Fuenteseca Reserva Extra Añejo Tequila 7 Años

Score: 18/23 How long has this bottle been sitting here unreviewed? I thought I'd given the Glenfarclas 28 CS (1990) a good long rest at almost 9 months, but this has been open even longer than that, nearly a year past that mark. Time to finally put some thoughts on paper. I remember being underwhelmed by this one initially. I sampled Fuenteseca 7 and Fuenteseca 9 at a bar once and was thoroughly impressed. So, I purchased this and found it less intricate than much of the whisk(e)y I own. However, tasting it alongside tequila puts the comparison in a better light. Let's proceed! N: Robust and ample (for tequila, at least). I detect significant oak with an unexpected rum-like character. It presents as a woody profile, somewhat tarry and slightly fruity (apricot with a hint of red fruit?), with a spark of excitement. Peeling back those layers, I find a touch of minerality with faint salinity and perhaps some richness from olives. It requires some effort, but this is a pleasing aroma. It's unconventional and peculiar, but that's preferable to being dull (especially for this type of spirit). P: Exceptionally rich and full for a tequila. Caramel emerges, carrying with it a molasses undertone. This transitions to oak with pleasant spices (primarily cinnamon and ginger, but a blend of other baking spices is present, with clove appearing later). Occasional hints of light fruit appear, with slightly floral apricot being the most noticeable. There's a wood bitterness that reminds me of creosote in well-aged rye, but more akin to the intensity found in Jamaican rum. This significantly enhances the complexity and reinforces the fullness. The brine and rich minerality are noticeable at times, and the bitterness of kalamata olives (and nothing else about them) occasionally surfaces. F: Packed with flavor. A substantial amount of oak. Faint vanilla notes, but very subtle. The minerals introduce a degree of lightness and a hint of brine. It's not overwhelmingly exciting. - Conclusion - My initial reaction was considerable disappointment, but I've grown to appreciate it. I believe this and El Tesoro Extra Añejo are very close competitors. The El Tesoro is lighter but exhibits greater complexity and balance. This offers more maturity while retaining really appealing flavors. After careful consideration, I lean towards the El Tesoro being superior. There's a curious line of reasoning here, but it boils down to uniqueness: if I desire a strong woody spirit, whisk(e)y and rum are readily accessible options – but where can I find the distinct profile of El Tesoro Extra Añejo? This is a significant factor in the El Tesoro receiving a higher rating. It just occurred to me that the intricate nature of the El Tesoro is reminiscent of the complexity I experienced with Del Maguey Arroqueño, which I rated a 20. I have some preliminary scores in mind, but I might make adjustments. Regardless of the final scores, these are truly excellent tequilas. However, if I were purchasing again, I would opt for the El Tesoro. The El Tesoro is earning a 19 to 20, and this one is receiving an 18.

Pepper, robust vanilla wood, spice, herbal notes. It's quite delicious and full-bodied. A very fine tequila. It possesses a slight Glenfarclas character with the rich tannins. There are hints of coconut and something vegetal but not overpowering. It certainly tastes like an anejo tequila blended with Glenfarclas. The complexity is superb with nice richness. There's a fair amount of spice but it is well within acceptable limits. The flavor is wonderful. It has a sort of white pepper element, but there are also hints of tropical fruit. There's some mint too. It's very unlike the 9 but good in its own way. This is somewhere between an 18 and a 19.

Vintage 2010. Exceptional, like all Fuenteseca releases, with notes of cooked agave, dulce de leche, honey, sultanas, pineapples, apricots, marshmallows, oranges, and white chocolate.

Mineral notes, some fruit. It's good, but I've had better for less money

Heavy intensity.