Tasting Tequila with Brad

Bradley Niccum

Video at www.youtube.com/@Tastingtequilawithbrad Dive deep into the world of tequila with exclusive interviews from the industry's leading figures. Each episode, we bring you candid conversations with master distillers, brand founders, and agave experts who share their stories, craft secrets, and passion for tequila. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just beginning your tequila journey, join us as we explore the rich culture, traditions, and innovations shaping this iconic spirit. Discover what makes tequila truly special, one sip at a time. Follow me at @tastingtequilawithbrad Facebook, Instagram, TIKTOK.

  1. 5d ago

    Why Does Socorro 110 Have a Green Sticker? | Brian Ashcraft Interview

    Why Does Socorro 110 Have a Green Sticker? | Brian Ashcraft Interview Why does Socorro 110 Singular Edición have a green sticker covering part of its label? In this interview, Brad Niccum sits down with Brian Ashcraft, Senior Director of Brands at Socorro Tequila, to discuss the story behind the bottle, its high-proof tequila, and the effort to create a more transparent tequila label. Brian explains how the team set out to create a flavorful 110-proof tequila at a competitive price while pushing the boundaries of how much production information could be displayed on the bottle. The conversation explores the label approval process, the role of the CRT, and why certain laboratory results had to be covered for the U.S. market. The interview also covers the information displayed on the bottle, including agave, water, yeast, production details, and distillation. Brian discusses the work involved in developing the 110-proof expression, how it relates to Socorro’s regular Blanco, and the team’s goal of delivering a rounded, flavorful tequila rather than just a high-proof spirit. Brian also shares the team’s reaction to winning Double Gold at the Agavos Awards and discusses the importance of making a tequila that appeals to both enthusiasts who value production transparency and people who simply want to enjoy the spirit. Watch the full conversation with Brian Ashcraft to learn more about Socorro 110 Singular Edición and the story behind its distinctive label. Follow me: Instagram: https://instagram.com/tastingtequilawithbrad Facebook: https://facebook.com/tastingtequilawithbrad © Tasting Tequila with Brad

    Why Does Socorro 110 Have a Green Sticker? | Brian Ashcraft Interview

  2. Oct 14

    Montagave Tequila: The Story Behind Its Unique Flavors | John Melvin Interview

    Montagave Tequila: The Story Behind Its Unique Flavors | John Melvin Interview What makes Montagave Tequila different? In this interview, Brad sits down with John Melvin, co-founder of Montagave, to explore the story behind the brand, its partnership with Cascahuín, and its commitment to creating distinctive tequila through quality ingredients, thoughtful experimentation, and unique barrel selections. John shares his journey from whiskey and wine to tequila, how a special tequila project for his wedding helped inspire the brand, and why he and his wife, Lucy, decided to build a family-owned business focused on quality rather than simply chasing volume. **In This Interview:** - John Melvin's journey into the tequila world - How Montagave began as a personal project - The brand's relationship with Cascahuín and the Rosales family - Why barrel selection plays such an important role in Montagave's flavor development - How wine barrels can contribute fruit, floral notes, and a rounded mouthfeel - The idea behind Montagave's concrete egg and its distinctive mineral character - The experimentation behind the brand's different expressions - Why some barrels become exceptional while others need more time - The importance of quality, craftsmanship, and family ownership - Goodjuice events and their focus on quality spirits and education John also discusses the challenges of building a small tequila brand, the importance of finding trustworthy partners, and why every release should deliver a flavor experience that the team genuinely believes in. If you're interested in tequila production, barrel finishing, agave spirits, and the people behind independent tequila brands, this conversation offers an inside look at Montagave's approach. **What do you think makes a tequila truly special—its production process, the barrels, or the final flavor in the glass?** Share your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe for more tequila reviews, interviews, tasting notes, and conversations with the people shaping the agave spirits world. Cheers! Follow me: Instagram: https://instagram.com/tastingtequilawithbrad Facebook: https://facebook.com/tastingtequilawithbrad © Tasting Tequila with Brad

