The Cazadores Distillery is in the town of Arandas in the highlands of Jalisco in Mexico, and of their range of tequilas we’ve only reviewed their Reposado to date. While it’s definitely at the budget end of the tequila market, it’s a reliable choice if you want a 100% agave tequila for margaritas or palomas, say, rather than for sipping.

Recently, Cazadores released an upscale Extra Anejo Tequila, which we taste here alongside their basic Blanco.

Cazadores Tequila Blanco – Cazadores Blanco Tequila looks pure and clear, like the straight, unaged spirit that it is. There’s a pleasant shininess to it, like the stainless steel stills that it has come straight out of. On the nose there’s a freshness, evoking apples and lemony citrus, and the contrasting earthy aroma of the agave. The agave and apples come through on the palate, with the lemon more evident, and then a peppery spiciness, too. The finish is reasonably smooth for a tequila in this price range, concluding with a peppery kick. Perfect for a regular margarita. 80 proof. B / $20 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]

Cazadores Tequila Extra Anejo – Cazadores’ Extra Anejo is double-fermented and then aged for three years in new American Oak barrels. The result is naturally a more complex tequila. It’s a clear gold color, like a young Scotch, and on the nose there’s oak and a sweet butterscotch from the barrels, with vanilla and straw aromas as well, a hint of coffee, and orange rather than lemon citrus. On the palate it’s equally satisfying, with vanilla sweetness, chocolate, almonds, dried fruit, and spices including cinnamon. It offers a pleasing and enticingly spicy finish. It’s certainly a sipper, but if you use it in a margarita, try dipping the glass rim in orange juice and then in cinnamon. 80 proof. A- / $55 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]

cazadores.com

Cazadores Tequila Blanco

$20

8

Rating

8.0/10

BUY IT NOW