Master mezcalero, Aarón Alva Sánchez, this is produced in the state of Puebla. Clear in color, it opens awash in strong agave character and a smoky nose, followed by flavors of bell pepper, baked pineapple and pepper. The palate is smooth and lengthy.

94

Fósforo Tobala Penca Mezcal ($125)

Made by former Scotch whisky-now-mezcal Global Ambassador of Taste Jim Cramer, with Master mezcalero, Aarón Alva Sánchez, this is aged 1-3 months in glass with penca leaf and produced in the state of Puebla where the Tobalá agave takes 8-15 years to mature and is considered the king of agaves. Amber in color, floral and fruity, it offers rounded, refined notes of leather, baked earth, baking spice, caramel and toasted nuts, while a smoky undercurrent adds complexity, accentuating the long, silky finish.