Review: Suavecito Tequila Anejo Single Barrel

Suavecito is a new tequila brand that makes the full gamut of expressions, but it’s this unique single barrel offering that caught our attention of late. Single barrel expressions are of course common in the whiskey universe, but are rarely seen in tequila, where blending is king.

Per the company:

This small-batch, limited release is a masterclass in aging and craftsmanship. It starts with estate-grown Blue Weber agave, harvested from volcanic soil on the slopes of Volcán de Tequila in Jalisco. After a slow-cooking and distillation process that respects traditional methods, the tequila is aged for 2 years in retired Kentucky Bourbon barrels, then finished for an additional 6 months in new French oak. The result is an extraordinarily smooth, nuanced sipping experience that stands shoulder to shoulder with fine whiskey.

Each bottle is hand-numbered and signed by Suavecito Founder Bill Foss, making it as collectible as it is drinkable. With a crystal-clear amber hue and an ABV that ranges from 51% to 54%, it’s a bold expression designed for the discerning drinker.

Also take note of the leather-wrapped bottle, adding to its cachet — though I wasn’t overly enamored with the shape of the bottle itself.

With that all out of the way, let’s give it a try.

Suavecito Tequila Anejo Single Barrel Review

The nose is sweet and inviting, offering a blend of elements from the dessert tray, featuring butterscotch, coconut, and caramel sauce, roughly in that order. An earthiness however undercuts the sweeter elements, the classic agave herbal notes of tequila here running to a roasted character, layering in elements of grilled onion, anise, and turned earth. A pinch of allspice adds another dimension of aromatics to the experience.

The palate is in line with all of the above, though its sweeter elements ultimately win out over everything else. Butterscotch again dominates, with sweet sesame cookies and toasted coconut flakes taking a prominent role. That anise character makes a reprise as the palate develops, turning lightly toward Mexican chocolate on the finish. Cinnamon notes remain prominent as the tequila fades out.

Despite all of the above, note that this is not an overly sweet tequila, as a layer of earthiness clings to the experience throughout, adding a savory note and tempering any sugary notes before they get out of hand. The cinnamon-flecked finish is actually quite grounded, with a surprisingly hard-edged bite of tarry graphite that sticks with you for a long while.

Interesting stuff. Weird, but interesting.

104.88 proof as reviewed. Reviewed: Barrel #23.

B+ / $125

The post Review: Suavecito Tequila Anejo Single Barrel appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider’s Guide to Good Drinking.