High Proof and Still Strength Tequila
Our own Henry Frees will lead an open house tasting of these amazing tequilas!
Tonight - Friday December 13th from 5pm-6:30
The Wine and Cheese Place - Forsyth
7435 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton MO
Scheduled to taste....
Scheduled to taste....
- Santo Fino Tequila Blanco 110
- PM Spirits Tequila Blanco Still Strength
- Lost Lore Tequila Blanco High Proof
- G4 Tequila Blanco 108
- Mijenta Blanco Maestra Selection No. 1
- Volans Still Strength
- Cazcanes Blanco No 10
- Tapatio Tequila Blanco 110 Proof
- Alma del Jaguar Nocturna 101 proof
- Amatiteña Tequila Blanco Origen
list subject to change
** Below are the ones we currently have in stock from the article. Some of the others we do get in, but are currently sold out. Others are not available in Missouri currently
Still Strength Tequilas: What are they?
Tequila Matchmaker blind tasting
#1 overall Still Strength
Santo Fino Tequila Blanco 110...$52.99
(55% abv) This famous-duo backed tequila (Sammy Hagar and Guy Fieri don’t like to be called “celebrities”) came in on top thanks to its agave-forward flavor. Tasters also found vegetal notes with pepper, green, olive, and minerals. It is made at the Tequila El Viejito distillery (NOM 1107) in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco.
Bartenders put it in 2nd place, and rated it slightly higher than aficionados, who ranked it in 3rd. But when the scores of those 2 groups were averaged together, it achieved the highest average score of all still strength samples.
“Love the presence of the agave and the intensity in the mid-palate… this is a solid and excellent high-proof tequila,” said one taster. The 2 groups scored them less than 1 point apart, which says a lot because bartenders are a tough crowd. This suggests that it is a high proof crowd pleaser. Traditional production methods are used to create it, including small brick ovens, a roller mill, closed stainless steel fermentation tanks, and a special hybrid copper/stainless steel pot still. Interestingly, Sammy Hagar’s very first batch of Cabo Wabo came from this distillery, and with Santo he gets to return to his roots by working with the same Mexican family that specializes in the creation of high quality, small-batch tequila.
#2 overall Still Strength
Amatiteña Tequila Blanco Origen...$79.99
(49% abv) “Woah. What the f... is this. This is tequila?”
This is perhaps the best quote of the tasting, which came from a bartender who went on to award it a score of 89. “Buttered cooked peaches and roasted agave and white pepper,” he continued. “Wild. Delicious and dynamic. It’s difficult to rate because it’s so different [from] the others..”
The process used to make Amatiteña is unique. They cook agaves using direct heat from wood burned underneath a steel oven. The agaves that are in direct contact with the bottom of the oven start to burn, which is the source of the smoky aroma and flavor. Agaves are then crushed with a tahona, and fermentation is spontaneous, done in wood tanks, with fibers. It is then distilled in copper pot stills to 49% abv. Smoke isn’t the star of the show, though. Raters commented that it still has plenty of agave, earth, fruit, pepper, citrus, anise, brine, and minerals coming together to form a complex and interesting experience. Bartenders scored this as their top choice, while aficionados ranked it tied for 5th place.
#3 overall Still Strength
"Tapatio 110 (2013) set a benchmark for still-strength tequilas in the USA."
Tequila Matchmaker just did a blind tasting of these
"Hail to the High Proofs! These 20 Tequilas are Superb Sippers"
Info and ratings below are all from Tequila Matchmaker article - read the full article here
Popularity of High-Proof Tequilas:
- Once niche, high-proof tequilas are now widely released due to their intense aromas, flavors, and thick, oily mouthfeel.
- Offer a "big punch of flavor" for tequila enthusiasts.
History:
- First high-proof tequila: Don Fulano Fuerte (2002, 50% ABV).
- Tapatio 110 (2013) set a benchmark for still-strength tequilas in the USA.
- 92 high-proof blancos are now listed in the Tequila Matchmaker database.
Blind Tasting Experiment:
- A panel of 34 members participated, split into two groups: aficionados and bartenders.
- Bartenders generally rated samples 10 points lower, preferring bold, distinct tequilas suited for cocktails and engaging bar experiences.
What is the difference between the two:
- High Proof: Tequilas above 46% ABV with added water after distillation.
- Still Strength: Tequilas with no added water post-distillation.
