Siempre Tequila’s Exclusivo Muerto is the follow up to Exclusivo Vivo, a unique blanco made with live yeast. Exclusivo Muerto is a much different expression; in fact it’s quite the opposite, made using a Caribbean-style malolactic fermentation method, wherein the fermenting yeast died but “found an afterlife by remaining in the tank for 3 additional weeks before distillation.”

Two batches were produced using this technique:

Batch One: Agave from the Puerta de la Carreta fields, wild-fermented for 28 days.

Batch Two: Agave from Capulin Verde, wild-fermented with fibers for 32 days.

These batches are combined at still-strength, filtered through volcanic rocks, and bottled at a powerful 109 proof without dilution. The result is a rich, bold tequila with layered complexity, perfect for aficionados who appreciate the raw, unfiltered expression of artisanal tequila.

The story’s interesting but let’s give it a taste before we offer our blessing. 4,500 bottles produced.

Siempre Tequila Exclusivo Muerto 2024 Review

Clean as a whistle on the nose at the start, with vibrant aromas of fresh lime, rosemary, white peppercorns, and a hint of floral incense. The lattermost element wafts from the glass alongside a spritz of citrusy perfume and — with time — a touch of charred marshmallow that nods at campfire smoke. Really full-figured from the jump.

The palate is light on its feet and dangerously drinkable at full strength — which is 54.5% abv, as a reminder. Again it’s bold with notes of lime and baking spice, then a rush of green herbs and a back-end of black pepper and dried green herbs. Despite the overflow of flavor, it’s a very creamy spirit which slides down the throat with no regard for its alcohol level. The underlying agave makes an appearance on the finish, but this is a long time coming and, frankly, a nicely savory touch to balance out some of the sharper fruit tones up top. Late-game finishing notes evoke almond paste and a hint of hazelnut. Fantastic stuff.

109 proof. NOM 1414.

A / $130 / siempretequila.com 

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