BevTest unveiled its highly anticipated Top Ten Tequilas and Mezcals of 2024.

[El Presidente]

 

 

Tears Of Llorona Extra Añejo Tequila

Tears of Llorona was BevTest’s 2024 Tequila of the Year. Widely considered one of the greatest Extra Añejo Tequilas ever made, Tears of Llorona is an absolute must-have addition to any Tequila collection.

The BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as exhibiting:

Aromas of chocolate-covered orange peel, chipotle, and herbs sautéed in an iron skillet. The flavors feature smoky persimmon, red cherry, and medulla dates. A luxuriously aged example of agave that retains the base spirit and exemplifies the cask management that puts this in the pantheon of other finally aged spirits.

 

Gran Centenario Leyenda Extra Añejo Tequila
Gran Centenario is a legacy brand that has long been part of the Jose Cuervo family of labels. For an in-depth view see Why Gran Centenario Is One Of Mexico’s Top Tequila Brands. The BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila is showcasing:

Aromas of butterscotch, honey caramelized banana, and violets. The flavors feature toasted oak, maduro tobacco, and Texas barbecue dry rub notes. The oak influence borders on whiskey territory, but the agave spice is still there and would pair nicely with a ligero wrapper cigar or crossover to Bourbon drinkers that like a sipper with high rye, black pepper note.

 

El Tesoro Mundial Collection Laphroaig Edition Añejo Tequila

The Laphroaig Edition features an El Tesoro Tequila finished in a cask that previously held Laphroaig, single malt Scotch whisky. The cask fishing adds smokey notes that are reminiscent of Mezcal and which also characterized Tequila until the late 19th century. The BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as expressing:

Aromas of grilled orange, toasted cantaloupe, and toasted vanilla bean. The flavors feature peppery tobacco, dried leather, and a hint of iodine. A little bit of crisp agave, an almost Mezcal vibe, and then a little spice of smoky Scotch all add up to super interesting and just gorgeous Tequila.

 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2024/12/21/the-tequila-of-the-year-according-to-the-beverage-testing-institute/

[BigGuns]

Happy to see a blanco cracked their list…was concerned one wouldn’t for a sec. Gran Centenario has some great offerings. A very pleasant, “oh wow, Jose Cuervo isn’t just trash gold and makes some amazing stuff” surprise I had last time I was down there. I recently discovered their Cristalino Añejo, which is incredible (@LizardGizmo). Highly recommended.

El Tesoro reposado and blanco are regulars in my rotation. Looking forward to trying the others. Thanks for sharing!