G4 Extra Añejo Tequila

Rating: 18/23 I tried this before, but I don't remember it. It'll be interesting to see if I rate it anywhere near where I did previously. N: Kind of bitter and woody with some mint. Not a lot going on here, I'm afraid. P: Sweeter than I'd expected with some funky agave boldness. There's also a lot of spice (mostly earth and some cinnamon) and a pronounced burn - though not a harsh one. The spice is on the sweet side as well. There are some minerals in here that lighten it a bit, but there's also some fruit coming out of the caramelized agave - red apple perhaps? And also some oily orange peel and a bit of lime. F: Pretty full and decently sweet. I get some of that stewed agave coming through and there are hints of lingering spices. - Conclusion - This is another great tequila. The complexity and balance are really nice. This is richer but less spicy and complex than Tapatio Excelencia. It's also less complex than El Tesoro Extra Añejo. It is more complex and dry than Fuenteseca 7. I'd put this in the range of Fuenteseca 7 to Tapatio Excelencia (18 to 19). It's a tough call, but I'm going to go with the 18 here. Fuenteseca may not be as complex, but it's richer with a really impressive barrel character. Considering that, this doesn't seem a whole lot better than it. Still, this is a fine tequila. I think I could do better for the price, but if I ever have space and budget for a tequila library, this will be in it.

This smells more bitter and minty than Herencia Mexicana Extra Anejo. The palate is sweet and quite minty with some mild caramel, mint, and smokey chocolate. It's tasty and kind of rich in a bitter way, but it doesn't have that fullness of flavor that is to be expected of an extra anejo. That smoke reminds me a lot of a scotch and it does have some mineral elements to back it up. The fruit is more generically rich and unpunchy (though not dark fruit) than is typical of tequila. I like the richness, but I wish it had more complexity. The chocolate elements are nice as a backing. The bits of mint are not much like spearmint and are more subdued than in many tequilas. It's a nice sipper and the complexity is decent, but it isn't one of those masterpieces that makes me wonder it all day and it does have some notes that don't land successfully.

Those that have read other reviews know that tequila is not my jam. This one was recommended by a local shop keeper though and since my wife loves tequila we will give this a go. Nose is actually sweet here. I am not getting any of the usual tequila agave smoke. The color on this is really light for an extra. First sip is light sugar water. A little burn on the edges adds some interest, but overall I am a bit disappointed. There just isn't much going on here. This is stupid smooth and for a tequila. I can see someone just sipping on this until clothes start coming off, but it just doesn't bring enough to the party for me. Unlike most tequilas this is very drinkable, just not my fit overall.

Tasting Note: Aged at least 36 months in American oak bourbon barrels, it keeps notes smooth throughout and adds a very smooth profile with hints of oak, vanilla, citrus, blackberry and agave. Complex tasting, but very pleasant. Detected aromas: Agave, Oak, Pepper, Vanilla, Caramel, Cinnamon, Butter, Citrus, Flowers, Fruits, Pineapple. Detected Flavors: Agave, Oak, Vanilla, Caramel, Black Pepper, Citrus, Butter, Dried Fruit, Orange, Walnuts.

A great extra Añejo with notes of cooked agave, caramel, fresh rainwater from el pandillo distillery, and pepper. Oak complements and doesn’t overpower agave very well

Spicy, jalapeno and cracked pepper. Agave pulls through on the dry finish.