Review: Cierto Tequila Reposado and Anejo
Cierto tequila’s membership in the ultra-premium category can be witnessed as much by their high price point as by their implausibly tall, thin, ornate bottles. Luckily, their tequilas have much to recommend them. They are made without additives from Highlands agave by Master Distillers Enrique Fonseca and Sergio Mendoza, fourth and fifth generation agave farmers with stores of tequila from which they draw and blend their product. Cierto tequila is unusual in that it is aged in French oak casks that previously contained wine and spirits, including Cognac and Armagnac. Today we are trying the reposado and añejo varieties. Cierto also has blanco and extra añejo tequilas. Let’s pour a glass.
Both are 80 proof. NOM 1146.
Cierto Private Collection Reposado Tequila – Aged 11 months in barrel. The nose is bright and complex with balanced, overlapping notes of herbaceous agave, light vanilla, lemon pith, perfume, and gentle sweetness. Taking a sip, I find the tequila’s distinctive barreling plays a larger role and the agave takes a step back. Notes of vanilla, perfume, and a touch of bubble gum come first. Agave appears midpalate and lasts through the finish, which is medium long. The nose on this tequila is exquisite and better than its palate, but altogether this is a layered and enjoyable reposado. A- / $119 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
Cierto Private Collection Añejo Tequila – Aged 18 months in barrel. After trying the reposado, I was surprised to find how reserved the nose is on the añejo. But though it is subtle, it is also quite lovely with gentle notes of orange citrus, dark chocolate, and agave. The palate is similar, with intermingling soft flavors of dark chocolate, caramel, light agave, and lemon pith. This is a mellow tequila with a silky mouthfeel and a long finish. As I delved further into my glass, the tequila’s body got deeper and more satisfying. This is a tequila for sipping by the fireplace: soothing, delicious, and difficult to put down. A / $169
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