G4 Extra Añejo Tequila

Rating: 18/23 I've sampled this before but don't recall it. It will be interesting to see if my current rating aligns with my previous one. Nose: Somewhat bitter and woody, with a touch of mint. Not much complexity here, unfortunately. Palate: Sweeter than anticipated, with a bold, unique agave presence. It also has significant spice (mostly earthy notes with some cinnamon) and a noticeable warmth, though not an unpleasant burn. The spice leans sweet. Some mineral notes provide a slight lift, alongside fruit from the caramelized agave – perhaps red apple? Additionally, there's oily orange peel and a hint of lime. Finish: Quite full and agreeably sweet. I detect some of that cooked agave and lingering hints of spice. - Conclusion - This is another excellent tequila. Its complexity and balance are very pleasing. Compared to Tapatio Excelencia, it's richer but less spicy and intricate. It's also less complex than El Tesoro Extra Añejo. It surpasses Fuenteseca 7 in complexity and dryness. I'd place it between Fuenteseca 7 and Tapatio Excelencia (18 to 19). It's a close call, but I'll give it an 18. While Fuenteseca might lack some complexity, it offers a richer taste with impressive barrel influence. In that context, this doesn't seem significantly superior. Nonetheless, this is a fine tequila. I suspect I could find better value for the price, but if I ever curate a tequila collection, this will be part of it.

This offers a more bitter and minty aroma compared to Herencia Mexicana Extra Anejo. The palate is sweet and distinctly minty, with subtle notes of caramel, mint, and smoky chocolate. It's enjoyable and possesses a certain rich, bitter quality, but lacks the depth of flavor expected from an extra anejo. The smoke is reminiscent of scotch and is supported by some mineral elements. The fruitiness is generally rich and understated, rather than intensely fruity, though not dark. While the richness is appealing, more complexity would be welcome. The chocolate undertones are a pleasant background element. The mint notes are not overtly spearmint-like and are more subdued than in many tequilas. It's a pleasant sipper with decent complexity, but it doesn't stand out as a remarkable spirit and includes some less successful notes.

Those who have followed my previous commentary understand that tequila isn't my preference. A local store owner suggested this one, and since my wife enjoys tequila, we'll give it a try. The aroma is surprisingly sweet. I'm not detecting any of the typical smoky agave notes. The color is quite pale for an extra añejo. The initial taste is like diluted sugar water. A slight sting on the edges provides a bit of interest, but overall, I'm somewhat let down. There's not much happening here. It's remarkably smooth, especially for a tequila. I can imagine someone drinking this freely until inhibitions lower, but it doesn't offer enough for my palate. Unlike most tequilas, this is very drinkable, but it's just not for me.

Aged for at least 36 months in American oak bourbon casks, it presents a consistently smooth character with hints of oak, vanilla, citrus, blackberry, and agave. The complex tasting experience is quite enjoyable. Aromas detected include agave, oak, pepper, vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, butter, citrus, floral notes, and fruits like pineapple. Flavors noted are agave, oak, vanilla, caramel, black pepper, citrus, butter, dried fruit, orange, and walnuts.

An excellent extra añejo showcasing cooked agave, caramel, fresh rainwater from El Pandillo distillery, and pepper. The oak enhances rather than overwhelms the agave.

Pungent, with notes of jalapeño and cracked pepper. The finish is dry with lingering agave.