    Montagave Tequila: The Story Behind Its Unique Flavors | John Melvin Interview

  3. Oct 12

    Is Your Glass Changing Your Tequila? The 20-Minute Experiment

    Is Your Glass Changing Your Tequila? The 20-Minute Experiment Have you ever poured a tequila that tasted fantastic, only to come back 20 minutes later and find that it tastes flatter, softer, or almost watered down? Could the glass you're drinking from be changing your tequila experience? In this video, I explore the science behind tequila aroma and flavor by testing the same SIEMPRE tequila in four different glasses. After letting them sit for approximately 20 minutes, I compare their aromas and flavors to see what changed. Tequila contains ethanol, water, and volatile aroma compounds that contribute to the characteristics we enjoy. As tequila sits in an uncovered glass, these compounds interact with the air, and the shape of the glass may influence how aromas collect near the opening or dissipate into the surrounding space. **In This Tequila Experiment:** - Why tequila may taste different after sitting in a glass - How ethanol evaporation differs from changes in aroma - How glass shape and opening size may affect your nose - A comparison of four different glasses - What changed after approximately 20 minutes - Which glass preserved the aroma and flavor best in this experiment The results were surprising: the four glasses did not deliver the same aroma or flavor experience after the wait. Based on this experiment, I share my thoughts on choosing a glass and pouring smaller amounts when you want to enjoy tequila slowly. Have you noticed your tequila tasting different after sitting in a glass? Which glass do you prefer for sipping tequila? Let me know in the comments! Thanks to SIEMPRE for making great tequila and being a great partner. And if you have a tequila question you'd like me to investigate, leave a comment or send me a DM. Cheers, and enjoy good tequila! Subscribe to The Tequila Report (FREE): https://tequilareport.com/subscribe Follow me: Instagram: https://instagram.com/tastingtequilawithbrad Facebook: https://facebook.com/tastingtequilawithbrad © Tasting Tequila with Brad

    Is Your Glass Changing Your Tequila? The 20-Minute Experiment

  4. Oct 11

    SANTO 110 New vs Old: Can You Taste the Difference Blind?

    SANTO 110 New vs Old: Can You Taste the Difference Blind? Can changing distilleries change a tequila enough that you can tell the difference in a blind taste test? Today, we're putting the OLD SANTO 110 head-to-head with the NEW SANTO 110 to find out which one comes out on top! Both bottles are 110 proof (55% ABV), but they're produced at completely different distilleries. The original SANTO 110 was produced at NOM 1107, while the new version comes from NOM 1662, Destilería Unión. The new release also features updated packaging. In this blind comparison, I explore the differences in aroma, flavor, cooked agave, citrus, and minerality. I also discuss the similarities between the two tequilas and whether the move to a new distillery has made a noticeable difference. After tasting both without knowing which was which, I reveal my preference and share why I think the new SANTO 110 offers a slight improvement over the original. Have you tried the old or new SANTO 110? Which version do you prefer? Let me know in the comments! **In This Video:** - OLD vs. NEW SANTO 110 blind taste test - NOM 1107 vs. NOM 1662 - Comparing two 110-proof (55% ABV) tequilas - Cooked agave, citrus, and minerality tasting notes - Did the new distillery improve SANTO 110? - My final verdict: which SANTO 110 wins? For more tequila reviews and information, check out The Tequila Report at thetequilareport.com/subscribe. It's free! Cheers! © Tasting Tequila with Brad

    SANTO 110 New vs Old: Can You Taste the Difference Blind?

