Suavecito Añejo

Sometimes the most unexpected things bring the greatest surprises. Years ago, as a young 25-year-old, I traveled through Northern India with my girlfriend. Her family originated from Punjab, a region in northwestern India bordering Pakistan. We were at a local bar, and three guys were bothering us, claiming women didn't belong in bars and demanding payment for us to stay. We decided to leave, not wanting trouble as foreigners in another country. However, they followed us outside and cornered us. I thought for sure I was going to get roughed up. But before I could even react, a 22-year-old, 5'4" Punjabi graduate student had all three guys on the ground in pain. After two years of dating, she never mentioned she was a third-degree black belt in two martial arts!?!? I felt like telling those guys, "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone a petite Asian girl kicked your butts." That was a surprise, a good one. Yesterday in Denver, I went to a liquor store specifically to buy a very hard-to-find, Colorado-specific 291 cask strength rye. A colleague suggested I also get this $40 Colorado-specific Añejo tequila. I haven't had many tequilas and generally avoid mixed drinks, so I expected this to be good for a margarita but not much else. I was in for a surprise. I opened this today expecting to dislike it immensely. Instead, I'm on my second glass! And I rarely have two glasses in one sitting. The aroma is definitely cooked agave, grassy, and herbal. The taste is buttery smooth. Sweetness at first, with an herbal foundation. Absolutely no burn. For $40, I'm glad I bought this bottle. A fantastic surprise that completely caught me off guard (much like those three unfortunate individuals in Punjab).

Tonight, on this muggy July evening, I'm deviating from my usual bourbon or scotch for a tasting. As a novice to tequila and still exploring its profiles, citrus notes are what stand out most as I continually smell this. Lemon, lime, and orange juice with subtle traces of vanilla and dark chocolate. It has a soft, velvety texture with an edge that keeps it lively. Vegetal and herbal notes with lime zest, cucumber, dark vanilla, and dark brown sugar. The finish is long, with a slightly bitter and woody dryness that leaves the palate with orange zest, honey sweetness, and a hint of salt and black pepper. Among the tequilas I've sampled so far, this is one I definitely need to own. Its flavors are very well-balanced; it's light and flavorful for sipping in the summer (or, perhaps, for mixing). Most importantly, it's enjoyable. Thanks to a friend for this sample. [92/100] [Tasted: 7/31/20]

A delicate agave spirit from Jalisco, Mexico's Los Altos region, made with Weber Blue Agave cooked in stone/brick ovens, fermented in stainless steel, and double distilled in a stainless pot still with a copper coil. Aged 2-5 years in former Jim Beam Bourbon barrels, with 2% agave nectar added before bottling at 35% ABV. It starts delicately with notes of cooked agave, citrus, red fruit, wood, herbs & spices; a smooth middle adds lemon, cherry & cider notes; leading to a quick & balanced end with agave nectar, black pepper, smoky oak, vanilla, creamy caramel, honey & sweet chocolate. November 2022 / April / May / October 2025

This is easily my favorite tequila. The producers describe it as 'very smooth,' and there's even a label on the bottle confirming this. They are accurate. It is exceptionally smooth and excellent. Get it if you can.

Sweet. Oranges, cherry, and vanilla. Smooth at 70 proof, though 80 proof would be preferred.

Very sweet. Could be a suitable tequila for dessert, maybe with cheesecake?