The liquid itself is good, a lot more refreshing than Cointreau, but not all that ’sec’ (dry). I agree with the mandarin flavour, very much an estery, almost tropical orange flavour rather than bitter and dry. Lends itself well to a Margarita though, I guess.

One of the main benefits of using agave sugars as a sweetener is that they are the healthiest form of naturally occurring sugar you can find.

So Agave Sec [I would say] is just a bitter orange liqueur, sweetened with agave syrup instead of sugar.

For me the Tommy’s Margarita is something like a different version of a Tequila Fashioned [lets call it summer fashioned...]. Shaken [not build] and without bitters. IMHO it really shines, when made with at least a reposado or even an añejo – and citrus bitters [lemon or orange] are working also fantastic.

Anyway – like always a great write up Jay!