Review: Suavecito Tequila Extra Anejo

Our first look at Suavecito was last year when Chris explored an Anejo Single Barrel that, on paper, is a bit of an outlier from the brand’s core lineup. The name Suavecito translates to “smooth” and shows up on every label in the portfolio outside of the single barrel expressions which, by Chris’s estimation, are perhaps a bit too bold and dry to merit the descriptor.

Today, we’re looking at the tippy top of the “smoother” Suavecito offerings, an extra anejo made from 100% blue agave and aged in retired American oak bourbon barrels for an impressive five years – two years longer than required for the category. Like the rest of the non-single barrel Suavecito lineup, this isn’t technically a tequila by American standards due to its proof (70 proof is allowed in Mexico but 80 proof is the minimum in the U.S.). It also contains up to 2% unfermented agave nectar collected after roasting. Thoughts follow.

Suavecito Tequila Extra Anejo Review

The aroma is gentle and honeyed with notes of agave syrup, stewed peppers, and split vanilla bean. It’s sweet but not overly so, which is a bit surprising given the extended barrel aging and the addition of the agave nectar. Extra anejos can be butterscotch bombs, but this is almost closer to a standard anejo in profile with just a bit more bourbon barrel sweetness in the mix. As it opens, the savory notes bloom a bit more, adding some bell pepper and roasted agave to the bouquet.

The palate is where Suavecito’s mission for “smooth” really shows; for good and maybe not so good if you’re a tequila purist. This is a creamy, saccharine tequila that delivers zero hint of alcohol and little in the way of spiritous warmth. The sweetness is kept in check just enough to avoid being cloying but only just barely. Notes of dark honey, vanilla taffy, and agave syrup reinforce a dessert-like profile from sip to swallow. The midpalate manages to deliver a hint of coffee bean and a cooked agave note that is vaguely herbal before dissolving into a syrupy, gently peppery finish that is just short enough to keep the sweetness from feeling heavy. Suavecito makes no excuses for putting texture and temperature above flavor in their mission for the “smoothest” tequila. Purists probably aren’t their target audience, but there is probably enough flavor here for the occasional tequila drinker to appreciate. Its biggest fans will be newcomers to the category. And those with a serious sweet tooth.

70 proof.

B / $130

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