Review: Tequila Herradura Legend

It’s been five years since we’ve reviewed anything new from Tequila Herradura — and our last go-round wasn’t the best. We’re not holding any grudges though, and we’re back to Jalisco for a fresh look at a newer release — Herradura Legend — an anejo tequila that sits between Herradura Ultra and Herradura Seleccion Suprema in the pricing tier.

Herradura Legend is a “unique” anejo, per the company, which is aged for 12 months in heavily charred, new American white oak barrels instead of used bourbon barrels. These barrels feature alligator grooves that expose the tequila to more layers of toasted oak — which is, again, all new cooperage, not used.

The nose certainly departs from anejo tequila expectations, aromas of vanilla, coconut, and milk chocolate soon brushed aside by heavy lumberyard elements, slightly smoky at times. Time in glass brings forward some greener, agave-driven notes of mint and fresh tobacco, but woodier notes dominate for the long haul.

On the palate, the diversion from a solid anejo tequila isn’t as obvious. In fact, it’s quite a bit sharper with peppery agave notes than I had expected. As fruit begins to build, the palate takes on a lemon pepper quality, a pleasant pop against a fairly creamy, vanilla-soaked body which moves slowly into a banana cream quality, touched with caramel. Minty and a bit grassy, the finish is a meandering journey that culminates in a reprise of dairy cream, vanilla custard, and chocolate. Hints of grilled pineapple offers a shadow of a tiki vibe. It’s more classically anejo-like the further along you get, but that’s not a bad thing. I dig the journey.

80 proof.

A- / $149 / herradura.com

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