** Below are the ones we currently have in stock from the article. Some of the others we do get in, but are currently sold out. Others are not available in Missouri currently
Still Strength Tequilas: What are they?
- Bottled directly at the alcohol content they achieve during distillation, without dilution.
- These tequilas showcase the purest expression of the distiller's craft, offering intense, unaltered flavors and a natural, full-bodied mouthfeel.
- Often highly aromatic and complex, they are prized for their authenticity and raw power.
#1 overall Still Strength
Santo Fino Tequila Blanco 110...$52.99
(55% abv) This famous-duo backed tequila (Sammy Hagar and Guy Fieri don’t like to be called “celebrities”) came in on top thanks to its agave-forward flavor. Tasters also found vegetal notes with pepper, green, olive, and minerals. It is made at the Tequila El Viejito distillery (NOM 1107) in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco.
Bartenders put it in 2nd place, and rated it slightly higher than aficionados, who ranked it in 3rd. But when the scores of those 2 groups were averaged together, it achieved the highest average score of all still strength samples.
“Love the presence of the agave and the intensity in the mid-palate… this is a solid and excellent high-proof tequila,” said one taster. The 2 groups scored them less than 1 point apart, which says a lot because bartenders are a tough crowd. This suggests that it is a high proof crowd pleaser. Traditional production methods are used to create it, including small brick ovens, a roller mill, closed stainless steel fermentation tanks, and a special hybrid copper/stainless steel pot still. Interestingly, Sammy Hagar’s very first batch of Cabo Wabo came from this distillery, and with Santo he gets to return to his roots by working with the same Mexican family that specializes in the creation of high quality, small-batch tequila.
#2 overall Still Strength
Amatiteña Tequila Blanco Origen...$79.99
(49% abv) “Woah. What the f... is this. This is tequila?”
This is perhaps the best quote of the tasting, which came from a bartender who went on to award it a score of 89. “Buttered cooked peaches and roasted agave and white pepper,” he continued. “Wild. Delicious and dynamic. It’s difficult to rate because it’s so different [from] the others..”
The process used to make Amatiteña is unique. They cook agaves using direct heat from wood burned underneath a steel oven. The agaves that are in direct contact with the bottom of the oven start to burn, which is the source of the smoky aroma and flavor. Agaves are then crushed with a tahona, and fermentation is spontaneous, done in wood tanks, with fibers. It is then distilled in copper pot stills to 49% abv. Smoke isn’t the star of the show, though. Raters commented that it still has plenty of agave, earth, fruit, pepper, citrus, anise, brine, and minerals coming together to form a complex and interesting experience. Bartenders scored this as their top choice, while aficionados ranked it tied for 5th place.
#3 overall Still Strength
"Tapatio 110 (2013) set a benchmark for still-strength tequilas in the USA."
Tapatio Tequila Blanco 110 Proof...$63.99
(55% abv) This scored in 1st place among aficionados, which is no surprise! This OG still-strength tequila — made by the Camarena family at the La Alteña distillery in the Los Altos region — has been a fan favorite since it was launched in 2013. Aficionados said it has a nice balance, and subdued flavors of earth, grass, and hints of citrus and spices.
BONUS: This scored the most points for value
“This still strength is OFF THE CHARTS delicious,” one aficionado said.
Bartenders, who scored it in 4th place, noted it has a long finish and would do well in cocktails.
“Palate is sweet vanilla and black pepper, chocolate mint, agave, butterscotch but not overly sweet,” commented one bartender. “Finish is dynamic, switches gears from roasted agave to peachy stone fruits and herbs and a long fade out.” Aromas and flavors found include: earth, minerals, citrus, agave, vegetal (notes), lemongrass, anise, mint, pear, apple, and melon.
#4 Overall Still Strength
Volans Tequila Blanco Still Strength....$85.99
(53% abv) Of all the tequilas in the lineup, both groups were tightly aligned in their opinion of the still-strength product from Volans, with their average scores landing at just .12 points apart.
This newer still strength pleased both groups, with its jalapeno, vanilla, and fruit notes and natural agave sweetness. It’s made at the El Pandillo distillery (NOM 1579) by Felipe Camarena using a blend of deep well and natural spring water.
“Spice up front, good cooked agave flavor, [and a] nice lingering finish,” commented one bartender. “Agave on the nose with apple, minerals and mint,” said an aficionado, who scored it a 90. “Agave on the palate. Nice and buttery. A bit of jalapeño, citrus … the ABV really brings out the flavors.”
