Official 2022 Tequila Aficionado Brands of Promise Ballot

All judging is done by the Tequila Aficionado Tasting Team

Agave Spirit–South Africa

Año de Los Muertos Agave Spirit [Karoo agave (agave Americana)] 43% ABV, 86 proof

Agave Spirit–Germany

Selva Negra Agave Spirit 46% ABV, 92 proof

Agave Spirit Packaging–Germany

Selva Negra Agave Spirit (Gift box, bottle tube, logo, color scheme–everything!)

Bacanora Artesanal Aged–Gateway

Vinateros Reserva 40% ABV, 80 proof. [Aged 2-4 months in charred white oak barrels.] (Estate produced and bottled in the town of Aconchi, Sonora, Mexico.)

Bacanora Packaging

Vinateros Reserva (label, graphics, artwork, see through graphics)

Destilado de Agave–Oaxaca

Comunidad No. 2 – El Lazo joven (agave Americana) 52.69% ABV, 105.38 proof

Mezcal Artesanal Medley–Oaxaca

Firme 46% ABV; 92 proof

Mezcal Artesanal–Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca

Los Nahuales joven 47% ABV; 94 proof

Mezcal Artesanal–San Juan del Rio, Tlacolula de Matamoros, Oaxaca

Lord Diego Mezcal Joven 49% ABV, 98 proof

Mezcal Artesanal–San Juan del Rio, Oaxaca

Casa Manglar Joven 45% ABV, 90 proof
Casa Manglar Joven 45% ABV, 90 proof

Mezcal Artesanal–*Nominated but not rated

OAX Original [Artesanal; tobala]; REGION: Central Valleys, Oaxaca, México] 44% ABV, 88 proof
OAX Original [Artesanal; tepeztate]; REGION: Central Valleys, Oaxaca, México] 44% ABV, 88 proof
OAX Original [Artesanal; arroqueno]; REGION: Central Valleys, Oaxaca, México] 44% ABV, 88 proof
*Could not be scored due to the miniscule samples sent by the brand.

Mezcal Artesanal–Xoxocotlan, Oaxaca

Dona Loca [Artesanal; espadin); REGION: Xoxocotlan, Oaxaca, México] 48% ABV, 96 proof

Mezcal Artesanal Medley–Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca

Madre Mezcal [Artesanal; espadín and cuishe. Possible REGION: Santiago Matatlan.] 45% ABV; 90 proof

Mezcal Artesanal–Tlacolula de Matamoros, Oaxaca

SalvadoresJoven [Artesanal; Espadin; REGION: Tlacolula de Matamoros, Oaxaca, México] 47% ABV, 94 proof

Mezcal Artesanal–Oaxaca 42% ABV

Susto Mezcal Joven [Artesanal; Espadin; REGION: San Dionisio Ocotepec] 42% ABV, 84 proof

Mezcal Artesanal Gateway–Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca

Mitre Origen Joven [Artesanal; Espadin] (40% ABV, 80 proof)
Mitre Joven [Artesanal; Espadin; 4 months maturation (in glass?)] (40% ABV, 80 proof)
Madre Mezcal Joven [Artesanal; Espadin] (40% ABV, 80 proof)

Mezcal Artesanal Gateway, Blended–Oaxaca/Zacatecas

Tomas Reserva

Mezcal Artesanal Karwinski–Tlacolula de Matamoros, Oaxaca

SalvadoresJoven [Artesanal; Cirial (karwinskii); REGION: Tlacolula de Matamoros, Oaxaca, México] 48% ABV, 96 proof

Mezcal Artesanal Medley Suave–Guanajuato 42% ABV

Código 1530 Mezcal [Artesanal; Ensamble: Espadin/Tobala, rested in French oak Sauvignon Blanc barrels (length unknown). Region: Leon, Guanajuato] 42.2% ABV, 84.4 proof

Mezcal Packaging

Mitre [black jaguar bottle]
Codigo 1530 [bottle, back see-through label]
Tomas Reserval [label; color scheme]
Salvadores [agave paper label; simple graphics]
Madre Mezcal [black (espadin) label; red (espadin/cuishe) label; recycled glass bottles with raised lettering.]
Susto [stenciled font front label; see-through label on back with Day of the Dead motif.]
Casa Manglar [octagonal bottle, mango tree logo, color scheme, info transparency on the label. Modern look, old school feel.]
Los Nahuales [bottle resembling a hammered copper still, apothecary stopper, label and information on back label.]
Firme [label, font, tattoo artwork]
Lord Diego Mezcal [magnetic box, silver and black motif; logo on the bottle and box; family story (Spanish/English)]

Mezcal No and Lo Alcoholic–Special Entry

Monday Mezcal (Natural Spring Water, Natural Flavor, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate.)

