Riazul Tequila Reviews

One of the first tequilas I was recommended at my favorite Tequila Bar – Rocco's Taco's in Fort Lauderdale – was Riazul.  When I asked if there was anything worth sampling that wasn't one of the well known brands that the masses flock to (like Patron or Don Julio) I was directed to this anejo tequila.  I'm stoked that I was, because it's been one of my go-to tequilas in this price point ever sine and something I find myself pouring neat several nights each week.

Production Details:

NOM:  1460

Region:  Jalisco (Los Altos Southern)

Riazul Tequila Review

My first experience with this brand was with the Riazul Anejo tequila.

Riazul Anejo Tequila

When I smell the tequila, I get a big note of caramel, almost as strong as one that you'd see at an ice cream shop being poured over two scoops of vanilla.  The initial reaction I get is “it's spicy, and powerful.”  Speaking of vanilla, I can smell vanilla, but not so much taste it.  It's got a nutty aftertaste.  If I had to pinpoint it, I'd say hazelnut.

I always write my tequila reviews based on what I experience.  THEN, after enjoying it, letting it all soak in (literally and figuratively) I look around to see what the big industry websites say, as well as other independent reviewers and liquor stores that carry the product say as well.

In the case of the Riazul anejo, I had my time of agreement, and my times of disagreement.

I found the following statements at DrinkUpNY.com

Sweet aromas of cinnamon, spicy pineapple, and rich banana cake lead to a smooth, medium bodied spirit with vibrant flavors of caramel, agave, almond, vanilla, and spice.

Upon further thought, I can taste the cinnamon aftertaste, but I don't so much smell it.  “Spicy” pineapple, well, we're 1-2 there as I noted the spicy character of this tequila but didn't get any notes of pineapple.  The rich banana cake statement is well over what my taste buds can catch (the snobs would have gone with ‘palate' in that sentence but that's not my personality) but I entirely agree with it.  Caramel, almond, vanilla, and spice – CHECK.

So without being a guru or aficionado, (and note this is one of my first ever published reviews) I pretty much nailed this one, which is perhaps why I'm so fond of this anejo.  It's a nice pour neat, but I have friends who enjoyed it on the rocks.  (You won't catch me doing that.)  It's also worth noting that the official website of Riazul notes “dried fruits” and “honey” as other flavors you'll experience.

Overall, with a fair price point of around $60 or under, you can't go wrong with this as a nice nightcap offering a wide variety of flavors.  It seems all the big online retailers like to boast a price of $59.99 but in actuality, they sell it for anywhere from $41.99 to $49.99.  If you can grab a 750 ml bottle at that price, your in business.

Riazul Extra Anejo Tequila

Lots has changed since the initial review was posted, and like any blogger that likes to stand out by producing honest content, I have to make a few updates for late 2020!

First off, I'm happy to announce that I've now secured a Riazul extra anejo tequila. This runs about $150, which puts it in the ultra premium market, even for extra anejo tequilas.

Below is a photo of this remarkably boxed tequila.

Stand by for the video taste test and my review notes.

Second, the Riazul bottle design has changed slightly. There is now a wooden neck to the bottle and the color is a bit darker in comparison to the changing colors the previous bottle had.  This appears to be a more classic look, but for my money, give me back the old bottle!  That changing colored bottle and minimalist design was pure FIRE.

Here's a photo of a recently purchased bottle of anejo.  You'll see that the branding matches what they have on the extra anejo.

It's also worth noting that I've seen the price of the anejo creep up a few dollars.  I've seen it as high as $69.99, when just a year or two ago I was seeing it as low as $49.99.

This may be part of the new marketing kick with the new bottle and to present a higher end brand.  It definitely won't stop me from purchasing this amazing tequila.

Facts About Riazul Tequila

Website:  Riazul.com

Alcohol by Volume:  40%

Distillery:  Compañia Tequilera de Arandas, S.A. de C.V.

Riazul is 100% premium blue agave tequila.