  5. Oct 8

    MIJENTA Maestra Selection No. 3: Seed-Grown Agave & 100 Proof Tequila

    MIJENTA Maestra Selection No. 3: Seed-Grown Agave & 100 Proof Tequila MIJENTA Maestra Selection No. 3 is a 100-proof Tequila Blanco that takes a different approach to traditional tequila production. Made with seed-grown Blue Weber agave, volcanic stone, wooden fermentation tanks, copper pot stills, and clay pots, this limited-edition release brings traditional techniques back into the spotlight. In this video, we're tasting MIJENTA Maestra Selection No. 3 and exploring what makes its production process so interesting. The agave is grown from seed in Jamay, Jalisco, near the shoreline of Lake Chapala. It's slowly cooked in a volcanic stone oven, crushed using a tahona made from the same type of stone, and fermented in wooden tanks with the agave fibers left in. After distillation in copper pot stills, the tequila rests in clay pots for 15 days before bottling. Bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof), this blanco offers a fascinating combination of traditional production methods and a carefully developed flavor profile. **What does it smell and taste like?** On the nose, I pick up cooked agave, vanilla, caramel, roasted pineapple, cinnamon, and earthy notes. On the palate, cooked agave remains at the center, joined by grapefruit, lime, roasted pineapple, floral character, and a distinctive earthy, clay-like minerality. The finish brings pepper, gentle heat, and lingering floral sweetness without overwhelming alcohol intensity. The seed-grown agave concept is another highlight. Rather than relying exclusively on cloned agave plants, this approach supports greater agricultural diversity and offers a different way to explore the character of Blue Weber agave. MIJENTA Maestra Selection No. 3 is a fascinating example of how traditional techniques can shape a modern blanco tequila. Have you tried any of the MIJENTA Maestra Selection releases? Let me know what you think of No. 3 in the comments! Subscribe to The Tequila Report (FREE): https://tequilareport.com/subscribe Follow me: Instagram: https://instagram.com/tastingtequilawithbrad Facebook: https://facebook.com/tastingtequilawithbrad © Tasting Tequila with Brad

    MIJENTA Maestra Selection No. 3: Seed-Grown Agave & 100 Proof Tequila

  6. Oct 7

    MIJENTA: The Woman Behind It | From Wine to Tequila Master Distiller

    MIJENTA: The Woman Behind It | From Wine to Tequila Master Distiller From wine to tequila master distiller — this is the story of Ana María Romero and her journey with MIJENTA. In this interview, Ana María Romero shares how her background in wine helped shape the way she understands tequila, aroma, flavor, fermentation, cooking, distillation, and the many details that influence the final character of a tequila. She explains how she began studying tequila, visited distilleries, developed a deeper understanding of tequila aromas, and worked to understand how different production decisions can change the spirit. We also talk about MIJENTA, including the importance of highland agave, red soil, water, yeast, fermentation, cooking time, temperature control, and the delicate floral and fruity character she wanted to create. Ana María explains why she believes every stage of tequila production matters — from the agave and water to cooking, fermentation, distillation, aging, and even bottling. She also discusses what happens when a tequila brand moves from one distillery to another and how producers can work to maintain a consistent profile. The conversation goes even deeper into seed-grown agave, traditional tequila-making techniques, tahona crushing, fermentation with fibers, clay-pot stabilization, terroir, barrel aging, cristalino tequila, aroma development, and tequila tasting. If you've ever wondered what actually makes one tequila taste different from another, this interview offers a fascinating look inside the process from an experienced master distiller. Watch as Ana María Romero takes us from wine to tequila and explains the craft, science, and passion behind MIJENTA. Featured: MIJENTA Tequila Blanco / Maestra Selection Master Distiller: Ana María Romero Subscribe to The Tequila Report (FREE): https://tequilareport.com/subscribe Follow me: Instagram: https://instagram.com/tastingtequilawithbrad Facebook: https://facebook.com/tastingtequilawithbrad © Tasting Tequila with Brad

