Sauza Conmemorativo Tequila Anejo
Sauza and Cuervo were two of the most important tequila producers in terms of creating the market for tequila in the US. The scope and scale of both companies often required technological innovations (euphemism for shortcuts) to keep up with demand, navigate agave shortages, and increase profits. These Conmemorativos from the 90s and early-2000s are not 100% agave tequila. The 1990s version is pre-diffusor. I can't date the early-2000s with enough accuracy to call it diffusor or not. It would need to be ~pre-2003 to pre-date the diffusor instillation.
Sauza Anejo Tequila - 1990s - 40%
Notes: Earthy and savory on the nose - but the savory/spicy notes are reminiscent of cheap distillation. Some more buttery, cooked agave notes beneath it. Mild and slightly bitter on the palate. There's faint fruit and baked notes below everything, but the top notes of cheap ethanol distract and play loud in the foreground. Finish is short, cheap, and bitter.
Score: 3 (Anything Else To Drink) It's trying to be light and inoffensive but plays cheap.
Sauza Anejo Tequila - early-2000s - 40%
Notes: Brighter on the nose, but in the way that a chlorinated pool smells bright - fortunately not quite that chemical drenched. Light fruit and florals - but again artificial. The palate is thin, artificially fruity, bitter. Structurally - flatter and thinner than the 90s.
Score: 2 (Nothing Nice To Say) This is clearly designed to disappear in a cocktail, but pop just enough cheap ethanol notes to let you know that the bartender didn't forget to put in the booze. Would work similarly as in shot form - light body, light flavor, just boozy enough to assure you that you didn't shoot water.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour