Tequila San Matias Gran Reserva Extra Añejo

An unusual tequila, reminiscent of a sherry-aged bourbon. It presents bold cherry notes with a smooth, woody character and subtle spice. The cherry flavor is prominent, but not overpowering like cough syrup. This is a commendable and intriguing spirit, though perhaps not ideal for those seeking a traditional tequila. The oak is well-integrated, avoiding a harsh polish-like taste. This drink offers a profile like whiskey blended with brandy, including a touch of banana fruitiness. The finish leans slightly bitter, and while pleasant, could benefit from enhanced core flavors. It's rich in taste with some herbal nuances that add interest, but it lacks the refinement of Don Julio 1942. It bears a resemblance to mezcal. The deep, varied flavors are appealing, but the cherry might be a bit much, and there's no standout element. Nevertheless, I find it enjoyable, and the alcohol is well-managed. The wood contributes to the flavor profile without being overly strong, avoiding a floor polish impression. Considering its cost, this is an excellent value. The flavor is well-balanced and delicious, with all components harmonizing nicely, unless one is highly sensitive to a cherry cough syrup taste. It shares similarities with many mezcals but is more balanced and generally richer. Smoke, iodine, cherry, sweet, tart, wood, toffee are present. The balance is outstanding, and the flavor is superb. This is an unconventional tequila, yet an outstanding beverage. Occasionally, a hint of alcohol intrudes, but it's largely unaffected. The aroma is distinctly of roasted sweet peppers and onions. The palate echoes these flavors, complemented by pleasant fruit notes and hints of caramel. It has a fairly rich body without being heavy. This is a highly complex tequila with an intriguing balance. Wood and a touch of smoke are present, yet the initial notes remain prominent. A subtle cherry note emerges from the pepper in a surprising way. This is an exquisite tequila at an incredible price. This tequila is truly remarkable. It might possess a slight harshness, but it's pronounced, embodying the essence of tequila. Spice, pineapple, grape soda, lime, caramel, vanilla, wood are evident. It even begins to taste like a bourbon. While not the most intricate tequila, its balance is strangely effective. The fruitiness persists for a considerable time and is very pleasing. Mint adds a touch of dryness without feeling out of place. The flavors don't align in a way that's quintessentially tequila. The wood can be surprisingly assertive due to cedar notes alongside oak, yet they don't dominate. This is a delightful tequila.

I've been eager to sample this Extra Anejo for a considerable duration. As a devoted bourbon drinker venturing into Tequila and other spirits, the prospect of a sweet tequila exhibiting numerous bourbon-like characteristics is highly appealing. Will this one prove to be the best? While there's a trace of Agave on the aroma of this tequila, the prevailing scents are butterscotch, vanilla, and caramel. It possesses a rich, almost dessert-like creaminess to the nose that I haven't encountered in a tequila before. A deeper inhale reveals nuttier aromas such as candied walnuts and hazelnut. The initial taste is quite intriguing. It's creamy and sweet, yet curiously, there's a slight tingle on the palate, as if this bottling were of a higher proof, but in reality, it is not. Caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch initiate the taste, but soon a tingling black pepper emerges. It's not overtly spicy; rather, it imparts a subtle prickling sensation to your tongue and lips. Speaking of which: cinnamon is certainly present as well. Towards the latter half of the palate, a flavor best described as sweet hazelnut hot chocolate emerges. The texture is viscous and coats the tongue, akin to a superb cask strength bourbon. As the taste concludes, exhaling through the mouth reveals some candied walnut and again, hazelnut. The finish becomes somewhat drier, but I wouldn't categorize it as entirely "dry." Some tannic oak appears from the back of your throat, dominating the finish alongside notes of cinnamon and black pepper. These flavors arrive on a creamy, sweet wave of butterscotch, providing a rich, complex conclusion. This tequila is, by a significant margin, the most viscous, dessert-like tequila I believe I have tried, and I am thoroughly enjoying it. If you are a bourbon enthusiast looking to explore tequilas, acquire a bottle of this and you will not be let down. Enjoy it neat from a Glencairn glass, just as you would a fine bourbon.

Normally, I'm not into tequila (but I do enjoy mezcal, second only to whiskey). Tequila often strikes me as either too harsh or one-dimensional, designed for cocktails instead of sipping while enjoying a show. However, I decided to open this bottle, partly inspired by starting to watch Money Heist on Netflix (a really well-made Spanish series). Some odd reasoning led me to pair tequila with Money Heist, though a red Tempranillo would have been more fitting, I only had tequila or whiskey available. This is fantastic, especially for its $40-45 price point. It masterfully combines agave, vanilla, cinnamon, and a touch of oak. If I encountered this blind, I'd assume it cost two or three times what I paid. It's incredibly well-rounded and luxuriously smooth, effectively masking its alcohol content. Given my usual dislike for tequila, this might just alter my perception of the spirit category. Bella Ciao, as they say in the Money Heist theme song.

Served neat. The aroma has notes of agave, oak/cedar, vanilla, creme brulee, and subtle baking spices like allspice. It evokes the feeling of the Holidays. The taste mirrors the aroma: sweet agave and honey with hints of vanilla and allspice. It's very well-balanced with fresh-cut oak/cedar and a touch of black pepper. The finish is also perfectly balanced with some lingering sweetness and wood tannins. Overall, it's incredibly delicious and an exceptional value. It's sweet but balanced, with a lot of genuine wood character. It's not nearly as sweet as a 1942 or Clase Azul, but it is a bit richer than something like El Tesoro. This is a crowd-pleaser that an enthusiast can also appreciate, and for about half the price. This bottle will always be a staple for me.

San Matias Extra Anejo Southern Spirits Single Barrel Tranquility Barrel #136 Initially, I hesitated to taste this. The first impressions from nosing were not welcoming. I simply couldn't appreciate the aroma; it was off-putting. It led me to suspect the possible presence of additives. Nose: Sweet Communion Wine Agave Caramel Maple Palate: Sweet Mellow barrel spice Caramel Maple Maple cream donut Agave dissipates quickly Faint, underwhelming pepper Christmas cookie spices Vanilla "Concentrated elixir" aptly describes this Rich Slightly grape-like

I am admittedly new to appreciating and evaluating tequilas (and spirits overall, thanks to a certain platform) but have sampled sufficient tequila (and spirits) over the years to confidently state this is exceptionally smooth and delightful.