To dismiss Tequila Avion as the “Entourage tequila” would be a huge mistake. Although the tequila was the centerpiece of the final seasons of the hit HBO show, Tequila Avion is much more than a TV show prop. In fact, Tequila Avion is one of the few premium tequilas that has a solid shot at really taking on Patron.

Tequila Avion is different from many other tequilas on the market. Many blanco or silver tequilas (like Patron) deliver a pepper kick in the mid palate. This blast of pepper spice defines most of these tequilas. Avion goes about things a bit differently: rather than a blast of pepper, you get a pepper ramp. The spice builds gradually, steadily, and progressively as you drink it.

Avion is also an incredibly clean tequila. While it can get spicy, it never burns. This is thanks to a patented filtering process which, along with a unique barreling process, really defines Avion. Tequila Avion is available in three different forms: Silver, Reposado, and Anejo. Each of these has something interesting and unique to offer.

Tequila Avion Silver has clear aromas of fresh agave with an undercurrent of black pepper and a hint of hot pepper. The entry is soft and slightly sweet with a superb mouthfeel which is neither too thick nor too thin. Instead of a pepper kick in the mid palate, Avion has a pepper ramp with intensifying black and hot pepper. Things get a little spicy at the end of the mid palate with a hint of grapefruit rind. The finish is nice, long, and super clean.

Tequila Avion Reposado is aged six months in Jack Daniel’s Barrels which helps give it a sweet nose, and adds vanilla and caramel to the mix along with fresh agave and clear soft oak. The entry takes on a subtle influence from the bourbon barrel with vanilla and caramel right off the bat. These notes mix extremely well with the fresh agave. Things ramp up in the mid palate, and the pepper and oak come together in perfect union. The finish is wonderfully spicy and much longer than the silver. It also has a superb cool quality to the finish. This is an exceptional reposado.

Tequila Avion Anejo is aged two years in ex-bourbon barrels. Oak spice dominates the nose but it’s balanced out with fantastic agave and caramel notes. The entry shows off the oak well but not intensely. The oak is immediately balanced by agave, vanilla, and caramel. The pepper starts off soft and builds sublimely. Black pepper, agave, vanilla, caramel, and oak are joined toward the end of the mid palate by cinnamon and maple. No heat, no bite, and a long, soft, peppery but cool finish. This is not an aggressive anejo. The goal here is clearly balance and it achieves it superbly.

Clean and flavorful, Tequila Avion delivers a superb tequila experience that is a clear alternative to Patron.