Gran Cava de Oro Tequila Extra Añejo

This is unusual. It's exceptionally sweet and fruity, much like a cocktail. While the taste is acceptable, it fails to resemble the intended spirit, which is quite disappointing. It is remarkably smooth, however. I suspect the use of wine barrels was a misstep. The aroma is sweet and fruity, with a slight smokiness, a hint of mint, and more herbal qualities. The palate is fruity and sweet, with an immediate presence of mint. It possesses a developing spiciness that tingles throughout, and had it concluded with a dry finish, it could have been quite good. Instead, it becomes sweet and viscous with a peculiar lingering taste. It's rich and sweet, but I feel a similar result could be achieved with a decent blanco tequila and fruit juice; in fact, decent blanco with just a touch of fruit juice would likely be superior. It's enjoyable to drink, and at under $30, I would endorse it. However, at this price point, it offers glimpses of complexity followed by a significant amount of sugary fruit juice. This sweetness is not comparable to Clase Azul Reposado, which is more subdued, featuring traditional wood and caramel flavors that resolve into a pleasant richness. Clase Azul is quite sweet, though, and possesses greater complexity. Upon comparing the two side-by-side, this tequila's intense sweetness doesn't seem as extreme. The presence of pleasant mint does provide some balance, and if Clase Azul can justify such sweetness, why not Cava De Oro? Nevertheless, the overwhelming fruity syrup note remains an issue. It lacks the richness and balance of Fuenteseca 7. The Fuenteseca is far more subtle, yet its development adds significant depth and character. Compared to bourbon or any scotch that isn't extremely subtle (like Johnnie Walker Green), the Fuenteseca appears flat and uninspired. It evokes El Jimador Añejo with its pepper, mint, and sweet agave notes, but this amplifies the sweetness considerably and incorporates a substantial amount of fruit. It also adds a good measure of richness, contrasting with the grassiness.

I sampled this in Cabo during a tasting and was not impressed. It's excessively sweet, to the point of seeming artificial. The low alcohol content diminishes the spirit's character, allowing the barrels to dominate, resulting in a thin, sugary liquid that more closely resembles a poorly made rum than a fine aged tequila.

Incredibly sweet, to an almost unbelievable degree for tequila. The bourbon barrel influence is prominent on the nose, delivering a forceful vanilla scent. You'll detect port flavors and more vanilla in the mouth – like a treat for kids. It goes down smoother than you'd anticipate once you get past the intense sweetness.

Exceptional sipping tequila. It possesses sweetness but is primarily just very mellow. It's one of the few alcoholic beverages I can savor neat, and a small serving can be enjoyed for an extended period – a little goes a long way.

The smell is quite sweet, featuring caramel and bright prickly pear. The taste follows suit, sweet with notes of prune and crushed pepper. It finishes sweet too, with subtle clove and vanilla notes.

Silky, very sweet, with strong notes of vanilla and subtle herbal hints, plus a distinct fresh-cut wood taste on the mid-palate. It evokes Drambuie. Incredibly easy to drink!