El Tesoro Extra Añejo Tequila

Rating: 20/23. Okay, this is the one. I've heard incredible things about this tequila, suggestions like "the best tequila ever." I've found El Tesoro to be subtle, so I worry the extended aging might have muted it. I'm also puzzled by extra añejos: is the goal to mask the tequila with oak? And why does tequila's price increase so dramatically with age? The agaves take years to grow, so a year in a barrel is insignificant time-wise. The dessert is dry, so the angel's share should concentrate the alcohol, and since tequila is usually bottled at 40% ABV, water loss shouldn't be a factor. I understand the cost of going from blanco to reposado involves barrel expenses, but why is a few extra months to reach añejo more than a few cents? And extra añejos frequently cost twice as much as añejos, despite only aging for a few years. Why? Ending my rant and starting the tasting. Nose: Quite full, yet still somewhat light. It's predominantly oak, but hints of light fruity (apple and apricot) caramelized agave come through. Ginger and clove lead to mint. There's a note nearing creosote that reminds me of a well-aged (~9 years) rye. The nose is light, but digging reveals subtle nuances. I have to work to find them, though. It's definitely fuller than the Añejo's nose and more balanced. Palate: Sweetness from the oak leads to faint fruitiness (apple and apricot) before introducing spice (pepper, clove, cinnamon), minerals, brine, and finally bold oak. There's some vanilla, but it's not as prominent as anticipated. I might actually detect more brine and (rich) minerals than in the Añejo. What truly stands out is the subtle fruit character – I really wasn't expecting that! It balances well with the oak and other tequila flavors. It can be quite spicy, but it's certainly not harsh. The balance is actually quite impressive. It remains light, though. It makes me think of how Buffalo Trace handles a light bourbon profile well, yet something still feels missing. There's considerably more complexity here, however. Compared directly to Buffalo Trace, this is much lighter but also far more complex! I would choose this over Buffalo Trace any day. This is a pleasure to sip and ponder its subtleties. Its mellow smoothness is also great; it's mellower and smoother than the Añejo, which was already quite mellow. Finish: Not the most exciting finish, but very solid. It has a decent richness from the wood, but it's not like a well-aged whiskey. I detect some brine and plenty of minerals, all enveloped in a translucent layer of vanilla. Bits of fruitiness (the same apricot and apple) also emerge at times. Conclusion: This refines the minimal rough edges of the Añejo while significantly enhancing complexity and fullness. That's quite an achievement. The other El Tesoro offerings pale in comparison. Fuenteseca 7 has more of a rum character, while this has more of a traditional bourbon influence with restraint to highlight the fruit and tequila subtlety. The Fuenteseca is certainly fuller, but I don't think it's necessarily superior. I'd actually give the edge to this one. This is at least a 17. A 20 seems high, but perhaps it's possible. It just occurred to me that this possesses some of the subtle complexity I greatly admired in Del Maguey Arroqueño. I think the Del Maguey is slightly better (though I can't compare them side-by-side), but it's actually quite close. I believe this warrants a 19 or 20, but I'm struggling to decide. I never realized I wanted a tequila like this before, nor did I expect it from El Tesoro, but sometimes I enjoy being surprised. This is an absolute delight. Now that I've also tried Tapatio Excelencia and found it to be definitively between this and the Fuenteseca, I'm assigning this a 20. I consider this the best tequila I've tasted so far and it's neck-and-neck with Del Maguey Arroqueño for the best agave spirit. Thank you for sharing!

Neat. The nose has naturally sweet and fruity agave, plenty of toasty oak, earthy minerals, citrus juice, and a hint of vanilla. The taste follows the nose, with a big punch of agave nectar, oak, and spicy black pepper and cinnamon bark. This is followed by vanilla, caramel, hints of cocoa, green herbs, anise, mint leaves, and tree nuts. The finish is nice and balanced with a tart sweetness, oak tannins, and herbs complemented by vanilla, caramel, and pepper. The mouthfeel is medium and natural. Overall, one of the best extra añejos available. I appreciate the El Tesoro line's agave-forward profile and lack of additives. The value is good compared to some inferior, better-marketed bottles priced higher. The regular añejo is the value champion at half the price. Consider this the añejo turned up to eleven, a great choice for a special occasion for a true tequila fan.

Let it rest for about 5 minutes. Appearance: Very light gold with a sparkle, shows legs. Nose: Unusual notes, oak. Taste: Oak on the initial taste, followed by sweet fruity notes, delightful pineapple. It tastes nothing like it smells. Finish: Short and not lingering, a sweet end that evokes a tropical vacation.

Very good with notes of cooked agave, anise, grass, vanilla, Mexican chocolate, citrus, melon, papaya, cantaloupes, mango, and pineapples. I find it to be the weakest among this, El Tesoro Paradiso, and El Tesoro 80th Anniversary.

So delicate! I anticipated more body but soon found myself enjoying the gentle citrus zing of this tequila. It's akin to sipping right from a lime in the sun. Quite pleasant.

This tequila is delicious. Abundant agave but with a smooth, buttery taste. I strongly recommend this tequila!