#6 Overall Still Strength
PM Spirits Tequila Blanco Still Strength...$63.99
(55% abv) This brand came out of the gates in 2022 with a solid 40% blanco and still strength combo, made at Grupo Tequilero Mexico (NOM 1468), in Arandas, Jalisco. The still strength, easily identifiable by its red top, was preferred by aficionados (4th place), and less so by bartenders, who put it in 8th place.
“Very sweet, roasted agave on the nose with hints of orange and pineapple,” said one aficionado. “The flavor is equally sweet with a cinnamon spice, berries, and orange. This is very nice. The finish is med-long.” Other aromas and flavors found include: butter, bell pepper, mint, earth, cooked agave, floral notes, jalapeño, and cinnamon. “This still strength is superb,” commented one aficionado. “Buy this at any cost.”
#8 Overall Still Strength
Cazcanes Tequila Blanco No. 10 Still Strength...$105.99
(54% abv) This brand, also widely admired by aficionados, won over the bartenders (5th place) with its still-strength version. They found strong flavors of agave, vanilla, earth, and spices. “Smells like a valley tequila with cooked and raw agave. Earthy, minerality, lavender. Nice and minty,” said one aficionado. “Great mouthfeel and taste. Nice sweet agave, mint, earth, anise, ABV works well. Would definitely drink again.” It is made at TTAP (NOM 1614) in Amatitán, Jalisco, using a low pressure autoclave, and fermented using their own natural spring water. There was a difference of opinion between the two groups, though. Aficionados ended up scoring it in 9th place, a difference of 3.2 points compared to bartenders, which is the second biggest difference in the lineup.
Also found: jalapeño, pineapple, butter, honey, black pepper, and fruit.
#3 overall High Proof
Lost Lore Tequila Blanco High Proof....$82.99
"(49% abv) There’s been a lot of chatter among aficionados about this tequila, so we decided to put it into the lineup to see if bartenders felt the same way, and they did!
Aficionados scored it in 3rd place, while bartenders were close behind, putting it in 4th.
It’s made at the Vivanco distillery (NOM 1414) using brick ovens, a roller mill, open air stainless steel tank fermentation with champagne yeast, and classical music, then distilled in copper pot stills. “Slightly smoky on the nose,” said one bartender. “Green pepper. Almost creamy, like avocado.” This tequila is “sweet on entry with a ton of roasted agave and some kick from the 46% plus ABV [with a] solid finish,” said one aficionado, who scored it an 85.
Other aromas and flavors found: Vegetable notes, fruit, red apple, figs, citrus, bell pepper, melon, minerals"
#5 overall High Proof
G4 Tequila Blanco 108....$65.99
(54% abv) No high-proof lineup can be complete without at least one El Pandillo (NOM 1579) product, and the G4 Blanco 108 has been getting a lot of attention from hardcore tequila fans. Aficionados ranked it 4th, and bartenders put it in a 6th place tie with Don Fulano Fuerte. “This is an agave bomb on the nose along with some earth. Great natural sweetness on entry,” said one aficionado.
“Mama! This one is great! Brought [everything] to the plate here,” said another aficionado. “Creamy, spicy, minerality and melon on the finish.”
Production details: Mature agave cooked in a brick oven, extraction via mechanical tahona. The water source is a blend of natural spring and rain water. Fermentation in open air stainless steel tanks, without fibers, and twice distilled in copper pots.
Other aromas and flavors found include olives, minerals, anise, and sweet pepper.
#6 overall High Proof
Alma del Jaguar Nocturna 101 proof....$68.99
(55% abv) This scored in 1st place among aficionados, which is no surprise! This OG still-strength tequila — made by the Camarena family at the La Alteña distillery in the Los Altos region — has been a fan favorite since it was launched in 2013. Aficionados said it has a nice balance, and subdued flavors of earth, grass, and hints of citrus and spices.
BONUS: This scored the most points for value
“This still strength is OFF THE CHARTS delicious,” one aficionado said.
Bartenders, who scored it in 4th place, noted it has a long finish and would do well in cocktails.
