For another round of our spirit reviews , we turn to agave-based products : tequila and mezcal . Among the trendier alcohol categories this year , these attract a wide demo of consumers , happy to trade up for premium bottles .

The notes and ratings below come from the New York International Spirits Competition , a sister competition of Cheers and Cheers @ Home . Judges for the NYICS are trade professionals — retailers , bartenders , buyers , etcetera — who blind-taste products based on price tiers . Accordingly , these reviews recognize spirits that represent quality and value , without brand bias .

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL

1800 Tequila Añejo ( Proximio Spirits ). A nice medium amber color . The nose has an array of vanilla and tobacco . Time in the barrel gives it a smooth layering in the mouth , with hints of citrus and dark spices on the edges of the tongue . It has a medium , lightly layered finish , with hints of pepper on the end .

1800 Tequila Milenio ( Proximio Spirits ). Coming from 100 % Weber Blue Agave and spending time in French oak barrels , it has a deep , dark amber color . Picking up vanilla , oak and caramel on the nose . The vanilla is still present , with hints of cinnamon and dark fruit while the tequila lays in the mouth . The finish is long and smooth with continued hints of vanilla .

818 Tequila Añejo ( 818 Spirits ). From celebrity

Kendall Jenner , it ’ s an añejo aged in a blend of French and American oak barrels , giving this spirit a medium amber color . Toasted nuts and dark chocolate in the nose . Lays well on the tongue , with soft layers of vanilla and hints of herbs on the edges . Nice , balanced , smooth finish .

Cabo Wabo Añejo ( Campari ). A nice medium amber color that you expect from an añejo . Roasted nuts and vanilla rise up from the glass . Spices and nuts , and hints of tobacco , are present as this tequila moves around the mouth . It is present but not overpowering , with a smooth nutty finish .

Cierto Tequila Reserve Collection Añejo ( Cierto Spirits ). A lovely dark amber color , fitting for an añejo . Caramel and vanilla are present when you lift this to your nose . Oak and vanilla lay softly upon the palate .

The finish is balanced and smooth , with hints of citrus .

Cutwater Tequila Blanco ( Cutwater ). A fresh , crisp blanco , with light baked spices on the nose . Nice and smooth as it coats the tongue with hints of spice . A balanced finish that works well to sip , as well as a good foundation for most tequila cocktails .

Gran Centenario Leyenda Extra Anejo ( Proximio Spirits ). A solid extra añejo with a deep amber color . Hints of smoke and spice , and time in the barrel , all fill the nose . Layered in the mouth with hints of banana and burnt sugar . A well-balanced finish with continued , subtle hints of dark sugar .

Gran Coramino Cristalino ( Proximio Spirits ). Cristalino is an aged tequila aggressively filtered to remove traces of color , so it looks like an aged blanco . Vanilla and light herbal spices are on the nose from this spirit ’ s time in the barrels . Vanilla and pepper are soft layers in the mouth , followed by a soft finish . Good to sip and mix with .

Lobos 1707 Extra Añejo Tequila ( Lobos 1707 ). Nice amber color in the glass . Caramel and tobacco waft up towards you . Agave , tobacco and oak from the tequila ’ s time in the barrel are lightly layered in the mouth , followed by a smooth , pleasant finish . Best to sip neat .

Tequila Gran Diamante Añejo ( The Honig Company ). A light amber-color añejo from its time in French oak . An interesting mix of citrus and floral on the nose . The spirit plays well in the mouth , with baking spices and dark sugar present . The finish is soft with a light presence of herbs at the end .

GOLD MEDAL

4 Copas Reposado ( Preiss Imports ). A solid reposado with agave and oak on the nose . Medium bodied , which sits well for a reposado , with oak and caramel lightly layered upon the tongue . Medium finish , fitting for a reposado with oak and agave at the end . Good to sip , and definitely to mix with .

Corralejo Silver ( Infinium Spirits ). A solid , affordable , good-quality blanco . Hints of agave and more citrus and lime are on the nose . Sits well in mouth , with hints of pepper and agave . The finish is crisp , and profiles well for a blanco . A great base to use for making cocktails .

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