May 09, 2008 Patron Silver Tequila, NOM 1492. I enjoyed this crystal clear spirit in a small Cognac snifter where it released a clean, earthy agave nose accompanied with light alcohol. It initially had a hot, peppery taste but softened into flavors of agave, sweet citrus & spice. This light bodied tequila soon opened up with more hints of alcohol, spice & a sweet aftertaste that followed all the way through a medium duration finish. There was also an open sensation due in part to the alcohol which was present through the entire tasting. I thought this tequila could be smoother considering the Patron name & the price. B/B+

 May 06, 2008 Herradura Silver Tequila Natural, NOM 1119. Tasted in a Cognac snifter @ a Fiesta de Cinco de Mayo. Slightly off crystal clear color with a faint yellow hue. Typically unique Herradura earthy smell & alcohol. The initial taste was strong agave, cloves, earth, & spice, the same as every Herradura Silver I've previously tasted. This transitioned into an almost neutral, medium light bodied spirit, with minimal sweetness, finishing very short with an open, alcohol sensation. I've experienced many smoother blancos/silvers in my day that were far less expensive. With all the recent changes @ Casa Herradura, I'm hoping this product will once again return to prominence. C+/B-

 May 06, 2008 Don Julio Anejo, NOM 1449. Tasted @ a Cinco de Mayo party in a Cognac snifter. This beautifully golden amber colored spirit had a nose of caramel, citrus, & oak followed by a wonderfully deep taste of sweet citrus fruits, light smoke, & spice. The body carried on with a nice agave sweetness, caramel & finished long with a glorius, ever present aftertaste of citrus. This tequila was exceptionally smooth without any alcohol taste/burn whatsoever. Later on, the hosts allowed me free rein to prepare Margarita's using their extensive collection of fine ingredients. I prepared a mixture of Don Julio Anejo, Gran Mariner, & fresh squeezed lime juice which resulted in a Margarita so powerfully deep it almost broke through the bottom of our glasses. Quite a memorable event. This tequila is a solid A.

 May 05, 2008 Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado, NOM 1122. I tasted this spirit at a pre-Cinco de Mayo party in a small fluted Champagne glass. The color had a pale, light amber/yellow color. The nose was earthy alcohol & nothing else. I detected first a very slight oak & a pronounced, unattractive alcohol taste. This medium body tequila had hints of spicy cinnamon which came out in the body, much like I've experienced in a blanco. The moderately long finish was numbing & ended with a strong presence of alcohol. Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado was rather harsh which I compared to a mixto, lacking any sweetness & overall taste representative of a 100% agave tequila. I think "Gold" or "Especial" is more appropriate here! C-/C.

 May 03, 2008 Sauza Hornitos Reposado, NOM 1102. Tasted in a 2oz Cognac snifter. This was the first premium tequila I ever purchased & I haven't traveled this sentimental journey in quite awhile until now. Medium amber with green hues in color. The nose was earthy agave with some smoky oak, not much depth & some alcohol. The first taste was somewhat sweet, slight oak, & alcohol. The overall taste had diminished sweetness from the initial taste, mellowed somewhat, & finished rather quickly across the tongue with a slight numbing/open effect. I found Hornitos to be fairly smooth, much like I remember. Still a good buy but as good as the $3.50 a liter I first purchased it for in Reynosa, NL, MX a few extended years ago. I also plan on trying the new blanco & anejo soon. "Copa de ORO." All things considered, this tequila is a solid B.