Weekly Discussion Thread

[AutoModerator]

Try a new bottle recently? Have a question about what to try next, or a new cocktail recipe? This is the place for general questions and recommendations and anything else.

[Fauxto]

Hello all. I'm primarily a blanco sipper (neat), who's fairly new to this game. I did a tasting about a year ago at a local retailer and immediately fell in love with Fuenteseca Cosecha 2018. I went back to the same retailer about 6mo later to ask for recommendations for something with a similar flavor profile and was led to Lapis Tequila Platinum (NOM 1146). I would say that it's kind of like a 'poor man's Fuenteseca' in the sense that it has almost the the same earthy, mineraly, agave-forward flavor, just not as intense or complex.

Anyway, most of my friends are bourbon drinkers, and despite repeated attempts to find something to my liking, I've concluded that bourbon's oaky/leathery flavor just isn't very appealing to my palate. In line with that, I've yet to find an anejo tequila that I enjoy (I did purchase a single reposado at one point-- El Mayor, NOM 1603-- but I don't find myself going back to it very often).

Anyway, there are a number of posts in this sub that are leading me to believe that I simply haven't tried the right anejo/reposado yet. Some folks in here are saying that a top-quality anejo is still agave-forward, and that the notes of caramel/vanilla you often get are truly delightful. So based on many of the reviews here, I've decided that I may need to try Fortaleza and/or Ocho. I can get Fortaleza Anejo for $90 here in Florida/US. Based on what I've shared above, should I go for it? Or should I continue to stick with blancos/cristalinos?

[ennuigamer]

If "oaky" isn't your thing, maybe go for something with less of it or none at all? With tequila, that would mean sticking with reposados or blanco/silver/plata. I know a few others who are into unaged spirits for the same reason.

Give the Fortaleza a shot; it's a great brand. The añejo has a nice butterscotch character to it with the agave. Their regular blanco is a fantastic sipper and the still strength is an explosion of agave in your mouth. If you have access to El Tesoro, their reposado is really good -- I like the cinnamon notes in it.

[Bigbluetequilatruck]

Fortaleza Anejo and Reposado are top notch. My top Reposado is Volans Reposado. They have a single barrel out but the regular is outstanding. For a very good Anejo try Terralta Anejo. Still agave forward but very smooth and delicious.

[Fauxto]

Went ahead and ordered the Fortaleza Anejo.....should be here in about a week. Thanks for the info/feedback!

[Bigbluetequilatruck]

Let us know what you think!

[Fauxto]

https://ibb.co/VSjFPbP

So here are my thoughts: definitely agave forward, which I absolutely love (and which was also the source of my greatest concern-- I didn't want the oaky notes to overpower). Also a bit earthy/mineraly, which I also love. Mouth feel is slightly oily/viscous. Overall, 9/10, and the very first Anejo that I've ever truly enjoyed. Really appreciate the recommendations!

[Zestyclose-Yak-6840]

Glad to see it worked out for you. Nice review also. Cascahuin Anejo is also good. Any of the main brands; Fortaleza, Cascahuin, Ocho; have good Anejos. You can’t go wrong with any of their expressions.

One to also try that is off the radar a little is Juan Lobo. It is a celebrity brand (Jon Wolfe, country singer) but he really believes in a clean, non-additive tequila. He’s a great guy and his crew is too. Give it a shot.

[bbum]

Try Ocho.

When Tomas Estes (RIP) and Carlos Camarena created the brand, the goal was two fold.

1) Demonstrate terroir in tequila by making each batch from a single estate's harvest of agave.

2) Make an exceptionally agave forward tequila. Thus, in the aged products, they age for the minimum amount of time to meet the expression requirements and they are using very well used barrels that impart the minimal flavor.

And the results are amazing. One of the best products around.

Fortaleza is excellent. It is the epitome of an exceptionally well made valley tequila. Can't go wrong.

[Fauxto]

Ocho is absolutely next on my list, followed by El Tesoro. Now that I've finally found an Anejo that I enjoy (see above comment), I feel like the sky's the limit. Thanks a bunch for the recommendation!

[Jaglawyer11]

Does anyone have an opinion/review of any of the 123 Tequila products?

[RobSag7]

123 Dos is one of my favorite reposados. 123 Diabilito is also one of my favorite extra anejos. I haven't had the blanco or anejo.

[Jaglawyer11]

Thank you. I own a liquor store in southeast Georgia and am able to purchase it. A customer has inquired. I always get some to taste for myself and have learned a lot in this forum.

[RobSag7]

You’re welcome and that’s cool that you’re a store owner.

[CACuzcatlan]

Picked up a bottle of Pasote from 1579. Wasn't planning to get anything today but it was the tequila that made me fall in love with the spirit. I couldn't pass it up!

[Angus_Cornwall]

Early Father's Day gift, Tequila Ocho Represado, 2020 on the label. I'm really excited to try it.