🔥 SPIRIT 101: MEZCAL Mezcal is the parent category that tequila belongs to — and it is infinitely more complex. While tequila is made from one agave variety in a handful of states, mezcal can be made from over 30 varieties of agave across nine Mexican states. It is one of the most terroir-driven spirits in the world. Tequila vs. Mezcal — The Key Differences All tequila is mezcal — but not all mezcal is tequila. Tequila can only use Blue Weber Agave. Mezcal uses dozens of aga

🌵 SPIRIT 101: TEQUILA Tequila is one of the most misunderstood spirits in the world. Most people's first experience with it was a bad one — cheap, harsh, the kind that burns and leaves regret. But quality tequila is something else entirely. This guide breaks it all down. What Makes It Tequila? True tequila must be made from 100% Blue Weber Agave in one of five designated Mexican states — primarily Jalisco. The agave plant takes 7-10 years to mature before it can be harvested

LALO Tequila Original is where the Liquor Connoisseur's tequila journey began — and it's where many of their viewers' tequila journeys begin too. This is the review of the bottle that started it all. Bottle Specs Spirit: LALO Tequila Blanco (Original) NOM: 1466 — San Matías Highlands, Jalisco Production: 100% Blue Weber Agave, Highlands — additive-free ABV: 40% (80 proof) Price: ~$45 Additive-free: Verified — no glycerin, no caramel, no vanillin Named for: Founder's grandfath

Tequila Tromba brings something most tequila brands don't — a full lineup review with their creative director Katy O'Donnell in the conversation. Crystal and Roger taste through Blanco, Beast Mode Reposado, and the Cafeto coffee expression while getting the full brand story. Bottle Specs Brand: Tequila Tromba — Mexican-founded, Canada-grown brand Guest: Katy O'Donnell — Tromba creative/brand partner Expressions reviewed: Blanco, Beast Mode Reposado, Cafeto (coffee tequila) Pr

Anteel Tequila made its name with an unusual ingredient: activated charcoal in the Blanco. The Reposado takes a more traditional path. Crystal and Roger evaluate whether this Black-owned Mexican brand's standard expression earns attention beyond the novelty of its signature bottle. Bottle Specs Spirit: Anteel Tequila Reposado Distillery: NOM 1137, Jalisco, Mexico Brand: Anteel Tequila — Black-owned brand Category: 100% Blue Weber Agave Reposado Age: 2-month minimum oak rest A

Del Maguey Vida was one of the bottles that launched the premium Mezcal category in the United States. Crystal and Roger open a bottle that changed how Americans think about agave spirits and evaluate whether it still earns its place on the shelf. Bottle Specs Spirit: Del Maguey Vida Mezcal Producer: Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal (founded by Ron Cooper, 1995) Region: San Luis del Río, Oaxaca, Mexico Agave: Espadín (Agave angustifolia) — single village source Production: Tr

Una Familia Tequila built its entire brand around a single commitment: additive-free at every level. Crystal and Roger taste the full flight — Blanco through Añejo — and evaluate whether the family behind the bottle delivers on that promise across the range. Bottle Specs Brand: Una Familia Tequila — family-owned, additive-free Expressions reviewed: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo (full flight) Production: 100% Blue Weber Agave, Jalisco Additive status: Certified additive-free across

DJ Maverick of the Maverick Podcast brings a musician's ear to the conversation about tequila — and Crystal and Roger discover that the connections between music and spirits run deeper than they expected when you're talking to someone who makes both their life's work. Episode Highlights Guest: DJ Maverick — host of the Maverick Podcast Focus: Music, tequila, and the unexpected intersections between creative disciplines Spirit featured: Tequila (multiple expressions discussed)

Don't judge a spirit by its label — or its color. On this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, Crystal and Roger review LaGritona Reposado Tequila, an all-women tequila brand making a statement in a male-dominated industry. LaGritona is a lightly colored reposado aged for 8 months, which gives it a delicate golden hue and a flavor profile that bridges the brightness of a blanco with the subtle complexity of a longer-aged expression. From the agave forward notes to the soft oak