Herradura Añejo Tequila

I'm surprised it took me this long to sample this, given that it's an impressive 25-month aged añejo and Herradura is the finest tequila consistently available locally. Since my preferred way to enjoy añejo is sipping, and there's an overwhelming amount of whiskey competing for sipping time, I can only guess that's why it took so long to buy this. Regardless, I'm quite pleased and familiar with the less aged versions of this, so I'm anticipating exploring more oak-forward characteristics. The color is surprisingly light for 25 months in a barrel; if not for the black labeling giving faux darkness to the spirit in the bottle, this would hardly compete with the reposado. The oak comes through well on the nose, not too raw, and not too charred as far as the barrel goes. However, as I expected, the freshness of the agave, present easily in the unaged and reposado offerings, holds it's ground against the stronger oak notes. This results in back and forth pairings, like grass and caramel, salt and vanilla, pepper and tobacco, etc. The initial flavor is both heavily vegetal and spicy, with notes of black pepper and tobacco. The agave is present, but like the scent, competes well (yet constantly) with the oak flavors. The sweeter oak notes, like the vanilla and caramel, don't come through like I was expecting, but that's mostly due to the agave still being present. The salty, vegetal flavors from the agave at the beginning of the taste transforms to richer, more savory notes near the finish. The finish has a mild to moderate burn, with heavily salted oak being the predominant flavor. Herradurra produces some of the finest tequila available, without a doubt. This añejo did surprise me a bit, because while I anticipated oak to dominate the taste after 25 months in a barrel, the continued presence of some fresh agave flavor was a welcome discovery. This isn't what I seek when I desire a deep, fully matured añejo, but as always, the quality from Herradurra never disappoints.

Drinking it neat, the aroma is agave, butterscotch, oak, pineapple, vanilla, musty earth, and minerals. The initial taste is richly sweet with fruity agave, caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, and a hint of cocoa. Oak and a touch of cedar are present in the wood notes. Cinnamon, black pepper, and a little mint and alcohol provide balance. The finish is rather long and slightly sweet with a good amount of oak, cocoa, mellow barrel spice/cinnamon, and a trace of anise. This is a fine example of a smooth and sweet añejo that possesses genuine character. Both newcomers and seasoned drinkers can appreciate this.

The aroma is very appealing. A mouthwatering scent of rich vanilla, sweet pineapple, grape soda, and fresh tobacco. The palate begins quite sharp, but nearly all the aromatic elements are present; vanilla, sweet pineapple, fresh tobacco, along with some creaminess. The richness is the most prominent aspect. The taste persists and is very enjoyable, evoking the sensation of finishing a glass of grape soda without the carbonation; the initial harshness is worth it.

Noticeably richer than the Reposado. It's creamy and sweet with notes of nectarine, peach, pear, and roasted agave, plus oak and a touch of vanilla. It still has some spice, but it's less intense than the Reposado can be. While I lean towards the Reposado's light, bright fruitiness, I wouldn't refuse this. If only Herradura were available in Ontario.

Very pleasant. Less sweet than El Jimador, despite being from the same distillery. More complex. Leaves a great aftertaste. It has a strong caramel note, which is nice. Agave is also present, along with a noticeable smokiness. I drink it every morning and evening until I grow tired of it.

Consumed neat at room temperature. The nose features agave and sweet oak with subtle hints of cherries and freshly cut grass. The mouthfeel is thick. Flavors include sweet caramel and cinnamon. The finish is of sweet dark fruit and is very smooth. A lingering finish of sweet caramel oak and agave. @ Twin Peaks Mesquite