Review: Mijenta Tequila Reposado Symphony Series No. 2

Mijenta Tequila hit the scene in 2021, and it’s been dribbling out new expressions and a steady clip, starting first with the three classic expressions, then a cristalino (which we haven’t seen), and finally a series of limited edition offerings, including its Maestra Selection blanco and this, a reposado in its Symphony Series, which is actually a follow-up to the cristalino offering, technically the first in the Symphony line.

Symphony refers to the use of Symphony barrels, which are “casks whose staves each come from the oak forests of Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Virginia. These create a completely unique environment in which the spirit transforms and evolves, developing new and complex flavors as it interacts with the different pore structures, terroir and aromatics of each type of wood.” This reposado spends 8 months in these casks.

“When we first experimented with Symphony barrels, we were amazed by the transformation that happened during the maturation process,” said Maestra Tequilera Ana María Romero, “For this second release, we wanted to showcase a different aspect of the impact of the barrel on the tequila, and I believe the higher ABV helps bring to life the nuances and flavors that are developed through the unique environment in the barrel.”

Mijenta’s Symphony barrels – casks whose staves each come from the oak forests of Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Virginia – create a completely unique environment in which the spirit transforms and evolves, developing new and complex flavors as it interacts with the different pore structures, terroir and aromatics of each type of wood.

“I love thinking about the contribution of each forest, the fruity nuances of Minnesota, the maple and caramel tones of Missouri, Pennsylvania with its spicy notes, and Virginia with its nutty tones, united in one fantastic profile,” Romero added. “Having previously worked with each type of wood separately, I believe this barrel is the most perfect symphony of the forests that form the golden region of American oaks.”

Using the cooperage’s proprietary method, the staves are toasted over a low burning “chaufferette” (heat) while being continually sprayed with water. This unique toasting method opens the pores and allows a deeper penetration into the stave, bringing soft and delicate aromas, elegance, and balance to the spirit. This toast releases the wood’s fruit flavors, along with a powerful aromatic bouquet.

Romero continued, “The complexity, harmony, silkiness, and subtlety, along with the contribution of each forest, remind the nose of a touch of Baroque music in which 4 instruments produce melodies that evoke an era. Mijenta Symphony Series No. 2 is that harmony I always sought in a tequila, the notes of agave that will leave the senses with the history of its barrel aging.”

Let’s fire it up.

Mijenta Tequila Reposado Symphony Series No. 2 Review

A mix of fruit and roasted nuts dominates the nose on this tequila, but it’s not long before a rich caramel and vanilla aroma come into full focus. Further time in glass evokes clear brown banana notes, bordering on banana bread. Throughout it all, a layer of gentle agave keeps pace with the fruitier underbelly.

The palate flips the script a bit: Banana hits first and hard, with a substantial green agave quality backing it up. It’s not harsh or overly herbal, but the agave notes are well-represented, dusting a layer of peppery spice on top of the sweeter, breadier body. As the tequila develops further in the glass, notes of milky coffee, walnut oil, and cinnamon-dusted horchata all percolate. The 45% abv presentation also helps plump up with the body’s creaminess — which works well with the baking spice evident on the chewy finish.

Fans of reposado tequilas should enjoy this expression, which spins things into a fruitier orbit while maintaining much of the essence of what makes a classic reposado great. Try it in a paloma.

90 proof. NOM 1499.

A- / $85 / mijenta-tequila.com

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