Review: The Last Drop Casa San Matias Extra Anejo Tequila

Sazerac’s luxe Last Drop series is stuffed with whiskeys and brandies, but for its 40th entry into the series it’s turning to a new category: Tequila.

The Last Drop No. 40 was created by Carmen Villarreal at Casa San Matías, where three very old barrels of tequila were blended to produce this release of 435 bottles. I’ll let TLD explain the specifics:

Presenting bold, yet elegant flavors direct from the Highlands of Jalisco, The Last Drop Release No. 40 Extra Añejo Tequila’s journey began with the careful cultivation of 100% Blue Weber Agave, nurtured for up to a decade in the region´s deep red soils beneath the generous sunlight of Jalisco. Over time, three exceptional casks were chosen – two aged for ten years in ex-bourbon barrels and one aged for seven years in a port pipe – each adding unique layers of character. Final selections were blended together under Carmen’s vision to create the resulting rich and luxurious liquid, retaining a vibrancy that belies its age, with notes of roasted nuts, tropical fruits, dulce de leche and warming spices lifted by delicate floral elegance. This rare expression reflects not only the patience of long aging, but also the vision of a trailblazing producer whose work redefines what tequila can be.

“Our goal has always been to uncover and share extraordinary spirits that might otherwise never have been tasted, and this release marks a new milestone as we bring tequila into our collection for the first time,” said Rebecca Jago, Director of Brand Experience, The Last Drop Distillers. “With Release No. 40, we are honored to work with Carmen Villarreal, whose artistry and innovation created this extraordinary tequila, and to welcome her into The Assembly, as together we curate our first tequila release and expand our journey to embrace remarkable creations from around the world.”

The Last Drop Casa San Matias Extra Anejo Tequila Review

On the nose, the tequila is vibrantly fruity, alive in a way that few extra anejo bottlings can match. Perhaps the Port barrel at work? Agave somehow manages to remain prominent despite a healthy sweetness, showcasing pecan and pistachio, before a lively black and red pepper quality comes into view. This is all sustained in the glass even with significant airtime, creating a pleasant, balanced, and complex character that never ceases to engage.

Fruity sweetness kicks things off on the tongue, and while some of that buttery vanilla-caramel is evident, the spirit finds room for notes of cherry and strawberry, again perhaps telegraphing the Port barrel at work. Silky in texture, there’s an obvious creaminess at play that works beautifully with the vanilla notes, a dash of sharper citrus and orange tea lingering as the experience fades out. Herbal agave notes weave in and out of view, the slightest hint of green pepper livening up the conclusion.

I had only a small sample of this tequila to work with for this review and would have loved to delve deeper into its many charms. As it stands, it was delicious to the last drop.

92.6 proof.

A / $2300

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