Mezcal Value

Casa Manglar [Espadin: $32.99-$34.99 (CA)- $39.99 (TX)]
Casa Manglar [Tobala $44.99 (CA); $69.99 (TX)

Raicilla Artesanal, Medley

Antonimo Raicilla [a blend of maximiliana (pata de mula) and valenciana; Municipality: La Orilla, Jalisco] 43% ABV, 86 proof.

Raicilla Packaging

Antonimo (bottle, label info, logo, clean simplicity)

RTD 100% de Agave Tequila–Ready-to-Drink Margarita

Drifter Cocktail Company Spicy Margarita (Made with Paladar tequila (NOM 1110?) Made with PALADAR TEQUILA BLANCO, TRIPLE SEC FLAVOR, PINEAPPLE JUICE, ORANGE FLAVOR, CHIPOTLE EXTRACT. 7% ABV, 14 proof

RTD 100% de Agave Tequila–8% ABV

Epic Western–La Paloma (NOM 1531) [Tequila, sparkling water, grapefruit, salt.]
Epic Western–Chispa Rita (NOM 1531) [Tequila, sparkling water, lime, salt.]

RTD–Energy Drink

ProBaller (made with Organic Light Agave Nectar, lower sugars and stimulants designed to sustain and maintain energy.) Also, designed to pair with tequila.

RTD–With Mixto Tequila

Chido (Sea Salt Margarita, Pink Paloma, Strawberry Sunset, Spicy Watermelon)
[Tequila with sparkling water and natural flavors; 5% ABV 10 proof; no NOM number on the label; canned in the US.]
SipMargs (Classic Sparkling Margarita; Sparkling Mango Margarita; Sparkling Coconut Margarita; Sparkling Mezcal Margarita) [Tequila {Mezcal} with triple sec, natural lime sparkling water and natural flavors {coconut flavors} 5% ABV 10 proof; no NOM number on the label; canned in the US.]

RTD–100% de Agave Tequila 6% ABV

MEXI Seltzer–Aloe & Mint Craft Tequila Seltzer (NOM 1414) [100% Agave Silver Tequila with Carbonated Well Water, Real Fruit Juice and Natural Flavors]
MEXI Seltzer–Tamarindo Craft Tequila Seltzer (NOM 1414) [Same]
MEXI Seltzer– Guava Spice Craft Tequila Seltzer (NOM 1414) [Same]

RTD–100% de Agave Tequila 5% ABV

Onda Sparkling Tequila Lime (NOM 1438) [Tequila with natural flavors and sparkling water.] 5% ABV, 10 proof
Onda Sparkling Tequila Grapefruit (NOM 1438) [Tequila with natural flavors and sparkling water.] 5% ABV, 10 proof

RTD–100% de Agave Tequila, Industrial 8% ABV

Laughing Glass Lime Margarita (NOM 1489) 8% ABV;16 proof)
Laughing Glass Pink Paloma (NOM 1489) 8% ABV;16 proof)

RTD Organic–100% de Agave Organic Tequila Ready-to-Drink Seltzers

Damn Right Devil of a Lime Organic Tequila Seltzer (NOM 1522) 5% ABV;10 proof)
Damn Right Son of a Basil Organic Tequila Seltzer (NOM 1522) 5% ABV;10 proof)

RTD Ready-to-Drink Packaging

Damn Right Devil of a Lime Organic Tequila Seltzer (color scheme, logo, text)
Damn Right Son of a Basil Organic Tequila Seltzer (color scheme, logo, text)
Chido Sea Salt Margarita, Pink Paloma, Strawberry Sunset, Spicy Watermelon. (box, color scheme, design)
Onda (color scheme of can, color of font, simplicity of design)

Sotol Joven Artesanal 42% ABV–Chihuahua

XXX Sotol [Artesanal; 100% Dasylirion wheeleri] 42% ABV; 84 proof.

