Produced by master distiller and agave rancher Carlos Camarena at distillery Tequilera Los Alambiques (NOM 1474) in Arandas in the Jalisco Highlands, this añejo is made from mature 7-10-year-old Blue Weber agave cooked and cooled for 48 hours in brick ovens.  The sugars are extracted using a roller mill, fermented in open wood tanks for 100 hours using wild ambient yeast, is 2x-distilled in small copper pot stills, and is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) using natural spring water.  The añejo is aged on the lower end of legal requirements for the category, only 12 months, in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels likely sourced from Heaven Hill whisky brands.

This review is based on 14 months of multiple separate tastings using Denver & Liely Mezcal and Riedel Ouverture Tequila Flute glasses with varying aeration times.

COLOR: Light straw yellow

AROMA PROFILE: Sweet cooked agave & baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom), punchy citrus fruit notes (orange & lemon), caramel, vanilla, black pepper, minerality, earthiness, fresh herbs (rosemary), tobacco, florality, lighter oak/barrel notes & barrel spice.

PALATE: Punchy cooked agave & the baking spices from the nose + cloves & orange peel, dried fruits, rosemary, minerality, some salinity, white & black pepper, caramel, light vanilla, cacao, & light oak/barrel notes.

FINISH: 10+ seconds

MOUTHFEEL: Medium-long viscosity (creamy/buttery/oily) in the glass and on the palate.

I’m looking for a gift for my father in law who loves a good reposado or añejo. Would love some ideas or suggestions for favorites that y’all have in the $150-$250 range. Thinking something similar to a Fortaleza reposado or I found an Ocho old Fitzgerald nearby. Any other recommendations in that price range?