Espolon recently sent me a bottle of their Cristalino, and it perfectly illustrates why this category has me captivated. Here's a spirit that looks identical to blanco tequila - crystal clear, no hint of barrel aging - yet delivers the complex, sophisticated character you'd expect from a well-aged añejo. It challenges everything we think we know about spirits, where traditionally, darker means more refined and aged means more complex.
This contradiction represents one of the most intriguing developments in premium tequila - a category that combines the complexity of aged spirits with the visual appeal and smoothness that appeals to both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to quality tequila. While most spirits follow predictable rules about appearance indicating age and quality, cristalino deliberately breaks those expectations.
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- Written by: James Hills
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I'm passionate about exploring different cultures through food, and grilling recipes from around the world has become one of my favorite ways to travel without leaving home. As I shape seasoned ground beef around metal skewers, the combination of cardamom, Aleppo pepper, and fresh mint from my garden connects me to centuries of culinary tradition spanning from Morocco's Atlas Mountains to India's bustling spice markets.
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- Written by: James Hills
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We're getting ready to celebrate National Rum Day on August 16, 2025, and as part of our preparations, it struck me that the entire rum category is vastly underappreciated, so I wanted to do something about it! While I do enjoy a well-made fruity rum drink when I'm cruising around the Caribbean, for the most part, the days of rum being relegated to sugary vacation cocktails are long behind us. Even in those situations, while sipping on a mudslide or a Bahama Mama, I do prefer something better than what is normally mixed in, and the fact that there are plenty of options today for something higher quality, more unique, and ultimately designed so you can appreciate the spirit rather than covering it up makes me very excited.
Today's discerning drinkers understand what Caribbean distillers have known for centuries: rum can be every bit as complex and sophisticated as the finest whiskeys or tequilas. So, next time you're at a bar or your local liquor store - ask the bartender for some recommendations and tell them what sort of flavor experience you're looking for ... or use our list below to try something new and tasty!
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- Written by: James Hills
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I'll be honest with you, I don't like leftovers, and I prefer not to eat pre-made dinners. There's something about reheated food that just doesn't appeal to me. However, the reality is that I can't always take the time to whip up something tasty in the kitchen, and other times ... frankly I'm cooking for one since my wife is working on something and it's just me for dinner. That's where brands like Eat Clean Bro come in handy to have a subscription to and I really dig these guys!
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Sometimes the best innovations happen when distillers stop playing by the traditional rules. Espolon's Bourbon Barrel-Finished Anejo represents exactly that kind of creative rule-breaking - and the results speak for themselves.
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- Written by: James Hills
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