Corralejo Añejo Tequila

Introduction: I was eager to sample Corralejo's Añejo, as most Añejos tend toward the sweeter, aged, and rounded profile with the familiar barrel notes I appreciate in bourbon. Given how exceptional Corralejo's Reposado already is, my hopes for the Añejo were high. Typically, aging in oak introduces richer sweetness and a soft wood character, so I was curious to see if this one delivered. Nose: The initial impression is sweet, with vanilla and caramel from barrel aging layered over subtle agave. A slight alcohol warmth is present underneath, and deeper sniffing reveals faint orange peel, light spice resembling black pepper and jalapeño, and a hint of charred oak. A creamier note, like butterscotch, unifies everything. It's layered and intriguing, though the elements are not easily distinguished. Taste: Agave is present throughout the palate, tasting mellow and cooked rather than raw. At the start, soft vanilla and caramel indicate the barrel's influence. Mid-palate, a bit of alcohol warmth emerges before the flavor dries out and becomes spicier. The spice is more like Szechuan peppercorn than black pepper, causing a tingling and slightly numbing sensation. As it lingers, a touch of bitter orange pith adds brightness and balance. Finish: The finish maintains the agave and spice while the peppercorn heat fades into dryness. A faint trace of tannic, charred oak shows barrel character, and the orange pith persists with mild bitterness. It lasts longer than the Blanco's finish but doesn't change much, remaining consistent until it fades. Conclusion: Among Corralejo's range, the Reposado remains the standout, offering excellent balance and character. The Añejo is acceptable but not outstanding. It leans towards dry and spicy rather than rich or sweet, making it less ideal for sipping neat. For its price, it's functional and could work well in cocktails requiring an Añejo. Those who prefer agave-forward profiles might appreciate its purity, but for me, when I want a sipping tequila, San Matías Gran Reserva Extra Añejo is still the clear winner.

Concluding my reviews of Corralejo's core trio of tequila offerings, here is my assessment of Corralejo Añejo Tequila. I've previously reviewed both their Blanco and Reposado expressions, so feel free to consult those for comparison. Corralejo Añejo is aged for 12 months in charred oak barrels. I believe it is currently aged in American oak, though it may have been previously produced using French oak. Nose: Deep, rich, and more mellow in a refined manner. The chalky minerality found in the Blanco and Reposado is less prominent here, with more smoke and sweet fruit notes emerging. Notes include toasted marshmallows, amber agave, vanilla bean, orange cream, and ghee. This is another spirit that benefits from allowing it time to fully reveal its profile. Palate: Medium-bodied, oily, and creamy. It features smoky vanilla and amber agave sweetness, with the charred oak being more noticeable and the earthy minerality more subdued. Strong flavors reminiscent of orange creamsicle popsicles and pink peppercorn spice are present. A very enjoyable combination. Finish: Moderately long, with soft, rounded oak tannins, lightly smoked oranges, mild spice, and vanilla bean fading away. Delicious, smooth, and elegant. At $31.99, this is another excellent value-for-money bottle. I would place this in the middle of the Corralejo lineup, with the Reposado being slightly superior, offering an excellent balance of complexity and value, and the Blanco (while still very good) just a step below the Añejo. The Blanco's nose is phenomenal, but its slight under-delivery on the palate leaves you wanting more. Overall, a solid trio of tequilas from Corralejo, especially if you appreciate those with a more pronounced mineral profile. 3.75 ~ 86 ~ Good

It has a rich aroma with abundant umami and a touch of sweetness. The palate is quite good. There's a bit more minerality than I'd prefer, but a decadent brown sugar and vanilla sweetness balances well with nutmeg and other holiday spices. Some vegetal notes from the agave also come through, adding an earthy touch. It has some complexity, but not a lot. This would be an excellent mixer for a Cadillac margarita. It tastes quite aged and is a surprisingly good sipper. It's more indulgent than complex, but that can be quite good sometimes. There's some spice and milk chocolate present. The finish is smooth with a pleasant taste. Any fruit present is candied orange, which complements the overall profile. This is an indulgent drink at a low price. It's remarkably delightful to consume. The mineral might be a bit much, but there's a fair amount going on, and a couple of standout flavors. It could benefit from more complexity, but it is very good. It tastes significantly older than it is. Is this even tequila? You could almost mistake it for scotch.

Drinking it straight. The color is coppery, it's thin, and has lingering legs. The nose presents caramel, oak, smoke, agave, black pepper, a hint of vanilla, cherry, and citrus. The taste follows with sweet caramel matched by abundant dry, burnt oak, spicy cinnamon and black pepper, plus some vanilla and agave. The finish brings significant oak tannins, a touch of sweetness, and pepper. In summary, this was pleasing, though the taste leans more towards a nicely aged bourbon than tequila. Still, it could be an excellent entry point into tequila for bourbon drinkers.

Nose: It's fruity and tart with a hint of ethanol. It also has a 'fresh' scent, reminiscent of unscented lotion. Overall: an uninspiring nose. Body: It started with a slight sweetness, followed shortly by a leathery, tannic profile. Again, uninteresting. Finish: The tannins persist through the finish, leaving a dry, disappointing taste in my mouth. I require water. Overall: Uninteresting. This is an añejo that people should consume as a shot rather than a sipper.

I'm awarding this a high 3.0, as 2.0 felt a bit insufficient. To me, this tequila was overwhelmingly alcoholic. I picked it up during a trip since my preferred tequila isn't sold in Florida. Maybe the Reposado expression is superior, but this one let me down.