    MIJENTA: The Woman Behind It | From Wine to Tequila Master Distiller

  7. Oct 6

    Can You Taste the Music? | EL MUSICO Tequila Blanco Review

    Can You Taste the Music? | EL MUSICO Tequila Blanco Review Can you actually taste music in tequila? I know that sounds like a marketing line, but EL MUSICO Tequila Blanco is taking the idea of music and tequila in a completely different direction. Produced at NOM 1499, Casa Tequilera de Arandas, in the Los Altos Highlands, EL MUSICO is a tequila built around a unique idea: making music part of the fermentation process. The brand's music-crafted process involves directing music toward the top of an open fermentation tank, where cooked agave sugars are fermenting with champagne yeast. The idea is to explore whether sound, rhythm, and vibrations can interact with the fermentation environment and potentially create noticeable differences from batch to batch. But does any of that actually show up in the glass? This tequila starts with 100% Blue Weber agave, approximately seven years old, along with deep well water and champagne yeast. The agave is slow-cooked in a low-pressure autoclave, and the tequila is twice distilled in stainless steel pots with copper components. On the nose, I get cooked agave, a little funk, citrus, lime, and an earthy note. On the palate, there is sweet cooked agave, pepper, citrus, lime, orange peel, and grapefruit, followed by a nice finish with some heat, sweetness, and more citrus. And there's another cool part of the experience: a QR code on the bottle lets you listen to the music that was played while the tequila was being made. So the big question is: Can you actually taste the music? Watch the full EL MUSICO Tequila Blanco review to hear the story behind the music-crafted process and see what I think after tasting it. ➡️In this video: EL MUSICO Tequila Blanco review Can you taste the music? Music and tequila Music during tequila fermentation Tequila fermentation NOM 1499 Casa Tequilera de Arandas Los Altos Highlands tequila 100% Blue Weber agave Cooked agave Champagne yeast Tequila tasting Tequila aromas and flavors Blanco tequila Tequila review Tequila: EL MUSICO Tequila Blanco Category: Blanco Agave: 100% Blue Weber Agave ABV: 40% / 80 Proof Subscribe to The Tequila Report (FREE): https://tequilareport.com/subscribe Follow me: Instagram: https://instagram.com/tastingtequilawithbrad Facebook: https://facebook.com/tastingtequilawithbrad © Tasting Tequila with Brad

    Can You Taste the Music? | EL MUSICO Tequila Blanco Review

  8. Oct 5

    Tequila El Viejito Reposado Review: Is This What Tequila Used to Taste Like?

    Tequila El Viejito Reposado — is this what tequila used to taste like? In this tequila review, we take a closer look at Tequila El Viejito Reposado, a producer-owned tequila from Atotonilco, Jalisco, made with 100% agave. From the production process to the final tasting, this review takes you through what makes this reposado stand out. We look at the use of brick ovens, a roller mill, closed fermentation, commercial yeast, and reverse osmosis well water, giving you a closer look at how this tequila is produced. The El Viejito Reposado is rested for around four months in used American bourbon barrels, adding another layer to the tequila while still allowing its agave character to come through. In the glass, we explore the aromas, flavor profile, agave-forward character, and overall tasting experience to see what this reposado brings to the table. If you enjoy tequila reviews, reposado tequila, 100% agave tequila, and traditional-style tequila, this is a bottle worth taking a closer look at. So, does Tequila El Viejito Reposado really taste like the kind of tequila people remember from years ago? Watch the full review and find out. Please enjoy responsibly. © Tasting Tequila with Brad

    Tequila El Viejito Reposado Review: Is This What Tequila Used to Taste Like?
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About

Video at www.youtube.com/@Tastingtequilawithbrad Dive deep into the world of tequila with exclusive interviews from the industry's leading figures. Each episode, we bring you candid conversations with master distillers, brand founders, and agave experts who share their stories, craft secrets, and passion for tequila. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just beginning your tequila journey, join us as we explore the rich culture, traditions, and innovations shaping this iconic spirit. Discover what makes tequila truly special, one sip at a time. Follow me at @tastingtequilawithbrad Facebook, Instagram, TIKTOK.

Information

  • Creator
    Bradley Niccum
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Tasting Tequila with Brad

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