Herradura Ultra Añejo Tequila

I have been trying some tequilas lately, and my daughter-in-law had a bottle of this open in the freezer. It pours like corn syrup and is crystal clear. The aroma is muted but sweet. It was aged in bourbon barrels, but the color was filtered out to clear. I have to wonder what else was filtered out. It doesn't have a lot of flavor but is sweet. I can drink it, but I prefer others. My daughter-in-law says it needs cinnamon and an orange slice. Here it comes. I am not a fan. I can drink it, but I'd rather have the colored stuff.

A delicate, filtered Agave Spirit from Brown - Forman Distillery in Lowland, Mexico. It is distilled twice in pot stills and aged for 25 months in new American white oak barrels. It has an aromatic start with hints of cooked agave, wood, vanilla, caramel, citrus, honey, dried fruits, toasted almonds & walnuts; while a complex & creamy middle adds hints of dried bananas & pears, coconut & charcoal; leading to a balanced medium-length finish with a hint of agave nectar. August 2022

Certainly the best Cristalino I've sampled to date (I do enjoy Herradura). Unlike Don Julio's Clara, this actually feels substantial. Not as bright and fruity as the Reposado. Equally sweet but less syrupy than the Anejo. It echoes Herradura's fruity character but possesses a smoky depth. Similar to other Herradura offerings, it can sometimes be a bit astringent depending on your palate. Regrettably, not available in Ontario.

The nose begins with creamy vanilla that gives way to ripe banana, reminiscent of banana pudding, followed by floral agave notes. The palate is delightfully floral with a subtle smokiness beneath the sweetness of more vanilla, cream, and a hint of dried fruits. The finish is exceptionally smooth, as expected from an XO crystallino, and despite the sweetness perceived on the nose and palate, this tequila offers a balanced, dry finish.

A very smooth tequila for sipping, quite nice to drink. The main drawback is it lacks the richness and complexity found in other unfiltered añejos. Still, it's a solid drink for the cost. Not a strong smell, but honeydew melon is noticeable. On the palate, there's honey, a touch of melon and herbal notes, along with prominent agave. A bit too sweet overall.

This is a tequila that you should try at some point if you enjoy tequila. It's not excessively priced and provides a smooth mouthfeel with an aged quality. This is an aged tequila, yet it's clear because it's filtered using a special method that results in a sweet and silky flavor with just the right amount of kick.