Sotol Joven Artesanal 45.5% ABV–Durango

Quechol [Artesanal; Dasylirion Wheeleri] 45.5% ABV, 91 proof

Sotol Joven Artesanal 45% ABV–Chihuahua

Chihuahuan Desert Sotol [Artesanal; Dasylirion wheeleri (?)] 45% ABV, 90 proof.\

Sotol Joven Artesanal 46.3% ABV–Durango

Quechol [Artesanal; Dasylirion Texanum] 46.3% ABV, 92.6 proof

Sotol Joven Artesanal Gateway–Chihuahua

Casa Medanos Joven blanco [Artesanal; 100% Dasylirion wheeleri] 40% ABV; 80 proof.

Sotol Packaging

Casa Medanos(label; logo)
XXX Sotol (graphics; logo; font)
Quechol (bottle, color scheme on labels;font)

Sotol Reposado (Suave) Artesanal 42% ABV–Chihuahua

XXX Sotol Reposado (Suave?) [Artesanal; 100% Dasylirion wheeleri] Rested in Tequila Barrels 42% ABV; 84 proof. [Length of time unknown]

Sotol Reposado Artesanal 42% ABV–Chihuahua

XXX Sotol Reposado [Artesanal; 100% Dasylirion wheeleri] Rested in Bourbon Barrels 42% ABV; 84 proof. [Length of time unknown]
Proeza (NOM 1424) 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Blanco

Chula Vista (NOM 1424) 80 proof; 40% ABV *
Blowfish (NOM 1438) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Patsch (NOM 1480) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Verdadero (NOM 1438) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Carrera (NOM 1465) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Otaca (NOM 1477) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Telson (NOM 1545) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Luna Nueva (NOM 1414) 80 proof; 40% ABV
General Gorostieta (NOM 1499) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Villa One (NOM 1472) 80 proof; 40% ABV
El Cristiano (NOM 1499) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Bajarriba (NOM 1107) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Don Cosme (NOM 1438) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Tequila Atanasio (NOM 1599) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Honor del Castillo (NOM 1414) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Proeza (NOM 1424) 80 proof; 40% ABV
El Gran Legado de Vida (NOM 1123) 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Infused Blanco (curado con agave)–80 Proof

Curado [100% de agave Tequila Blanco infused with blue agave] (NOM 1474) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Curado [100% de agave Tequila Blanco infused with agave espadin] (NOM 1474) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Curado [100% de agave Tequila Blanco infused agave cupreata] (NOM 1474) 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Infused Blanco (Natural Fruit Flavors)–Below 80 Proof

Sunbird Blanco Dragon Fruit (NOM 1438) 70 proof; 35% ABV
Sunbird Blanco Lemon and Ginger (NOM 1438) 70 proof; 35% ABV
Sunbird Blanco Chile Guajillo and Cucumber (NOM 1438) 70 proof; 35% ABV

Tequila Infused Blanco (Natural Fruit Flavors)–80 Proof

Querido Tequila Blanco infused with spicy watermelon (NOM 1605) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Querido Tequila Blanco infused with mango (NOM 1605) 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Blanco–European/Mexican bottling 38% ABV

Tau blanco (NOM 1414) 76 proof; 38% ABV

Tequila Blanco Suave

Inspiro Luna Blanco (NOM 1614) 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Reposado

Chula Vista (NOM 1424) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Blowfish (NOM 1438) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Patsch (NOM 1480) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Verdadero (NOM 1438) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Carrera (NOM 1465) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Villa One (NOM 1472) 80 proof; 40% ABV
El Cristiano (NOM 1499) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Bajarriba (NOM 1107) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Cada Dia (NOM 1137) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Don Cosme (NOM 1438) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Tequila Atanasio (NOM 1599) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Honor del Castillo (NOM 1414) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Proeza (NOM 1424) 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Reposado–Double Barreled Blended

Luna Nueva (NOM 1414) 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Reposado–Double Barreled in Wine Casks

Inspiro Rosa Reposado (NOM 1614) 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Reposado Cristalino

Honor del Castillo (NOM 1414) 80 proof; 40% ABV [Reposado Claro]

