Review: Expresiones del Corazon Barrel-Aged Tequila (Eagle Rare Anejo & Thomas H. Handy Anejo) 2022
Corazon’s always exciting Expresiones del Corazón Collection — featuing tequilas aged in barrels previously containing various high-end Buffalo Trace products — arrive just about every year, right at the tail end. For 2022, two bottlings were released: one aged in barrels used to age Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon and one containing Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey, both parts of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.
Crafted from the finest blue agave grown in the Los Altos region of Jalisco using time-honored methods, the agave hearts used for Corazón Tequila are slow cooked in stone ovens and then pressed, fermented and distilled with expert care at the renowned Casa San Matías Distillery. Careful maturation in Buffalo Trace’s best seasoned whiskey barrels for varying lengths results in an aged tequila that exemplifies the finest artistry in Mexican and American spirits making.
We received samples of both tequilas for review, so let’s dig in.
Both are 80 proof.
Expresiones del Corazon Eagle Rare Anejo 2022 – Aged for 17 months in Eagle Rare bourbon barrels. Pale gold in color, with a lush nose of vanilla and butterscotch, almost toffee-like as it builds in the glass — it could easily pass for rum. Toasted coconut, a stronger and sweeter vanilla character, and a soothing caramel-toffee quality starts off immediately on the palate all build quickly, taking on a sunny and only mildly herbal quality later in the game. Agave is elusive, while a dusting of citrus peel helps to give the finish a cleansing quality. So gentle but so rewarding. A-
Expresiones del Corazon Thomas H. Handy Anejo 2022 – This one spends 19 months in Thomas Handy rye whiskey barrels. Considerably stronger on the nose, with a grassy, rye-laden bite. That pairs well with a more prominent agave character here, lending the tequila more earthiness and a stronger wood aroma. Similar tones on the palate: This is an earthier and more distinctly agave-laden tequila, with notes of almonds, mint, cardamom, and a finish that evokes dried dates. That forest floor element clings forever on the back of the throat, alongside just a touch of acetone. Definitely more complex than the Eagle Rare version, though less overtly enjoyable. B+ [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
each $85 / expresionesdelcorazon.com
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