“Palate is sweet vanilla and black pepper, chocolate mint, agave, butterscotch but not overly sweet,” commented one bartender. “Finish is dynamic, switches gears from roasted agave to peachy stone fruits and herbs and a long fade out.” Aromas and flavors found include: earth, minerals, citrus, agave, vegetal (notes), lemongrass, anise, mint, pear, apple, and melon.
#4 Overall Still Strength
Volans Tequila Blanco Still Strength....$85.99
(53% abv) Of all the tequilas in the lineup, both groups were tightly aligned in their opinion of the still-strength product from Volans, with their average scores landing at just .12 points apart.
This newer still strength pleased both groups, with its jalapeno, vanilla, and fruit notes and natural agave sweetness. It’s made at the El Pandillo distillery (NOM 1579) by Felipe Camarena using a blend of deep well and natural spring water.
“Spice up front, good cooked agave flavor, [and a] nice lingering finish,” commented one bartender. “Agave on the nose with apple, minerals and mint,” said an aficionado, who scored it a 90. “Agave on the palate. Nice and buttery. A bit of jalapeño, citrus … the ABV really brings out the flavors.”
#6 Overall Still Strength
PM Spirits Tequila Blanco Still Strength...$63.99
(55% abv) This brand came out of the gates in 2022 with a solid 40% blanco and still strength combo, made at Grupo Tequilero Mexico (NOM 1468), in Arandas, Jalisco. The still strength, easily identifiable by its red top, was preferred by aficionados (4th place), and less so by bartenders, who put it in 8th place.
“Very sweet, roasted agave on the nose with hints of orange and pineapple,” said one aficionado. “The flavor is equally sweet with a cinnamon spice, berries, and orange. This is very nice. The finish is med-long.” Other aromas and flavors found include: butter, bell pepper, mint, earth, cooked agave, floral notes, jalapeño, and cinnamon. “This still strength is superb,” commented one aficionado. “Buy this at any cost.”
#8 Overall Still Strength
Cazcanes Tequila Blanco No. 10 Still Strength...$105.99
(54% abv) This brand, also widely admired by aficionados, won over the bartenders (5th place) with its still-strength version. They found strong flavors of agave, vanilla, earth, and spices. “Smells like a valley tequila with cooked and raw agave. Earthy, minerality, lavender. Nice and minty,” said one aficionado. “Great mouthfeel and taste. Nice sweet agave, mint, earth, anise, ABV works well. Would definitely drink again.” It is made at TTAP (NOM 1614) in Amatitán, Jalisco, using a low pressure autoclave, and fermented using their own natural spring water. There was a difference of opinion between the two groups, though. Aficionados ended up scoring it in 9th place, a difference of 3.2 points compared to bartenders, which is the second biggest difference in the lineup.
Also found: jalapeño, pineapple, butter, honey, black pepper, and fruit.
High Proof Tequilas: What are they?
- These tequilas have an alcohol content above 46% ABV but are not bottled directly as distilled.
- After distillation, a measured amount of water is added to achieve a desired proof while maintaining a balance of flavors and aromas.
- The process allows for consistency and customization, resulting in a smooth yet bold spirit with nuanced characteristics.
#3 overall High Proof
Lost Lore Tequila Blanco High Proof....$82.99
"(49% abv) There’s been a lot of chatter among aficionados about this tequila, so we decided to put it into the lineup to see if bartenders felt the same way, and they did!
Aficionados scored it in 3rd place, while bartenders were close behind, putting it in 4th.
It’s made at the Vivanco distillery (NOM 1414) using brick ovens, a roller mill, open air stainless steel tank fermentation with champagne yeast, and classical music, then distilled in copper pot stills. “Slightly smoky on the nose,” said one bartender. “Green pepper. Almost creamy, like avocado.” This tequila is “sweet on entry with a ton of roasted agave and some kick from the 46% plus ABV [with a] solid finish,” said one aficionado, who scored it an 85.
Other aromas and flavors found: Vegetable notes, fruit, red apple, figs, citrus, bell pepper, melon, minerals"
#5 overall High Proof
G4 Tequila Blanco 108....$65.99
(54% abv) No high-proof lineup can be complete without at least one El Pandillo (NOM 1579) product, and the G4 Blanco 108 has been getting a lot of attention from hardcore tequila fans. Aficionados ranked it 4th, and bartenders put it in a 6th place tie with Don Fulano Fuerte. “This is an agave bomb on the nose along with some earth. Great natural sweetness on entry,” said one aficionado.