Tequila Infused Reposado–80 proof

Sandinista reposado infused with Sriracha (red jalapeno peppers, lime and spice blend) (NOM 1124) 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Infused Reposado (Pepper)–80 Proof

Get Hot (NOM 1548) 40% ABV, 80 proof

Tequila Anejo

Blowfish (NOM 1438) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Carrera (NOM 1465) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Anger Mgmt (NOM 1468) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Don Cosme (NOM 1438) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Tequila Atanasio (NOM 1599) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Honor del Castillo (NOM 1414) 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Anejo–Double Barreled

Luna Nueva (NOM 1414) 80 proof; 40% ABV [As/spec sheet: French Oak barrels; American White Oak barrels.]

Tequila Anejo–Aged in Multiple Barrels

Mijenta Gran Reserva Anejo (NOM 1412) 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Extra Anejo–3 years

Cancion (NOM 1472) 80 proof; 40% ABV
El Cristiano (NOM 1499) 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Extra Anejo–5 years

The Bad Stuff 5 Year Extra Anejo (NOM 1460) 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Extra Anejo–7 years

Patsch (NOM 1480) 80 proof; 40% ABV (7 year Extra Anejo)

Tequila Extra Anejo–12 years

The Bad Stuff Doce 12 Year Extra Anejo (NOM 1460) 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Extra Anejo Packaging

El Baston del Rey (foil label, raised lettering)
The Bad Stuff Doce 12 Year Extra Anejo (etched bottle, box, logo and presentation)

Tequila Industrial–Not Rated

Maestro Dobel Pavito (NOM 1122) 40% ABV, 80 proof
Senor de los Cielos (NOM 1489) 40% ABV, 80

Tequila Organic Blanco

Desnuda (NOM 1480) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Dona Loca (NOM 1480) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Nueve Uno (NOM 1426) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Casa Mate (NOM 1494) 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Organic Reposado

Dona Loca (NOM 1480) 80 proof; 40% ABV
Nueve Uno (NOM 1426) 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Organic Anejo

Nueve Uno (NOM 1426) 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Artesanal/Ancestral

El Baston del Rey (B, R, A, XA) (NOM 1474) 80 proof; 40% ABV [As/ John Miller:

Tequila Legacy 100% de agave

[10 years or more in existence; first time submission.]
AsomBroso (NOM 1459) La Rosa Reposado 80 proof; 40% ABV
AsomBroso (NOM 1459) Gran Reserva 5 year Extra Anejo 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Legacy Value–100% de agave

[10 years or more in existence; first time submission.]
[Pricing extends from $17-$24 for both expressions at online retailers.]
El Ultimo Agave blanco (NOM 1522) 40% ABV, 80 proof
El Ultimo Agave reposado (NOM 1522) 40% ABV, 80 proof

Tequila Liqueur

Rock N Roll Strawberry Tequila Liqueur (NOM 1499) [Made with silver 100% agave tequila and artificial flavor.] 32% ABV, 64 proof.

Tequila Mixto

Cantaros de Miel blanco (NOM 1424) [No info on the mixture of agave vs. sugar] 80 proof; 40% ABV
Cantaros de Miel joven [abocado] (NOM 1424) [No info on the mixture of agave vs. sugar] 80 proof; 40% ABV

Tequila Packaging

Chula Vista (bottle graphics; neck charm; logo)
Blowfish (bottle, stopper, medallion, etc.)
Patsch (bottle, brass knuckle handle, spiked stopper and cork)
Verdadero (labeling)
Los Hermanos 1978 (label, graphics, color, font)
Carrera (molding on the bottle, labels, cork)
Sunbird (bottle paint, logo, cork)
Tattoo (black matt bottle, skull design on label and stopper)
Otaca (bottle, square stopper)
Desnuda (recycled glass bottle with side ridges; agave at the bottom of bottle; label and color scheme)
Telson (label color, logo design)
Tau (color scheme on label, bottle design)
General Gorostieta (box, bottle, logo, label, quote on inside of label)
Nueve Uno (Bottle, cork and top, logo, molded agave pina on the base, logo medallion on the front of the bottle)
Bajarriba (bottle shape and painted map of Baja California)
Don Cosme (Flavor Dog graphics, label information: illustration of flavors and process.)
Honor del Castillo (molding on bottle; logo; info around the border of the label)