Last Updated on: 13th May 2024, 06:35 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
I have reviewed every Cazadores Tequila release so you choose your new favorite!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions from Neil Coleman, and online research, focusing on aroma, taste, finish, and value.
Cazadores Blanco: A Budget-Friendly Tequila for Mixing
- Nose: Ethanol, vanilla, black pepper
- Palate: Ethanol, black pepper, vanilla, citrus
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
Cazadores Blanco is a popular choice for its affordability, but it's not necessarily a sipping Tequila. Here's a breakdown of its profile:
Aroma: Strong alcohol presence dominates the initial nose. Hints of vanilla and black pepper emerge subtly over time.
Taste: The initial burst is intense and warming, with a noticeable alcohol burn and a peppery kick. Subtle hints of vanilla and citrus might be present but hard to distinguish.
Finish: The lingering aftertaste is characterized by warmth and bitterness.
Better in a Crowd: While Cazadores Blanco might not be the smoothest Tequila for sipping neat, its bold character shines in cocktails. The strong flavors can hold their own against mixers like fruit juices in Margaritas or Tequila & Coke.
In Short: An affordable option for mixing cocktails. If you're looking for a smooth Tequila for sipping, you might want to explore other options, suggests agave spirits expert Neil Coleman.
Cazadores Reposado: A Step Up for Mixing Tequila
"Cazadores Reposado offers a slight step up from the Blanco expression thanks to aging in American oak barrels for under a year.", according to tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Here's a look at its profile:
Aroma: Moderate agave presence mingles with vanilla, caramel, and noticeable alcohol notes.
Taste: A smoother experience compared to Blanco, with a rich agave flavor balanced by vanilla and oak. However, a lingering metallic note detracts from the enjoyment.
Finish: Medium-length, featuring the persistent metallic note alongside hints of vanilla and caramel.
More Mixable: While not ideal for sipping neat, the aging tames the harshness of Cazadores Blanco, making the Reposado a more tolerable option in Reposado Tequila cocktails or as a chilled shot.
In Short: A budget-friendly option for those looking for a smoother Tequila base for their cocktails. For sipping, you might want to consider a Reposado Tequila with a higher aging time and a less prominent metallic taste.
Cazadores Añejo: Affordable Vanilla and Spice for Tequila Cocktails
Cazadores Añejo offers a budget-friendly Añejo experience with a focus on vanilla and spice flavors. Here's a breakdown:
Aroma: Pleasant notes of vanilla and cinnamon mingle with agave and oak for a sweet and inviting scent.
Taste: Warming on the palate, reminiscent of a young bourbon. Distinct flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, butterscotch, and black pepper create a unique profile.
Finish: Relatively short, with a moderate warmth and hints of oak spice balanced by a mild caramel sweetness.
Sipping or Mixing: Serving Cazadores Añejo over ice can help tame the warmth and make it more enjoyable for sipping. However, its affordability makes it a solid option for adding complexity to Añejo Tequila cocktails.
In Short: An affordable Añejo Tequila with vanilla and spice notes. While it might not be the smoothest for sipping neat, it shines in cocktails. If sipping is your preference, consider a higher-priced Añejo with a longer aging time.
Cazadores Cristalino: Smooth Añejo Tequila for Easy Sipping
Cazadores Cristalino takes their Añejo Tequila to a new level of smoothness. This innovative filtration process, similar to Don Julio 70, removes the color and some harsher flavors, resulting in a very easy-to-sip Cristalino Tequila.
Made for Smoothness: The filtration process pioneered by Don Julio 70 has become a popular way to create incredibly smooth Tequilas. Cazadores uses this technique to create a Cristalino expression that lives up to its name.
Aroma: Subtle hints of agave, oak, and black pepper greet your nose.
Taste: The smooth and sweet profile features a buttery quality upfront, followed by notes of caramel and a touch of black pepper.
Effortless Sipping: The short, sweet finish with an oak undertone makes Cazadores Cristalino a delicious and effortless sipping experience, perfect on the rocks or chilled straight from the fridge.
In Short: If you're looking for a smooth and easy-drinking Añejo Tequila at a budget-friendly price, Cazadores Cristalino is a great option.
Cazadores Extra Añejo: Budget-Friendly Luxury Sipping Tequila
Cazadores Extra Añejo steps up the game, offering a surprisingly smooth and flavorful sipping experience at a competitive price. Here's why it stands out:
Extra Aged, Extra Flavor: Aged for 36 months in new American oak barrels, Cazadores Extra Añejo boasts a deep amber color and rich oak and vanilla notes.
Aromatic Delight: The aroma is inviting, filled with agave, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, and oak.
Smooth and Complex: The palate is smooth and sweet, featuring a delightful combination of blue agave, wood, vanilla, cherry, and caramel flavors.
Perfect Sipping Tequila: The medium-length finish with minimal warmth and lingering oak and caramel notes makes it a pleasure to sip neat or on the rocks.
A Surprise Contender: Compared to its younger Cazadores siblings, the Extra Añejo is a significant improvement. It offers a surprisingly smooth and well-balanced profile, reminiscent of bourbon with a distinct agave presence.
Great Value for Price: While not the absolute top-shelf Extra Añejo, Cazadores delivers exceptional value for its price, making it a great option for budget-minded tequila connoisseurs seeking a luxurious sipping experience.
How did I review Cazadores Tequilas?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and Tequila expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prices and Drinking Recommendations:
- Blanco: $26 - Best for Cocktails. Aging: None.
- Reposado: $28 - Suitable for Cocktails. Aged 6-9 months.
- Añejo: $40 - Enjoy on the Rocks or in Cocktails. Aged 12-15 months.
- Añejo Cristalino: $41 - Ideal on the Rocks. Aged 12-15 months.
- Extra Añejo: $60 - Recommended Neat. Aged 36 months.
Ranking of Cazadores Tequila:
- Blanco: Ranked 66.
- Reposado: Ranked 68.
- Añejo: Ranked 73.
- Añejo Cristalino: Ranked 77.
- Extra Añejo: Ranked 80.
Ownership:
- Owned by Bacardi Limited, located in Hamilton, Bermuda. Known for sweet Caribbean rums.
- Parent Company of Many Brands: Including Patron Tequila, Ilegal Mezcal, Grey Goose, Aberfeldy, Dewar's.
- Note: Patron and Cazadores are made in different distilleries.
Caloric Content:
- 98 Calories Per Shot.
- Advice: Avoid mixing with sugary sodas to prevent a spike in calories.
Alcohol Content:
- Bottled at 80 Proof (40% ABV) in the United States.
- In Mexico, it's at 76 Proof (38% ABV). This is due to Tequila being typically watered-down in Mexico for tax reasons.
Meaning of "Cazadores":
- Cazadores translates to "hunters" in Spanish.