Review: El Tequileno Anejo Gran Reserva

While El Tequileño recently dropped an ultra-luxe ($800) extra anejo offering, samples evaporated before we could get our hands on one. In lieu of that coverage, we bring you this look at the distillery’s Anejo Gran Reserva offering, which is made from Highlands age that is distilled and reportedly aged for a minimum of 18 months in American and French oak and blended with Extra Añejo to top it off. (Note that the label just mentions American oak, so you be the judge.)

It’s a decidedly fine example of anejo tequila, leading with a balanced nose that blends peppery agave and sweeter barrel-driven notes with aplomb. Vanilla and lemon curd dominate, but the greener, herbaceous agave is never out of aromatic view. While many anejo tequilas dispense with their agave underbelly, El Tequileño keeps its origin story intact.

The palate moves from vanilla more toward caramel and white chocolate, making for a creamy and almost chewy character that seems designed for dessert. There’s less lemony fruit influence here than on the nose, but plenty of grassy green herbs and fresh ground pepper to again keep the sweeter notes in balance. Neither side ever manages to dominate, which is a pretty cool feat. Chocolate and some toasted coconut give the finish its grip.

At the same time, this tequila doesn’t really find any new ground, its flavor profile running through plenty of familiar territory. Nothing wrong with that if you’re looking for a quiet and well-crafted after-dinner sipper and don’t want to have to think too hard about it.

80 proof. NOM 1108.

A / $90 / tequileno.com

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