Tasting Tequila with Brad

Can Mexico Make a World-Class Spirit Without Agave? Can Mexico create a world-class spirit without using a single agave? In this review, we explore a fascinating Distillado de Fruta made from 100% pineapple in Oaxaca, Mexico. Produced using traditional fermentation and distillation methods similar to mezcal, this unique spirit delivers tropical fruit, earthy complexity, citrus, smoke, and incredible depth. We'll break down the production process, tasting notes, and explain why this pineapple distillate stands out among Mexico's growing world of artisanal spirits. Topics Covered: • Pineapple Distillate Review • Distillado de Fruta Explained • Mexican Craft Spirits • Oaxaca Spirit Production • Traditional Fermentation Methods • Mezcal-Inspired Distillation • Fruit-Based Spirits • Unique Mexican Alcohol Reviews If you love tequila, mezcal, rum, or exploring rare spirits, this is a bottle you'll want to know about. © Tasting Tequila with Brad

Can a Barrel Make Tequila Stop Being Tequila? Can a barrel actually make tequila stop being tequila? In this video, we explore one of the most fascinating topics in the agave world: Amburana wood aging and how it impacts tequila classification. We'll compare traditional oak-aged tequila with experimental Amburana-aged expressions, discuss CRT regulations, and explain why some products must be labeled as Agave Spirit instead of Tequila. Featured products include innovative releases from Paladar and Lost Lore, showcasing how different woods can dramatically transform flavor, aroma, and even legal classification. Topics Covered: • Amburana Wood Explained • Tequila vs Agave Spirit • CRT Regulations • Experimental Tequila Aging • Barrel Finishing Techniques • Oak vs Amburana • Agave Flavor Preservation • Future of Tequila Innovation If you're passionate about tequila, barrel aging, and the future of agave spirits, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. © Tasting Tequila with Brad

Can 3 Months in a Barrel Really Make a Great Reposado? Can just three months in a barrel create a reposado tequila worth buying? In this review, we take a deep dive into Don Rico Reposado, a traditionally crafted tequila produced at NOM 1608 in Jalisco, Mexico. Using a unique blend of Highland and Valley agave, traditional stone ovens, roller mill extraction, open-air fermentation, and American white oak whiskey barrel aging, Don Rico aims to create a balanced and authentic tequila experience. In this video, we'll explore: • Don Rico Reposado Review • Highland vs Valley Agave • Traditional Tequila Production • Reposado Tequila Tasting Notes • American Oak Barrel Influence • Agave Forward Tequila • Small Batch Tequila Review Does three months of barrel aging add enough complexity, or is this just a dressed-up blanco? Watch and find out. © Tasting Tequila with Brad

Most Tequila Fans Get This WRONG! Tahona vs Roller Mill Explained When tequila enthusiasts talk about traditional production methods, the Tahona often gets all the attention. But did you know that most tequila produced today never touches a Tahona stone? In this video, we break down exactly how roller mills work, where they came from, why they're used by so many distilleries, and whether they actually produce inferior tequila. We'll explore the history of roller mills, their role in modern tequila production, and why some of the world's best tequilas rely on this extraction method. Featuring Siempre Tequila from NOM 1414 and insights into agave extraction, fermentation, distillation, and overall tequila craftsmanship. Topics Covered: • What is a roller mill? • Tahona vs Roller Mill • How tequila is made • Agave sugar extraction • Tequila production methods • Modern vs traditional tequila making • Does equipment determine tequila quality? • Tequila myths and misconceptions Whether you're a tequila beginner or a seasoned agave enthusiast, this video will help you understand what really matters when evaluating a great tequila. © Tasting Tequila with Brad ================================================= More Related Tags: tequila, tequila review, tequila production, tahona tequila, roller mill tequila, how tequila is made, tequila education, agave spirits, premium tequila, tequila myths, tequila facts, tequila making process, tequila industry, blanco tequila, reposado tequila, añejo tequila, nom 1414, cmre tequila, tequila tasting, best tequila, agave harvesting, tequila distillery #tequila #tequilareview #tequilaeducation #tahona #rollermill #tequilaproduction #agave #agavespirits #tequilafacts #tequilalovers #crafttequila #premiumtequila #tequilamaking #foryou #podcast

Volcán de Mi Tierra sent me their newest batch and believed it was showing significantly better than previous releases. Instead of taking their word for it, I tracked down an older batch, poured both blind, and put them head-to-head. No labels. No marketing. No bias. Just tequila in the glass. Did Volcán de Mi Tierra actually improve their tequila? Is the newest batch worthy of a higher score on Tequila Matchmaker? Or was the older batch still the better pour? Watch as I compare both batches blind and reveal which one I preferred before finding out which bottle was which. Have you noticed a difference between Volcán de Mi Tierra batches? Let me know in the comments. Subscribe for honest tequila reviews, blind tastings, distillery interviews, and tequila education. #Tequila #VolcanDeMiTierra #BlindTasteTest #TequilaReview #AdditiveFreeTequila #TequilaMatchmaker #BlancoTequila #AgaveSpirits #TastingTequilaWithBrad

Most tequila fans have never heard of Charanda, but they may have already tasted its influence. In this video, I review Uruapan Charanda Blanco, a protected Denomination of Origin spirit from Michoacán, Mexico, produced by the Pacheco family since 1907. While Charanda isn’t an agave spirit, it shares many of the same values tequila enthusiasts appreciate: tradition, terroir, family legacy, and authentic production methods. Made from locally grown sugarcane cultivated in volcanic soils, Uruapan Charanda Blanco combines fresh-pressed sugarcane juice distilled in wood-fired copper pot stills with molasses distilled in French column stills. The result is a complex spirit with earthy, grassy, fruity, and briny characteristics that remind many enthusiasts of French rhum agricole. We’ll discuss: ✅ What Charanda is ✅ The Denomination of Origin of Charanda ✅ How Uruapan Charanda is made ✅ Why volcanic soil matters ✅ How it compares to rum and tequila ✅ The connection to Fortaleza Winter Blend ✅ Tasting notes and final thoughts If you enjoy additive-free tequila, mezcal, terroir-driven spirits, and traditional production methods, this is a category worth exploring. Subscribe for tequila reviews, blind tastings, interviews with brand owners and master distillers, tequila education, and authentic agave spirits content. #Charanda #UruapanCharanda #Fortaleza #Tequila #MexicanSpirits #RumReview #AdditiveFreeTequila #TastingTequilaWithBrad

The second I nosed this tequila… I knew it was different. The new 2026 Lágrimas del Valle “La Mesa del Charco” Plata might honestly be one of the most exciting blanco tequila releases of the year. This is the FIRST single estate release fully owned and farmed by the Rosales family of Cascahuín (NOM 1123), and you can immediately taste and smell the difference. Using traditional brick ovens, a blend of tahona and roller mill extraction, and mixed fermentation with stainless steel and wood tanks with fibers, this tequila delivers incredible cooked agave, floral notes, minerality, citrus, pepper, and a subtle eucalyptus character that absolutely jumps out of the glass. In this review, I break down: Aroma and tasting notes Traditional production methods Why this release matters The story behind La Mesa del Charco How it compares to previous Lágrimas del Valle releases Special thanks to Brandon Cummings from Altamar Brands for the interview and insight into this incredible project. Tequila Reviewed: Lágrimas del Valle “La Mesa del Charco” Plata 2026 Distillery: Cascahuín NOM 1123 #Tequila #LagrimasDelValle #Cascahuin #AdditiveFreeTequila #BlancoTequila #TequilaReview