“Mama! This one is great! Brought [everything] to the plate here,” said another aficionado. “Creamy, spicy, minerality and melon on the finish.”
Production details: Mature agave cooked in a brick oven, extraction via mechanical tahona. The water source is a blend of natural spring and rain water. Fermentation in open air stainless steel tanks, without fibers, and twice distilled in copper pots.
Other aromas and flavors found include olives, minerals, anise, and sweet pepper.
#6 overall High Proof
Alma del Jaguar Nocturna 101 proof....$68.99
(50.5% abv) This is another high proof from the Vivanco distillery (NOM 1414), but with this production there are some key differences. Fermentation was done with fibers and wild yeast, and agave fibers were also added to the pot stills. This could be the reason why this profile is so different from the Lost Lore product (above), even though they come from the same distillery. Let this serve as proof that not all products that come from a distillery are the same!
Interestingly, there was a big discrepancy between aficionados, who scored it in 5th place, and bartenders, who ranked it 9th.
“Nice aromas, starting with agave, followed by honey, grapefruit, mint, vegetal (notes) and pepper,” said one aficionado, who scored it an 87. “Taste is exactly like the nose.”
Other aromas and flavors found: Lime, wet cement, jasmine, white peach, earth, anise, citrus, cooked agave, floral, pepper, wintergreen mint, vanilla.
#9 overall High Proof
Mijenta Blanco Maestra Selection No. 1....$74.99
(50% abv) This is a very special high-proof, made from agaves grown from seed (the first of its kind to do so), and it is full of subtle flavors. Frankly, we are surprised that more tasters didn’t score it higher, and initially thought it would be among the top scoring tequilas.
Our own tasting of it reveals a stunningly complex set of aromas and flavors, setting itself apart from the rest. When you know ahead of time that this was made from seed-grown agave, it all makes sense. But would it hold up in a blind tasting?
Like all high-proofs, it does best after it has opened up in the glass and can fully express itself. Master Distiller Ana Maria Romero is known for her layered complexity, as opposed to the punch of flavor that some high-proof drinkers expect.
One consistent observation among the raters was how full and thick this is in the mouth, which is one of Ana Maria’s specialties.
Bartenders ranked it in 5th place, while aficionados put it in 9th.
This limited edition bottle is a piece of history, and should be experienced by all serious tequila fans. “Lovely notes of cinnamon and not what I was expecting from the nose. Very old style tequila finish, as well. Unique, I liked it,” commented one bartender who rated it an 88.
Other aromas and flavors found: Wheatgrass, bell pepper, pine needles, slate, floral, citrus, fig, mint, anise, agave, and minerals.
Interestingly, there was a big discrepancy between aficionados, who scored it in 5th place, and bartenders, who ranked it 9th.
“Nice aromas, starting with agave, followed by honey, grapefruit, mint, vegetal (notes) and pepper,” said one aficionado, who scored it an 87. “Taste is exactly like the nose.”
Other aromas and flavors found: Lime, wet cement, jasmine, white peach, earth, anise, citrus, cooked agave, floral, pepper, wintergreen mint, vanilla.
#9 overall High Proof
Mijenta Blanco Maestra Selection No. 1....$74.99
(50% abv) This is a very special high-proof, made from agaves grown from seed (the first of its kind to do so), and it is full of subtle flavors. Frankly, we are surprised that more tasters didn’t score it higher, and initially thought it would be among the top scoring tequilas.
Our own tasting of it reveals a stunningly complex set of aromas and flavors, setting itself apart from the rest. When you know ahead of time that this was made from seed-grown agave, it all makes sense. But would it hold up in a blind tasting?
Like all high-proofs, it does best after it has opened up in the glass and can fully express itself. Master Distiller Ana Maria Romero is known for her layered complexity, as opposed to the punch of flavor that some high-proof drinkers expect.
One consistent observation among the raters was how full and thick this is in the mouth, which is one of Ana Maria’s specialties.
Bartenders ranked it in 5th place, while aficionados put it in 9th.
This limited edition bottle is a piece of history, and should be experienced by all serious tequila fans. “Lovely notes of cinnamon and not what I was expecting from the nose. Very old style tequila finish, as well. Unique, I liked it,” commented one bartender who rated it an 88.
Other aromas and flavors found: Wheatgrass, bell pepper, pine needles, slate, floral, citrus, fig, mint, anise, agave, and minerals.
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