El Tesoro Añejo Tequila

Early in my spirits journey, I sampled various liquors before focusing on whiskey for a period. This included a bottle of Don Julio anejo, which I found enjoyable, having no prior knowledge of tequila. Several years later, I'm seeking a departure from whiskey. If you've followed my reviews, you know I've been exploring rum and am now venturing into agave spirits, seeking something distinct for the harsh Texas summer. Any liquor store presents a vast array of tequila choices, likely similar to the feeling of a novice looking for bourbon at a large retailer. Instead of guessing, I consulted a book from Austin's recently reopened public library, titled "Viva Tequila." This guide thoroughly explains the tequila and mezcal production processes and offers numerous inventive cocktail and cantina recipes. In the section on tequila production, the author recounts visiting this distillery and their traditional method, contrasting it with the commercialized, large-scale stainless steel production of brands like Jose Cuervo or Sauza. El Tesoro, meaning 'treasure' in Spanish, is crafted from slow-cooked pinas (the agave heart) crushed by a multi-ton volcanic stone called a tahona (cleverly depicted as the bottle's stopper). The juice undergoes slow outdoor fermentation and is double distilled in copper pot stills to precisely 80 proof. The latter point caught my attention, as whiskey enthusiasts can be particular about proof and quick to dismiss spirits at 40%. The fact that 40% is this brand's 'barrel proof' signifies fuller flavor and less dilution. The aroma supports this with rich notes of cooked agave, accompanied by cedar and pine. On the palate, agave remains the primary focus, harmoniously complemented by subtle hints of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cocoa. The finish is as enduring as a warm embrace, lingering on the tongue and slowly fading for several minutes. Truly exceptional. Ideal for sipping during hot Texas summers. As I've mentioned in my rum reviews, exploring other spirits beyond whiskey can be an incredible adventure. It will also refine your palate for when you return to whiskey. Cheers!

Rating: 16/23 I recently sampled El Tesoro Reposado and was quite impressed. Let's see how this compares. Nose: The aroma is richer than the Reposado's and also sweeter. I detect more of a dusty woodiness along with added vanilla and light caramel. Beyond these scents, there are grassy and minty (like toothpaste) notes. It's less briny than the reposado. The nose still lacks significant complexity. Palate: Undercooked caramel with abundant mint, some subtle cinnamon, and a hint of clove appear just before the oak emerges. The oak is not overly strong, nor is it extremely subtle. It integrates well with the other flavors, creating balance. Some pleasant vanilla starts to surface. I didn't notice these in the Reposado, but I get strong whiskey (bourbon) sensations from this. The agave manifests as a somewhat musty cardboard within the vegetal and herbal notes. I can discern many distinct bursts of herbal flavors, though that damp cardboard feels somewhat out of place. This expression has a very low-risk profile due to the amount of oak. I detect faint apricots, or perhaps tangerine or orange, emerging from the vanilla, which complements the slight lime present. This is not nearly as complex, full, or rich as Fuentaseca 7, but it does lean in that direction somewhat. Finish: Vanilla, wood, grassy agave. A little mint and faint spice. It's quite complex and lasting, but challenging to describe. May I skip this part? - Conclusion - Fuenteseca 7 represents a significant improvement over this. The Fuenteseca is much richer and fuller, although it's also true that it doesn't possess the same level of intricate complexity. This is very close in quality to El Tesoro Reposado. The main consideration is whether you prefer tequila or bourbon. I believe I prefer this one. As an añejo, it strikes a fine balance between the distillate's natural flavor and the oak's aging influence. This seems to be a 16 for me. Thanks for the sample, a friend:)

Influenced by positive opinions from a couple of friends and my strong liking for the distinctive stone tahona cork, which enhances the bottle's visual appeal on the bar, I decided to try it. I'm leaning towards añejo being my favorite tequila style moving forward, so I opted for an aged expression. Note: I didn't see an extra añejo option. The color suggests age but isn't as deep as some añejos, like Casamigo; it's just slightly darker than a reposado. It has a sweet aroma with subtle vanilla and cinnamon candy notes, and predictably, no harshness. It's not smoky or vegetal like some others, with only a faint hint of the sour agave mash typical of any Patron. The agave sugars are prominent, with just hints of vanilla and red-hot candy flavors emerging, making it very easy to drink. Towards the finish, a slight warmth of cinnamon stick appears along with some bourbon barrel wood and fragments, though it dissipates quickly. This is significantly more balanced than a particular Don Julio añejo where cinnamon dominates, and you get some of the vanilla creaminess that Casamigo añejo delivers so well. The aging process is evident, as there's nothing harsh or artificial. While aging tequila might not require genius, this is certainly a well-executed effort. Perhaps it lacks the complexity I might hope for (there's that whiskey bias again), but if you intend to sip tequila leisurely into the late hours, this bottle would serve you admirably. If you enjoy both tequila and bourbon, you should find elements to appreciate here. A straightforward recommendation. Cheers!

I generally prefer unadulterated spirits and am most familiar with bourbon. This is certainly a special delight. I enjoy it as much as my preferred bourbons. It offers a smoky, spicy aroma of cinnamon and vanilla that brings dessert to mind. The flavor is beautiful--floral, sweet, and slightly herbaceous, with a hint of citrus. A bright, zesty initial taste softens into rich vanilla and candied orange that remains on the palate. If you also drink bourbon, I'd recommend this. It's fantastic, like a bourbon made lighter and fresher for springtime. It has made me eager to explore more of this spirit.

El Tesoro Añejo is among the superior añejo tequilas available. I find that numerous añejos have a whiskey-like taste, which is certainly not the case here. The aroma confirms its tequila origin with pleasant cooked agave and oak notes. The oak presence diminishes on the palate, giving way to some sweetness, vanilla, and earthy flavors. The agave remains the dominant taste. The finish is moderately long with very little burn. I have yet to encounter an El Tesoro tequila that wasn't good, and this bottle upholds that standard. I still prefer the reposado and blanco expressions, but this one is also an excellent choice.

Nose: Sweet cooked agave, butterscotch, vanilla, lush tropical fruit, sweet cream, black pepper, lime, cinnamon, nutmeg, powdered sugar, with a moderate ethanol sting. Palate: Sugary sweet cooked agave, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, raisin, sweet cream, vanilla, bamboo, sweet grass, vegetal earthiness, with a moderate alcohol bite. The finish is moderately long, featuring sweet, sour, peppery, and vegetal agave notes. Overall: This is a very enjoyable and easy-drinking añejo. Interestingly, I find it slightly more potent than the Reposado, but I prefer it a bit more as well.