Herradura Legend Tequila

AROMA: Smells as expected for an añejo. I'm not an expert, but it seems more potent than, for example, Don Julio 1942. *Edit*: About 7 minutes after having two good drinks, I'm amazed by my reaction. I'm starting to sweat a little and feel the tequila's effects, as I don't drink often. Now I can smell the sweetness! It reminds me of Jack Daniels for some reason. I'll have another sip. TASTE: The taste is very bold. Quite bold, really. Again, I'm certainly no tequila connoisseur, so I can't identify specific oak notes or subtleties, but it's very strong, at least that's my perception. *Edit (day 2)*: I decided to have another glass and try some more. I'm not sure if it's the aeration from opening the bottle yesterday, but it's much smoother now. Significantly smoother. It reminds me of Don Julio 1942. I'm enjoying it much more than yesterday and have changed my mind. FINISH (day 1): The finish felt a bit harsh during my first two drinks, but now it's smoother and pleasant. Perhaps my palate needed to adjust to the tequila, but the finish is enjoyable now. *Edit* (Day 2): The finish has improved remarkably since yesterday. Truly, it's extremely smooth and much more enjoyable, even on the first sip and swallow. I felt no harsh burn anymore; it's warm going down and the aftertaste is very pleasant. It's toasty. DRINK AGAIN (day 1): While I do enjoy the flavor, aroma, and finish of this tequila, I find it a bit too bold for me. I prefer it smoother. It's a good tequila, but perhaps I just need to become more accustomed to the intricacies of añejos. *Edit* (Day 2): I would definitely drink it again. I'm sure someone knows the answer, but the tequila is much smoother now. As mentioned, maybe it's because I opened it yesterday and the alcohol in the bottle has aerated. Very pleasant now. I would definitely drink it again.

Nose: Burnt caramel, stir-fried mixed veggies, vanilla, sweet agave, barrel char, and perhaps some buttered bread. Palate: Sweet vanilla and caramel, floral notes, bell pepper, a hint of diesel fuel (surprisingly pleasant), salt, and white tea. The mouthfeel is light, almost thin, with a sourness not tied to any specific flavor. Finish: A touch of cinnamon, sweet oak, barrel spice, cooked vegetables, soy sauce, earth, and cut grass. Lots is happening here. A very interesting tequila, though my experience is limited. I generally dislike tequila but I'm trying to overcome that. Think of it as tequila therapy. I doubt I'd have this one again, mostly due to the price rather than my general aversion. It somewhat breaks through my aversion, but at a cost I'm unwilling to regularly pay. Enthusiasts would likely disagree.

An elegant Agave Spirit from Brown-Forman Distillery, Mexico. It's distilled twice in pot stills and aged for 14 months in new American white oak barrels that were heavily charred and deeply grooved. It starts aromatically with hints of roasted agave, cilantro, vanilla, and butterscotch. A rich and full body follows with notes of sea-salt caramel, citrus, plantains, oak, dried apples, and apricots. It finishes with a spicy and velvety medium length, featuring notes of pepper and coriander. August 2022

The aroma is rich with caramel sweetness and thickness. The flavors are reminiscent of an Almond Joy candy bar. Notes of coconut, chocolate, and nuts. Smooth with distinctive flavors. I highly recommend it... I think I’ll pour another serving.

The aroma presents green bell pepper and agave. Hints of green vegetal notes and light caramel with spice and oak on the finish.

Perhaps my palate isn't refined enough, but this is just not good.