Review: Cierto Tequila Reserve Collection, Complete Lineup
Last year we encountered Cierto’s Private Collection tequilas and came away impressed. The price points are high, but from the blanco to the extra añejo, the tequilas showed a beautiful, bold character and complexity, and one of them made it onto our top tequila list for the year. This year, we are back with the brand to try their more exclusive lineup, the Reserve Collection. I guess this would be the ultra-ultra premium-premium tequila category? The price point is even higher, and the bottles are similar, which is to say too tall to fit in most liquor cabinets but quite attractive. Interestingly, there is no apparent difference in the production methods used to make the Private Collection and the Reserve Collection. They are both rested for identical amounts of time in steel or French Limousin oak, leaving us to guess at why one is more expensive.
Considering the cost, my expectations going into this review are sky-high. Let’s see if they live up to their self-created hype.
All are 80 proof. NOM 1146.
Cierto Tequila Reserve Collection Blanco – Although it spends no time in oak, this tequila rests in stainless steel for 6-8 months and proves quite different than the Private Collection. The nose shows a dense character of fresh lime, well roasted agave, and white pepper coupled with a touch of perfume. The palate follows suit but is both bigger and more complex. Lightly sweet lime citrus and roasted agave come first, followed by a wave of white pepper that slowly builds on the palate. It’s joined by rose petal and mingles with the other flavors through a long, lingering finish. This is a delightful, mouth-coating sipping tequila, and I can’t imagine using it to make cocktails. I personally prefer the Private Collection Blanco, but this distinctive tequila should find a following. A- / $100 [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
Cierto Tequila Reserve Collection Reposado – Resting in French Limousin oak for eleven months, this is an outstanding example of reposado tequila, and it is probably my favorite of the Reserve Collection lineup. The nose and palate both showcase bold yet well-integrated notes of sweet vanilla, fresh lime, red pepper, black pepper, roasted agave, and a touch of caramel. The diverse flavors from the agave and from the gentle aging in wood stand out then dance together beautifully to create a reposado that could captivate fans of both blanco and añejo tequila. The finish introduces milk chocolate which lingers as the distinctive flavors slowly disappear. Love it. A / $140 [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
Cierto Tequila Reserve Collection Añejo – This tequila is aged 18 months in French Limousin oak, and I’m impressed by how well it couples rich añejo character with bright notes of agave. The nose starts with enticing milk chocolate, then shows lime citrus, black pepper, and gentle notes of agave. On the palate, each of these notes pops and then joins into a harmonious whole. Silky milk chocolate comes first, then it is cut through by sharp lime and black pepper. Finally, as the flavors come together, roasted agave notes start to appear and last through the lengthy finish. Impressive complexity and quite delicious. A / $220 [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
Cierto Tequila Reserve Collection Extra Añejo – Despite spending four long years in French Limousin oak, the extra añejo, as with the añejo, manages to couple deep, oak character with a vibrancy that is uncommon in well-aged tequila. The nose pairs rich dark chocolate and vanilla with well-roasted agave, raspberry compote, and a touch of lemon citrus. On the palate, dark chocolate hits first, followed by lemon pith. Vanilla follows along with a touch of raspberry and a velvety, almost tingly mouthfeel. The individual notes both stand out and come together beautifully. This is a complex and impressive tequila that requires and deserves time to contemplate and savor. The price is steep, but if you’re a fan of well-aged tequila, you’re going to want to give it a try. A / $360 [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
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