Herradura Añejo Tequila

I'm surprised that it's been this long before I tried this, considering it's an astonishing 25 month aged añejo, as well as Herradurra, the best tequila that is reliably found in the area. With my favorite use of añejo being sipping, and far too much whiskey to compete with for sipping rights, that's the only reason I can imagine taking so long to purchase this. In any case, I'm very happy and familiar with the lower aged versions of this, so I'm looking forward to getting into more of an oaky flavor. The color is surprisingly light for 25 months in a barrel; if not for the black labeling giving faux darkness to the spirit in the bottle, this would hardly compete with the reposado. The oak comes through well on the nose, not too raw, and not too charred as far as the barrel goes. However, as I expected, the freshness of the agave, present easily in the unaged and reposado offerings, holds it's ground against the stronger oak notes. This results in back and forth pairings, like grass and caramel, salt and vanilla, pepper and tobacco, etc. The initial flavor is both heavily vegetal and spicy, with notes of black pepper and tobacco. The agave is present, but like the scent, competes well (yet constantly) with the oak flavors. The sweeter oak notes, like the vanilla and caramel, don't come through like I was expecting, but that's mostly due to the agave still being present. The salty, vegetal flavors from the agave at the beginning of the taste transforms to richer, more savory notes near the finish. The finish has a mild to moderate burn, with heavily salted oak being the predominant flavor. Herradurra puts out some of the finest tequila around, no question about that. This añejo did throw me for a bit of a loop, because although I was expecting oak to rule the taste after 25 months in a barrel, still having some of the fresh agave flavor around was a welcome addition. This isn't what I'm after when I want a deep, fully transformed añejo, but as always, the quality level from Herradurra never disappoints.

Neat. Nose is agave, butterscotch, oak, pineapple, vanilla, musty earth and minerals. Taste starts richly sweet with fruity agave, caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, and a little cocoa. Oak and a little cedar for the wood notes. Some cinnamon, black pepper, and a little mint and alcohol bring it in balance. Finish is fairly long and slightly sweet with a fair bit of oak, cocoa, tame barrel spice/cinnamon and hint of anise A nice example of a smooth and sweet anejo that actually has some character. Newbies and connoisseurs could both enjoy

Nose is very pleasant. Mouthwatering scent of rich vanilla, sugary pineapple, grape soda, fresh tobacco. On palate starts very hash, but almost everything on nose is tasted; vanilla, sugary pineapple, fresh tobacco plus a little cream. Richness stands out the most. Taste lasts and is very pleasing, reminds me of finishing a cup of grape soda without bubbles; worth the initial harshness.

Significantly richer than the Reposado. Creamy sweet nectarine/peach/pear/roasted agave, oak and slight vanilla. Still a bit spicy but not as overpowering as the Reposado can be. I think I prefer the Reposado's light fruity brightness but I wouldn't turn this down. If only Herradura was stocked in Ontario.

Very nice. Not as sweet as El Jimador, although from the same distillery. More complex. Great after-taste. Feels a very strong Caramal, which is nice. Agave is also there, and quite smokey. I sip every morning and every evening, until I get tired of it.

Neat at room temp; Agave & sweet oak nose with a touch of cherries & fresh cut grass. Thick mouth feel. Sweet caramel & cinnimon flavor. Sweet dark fruit finish that's very soft. Sweet caramel oak & agave lingering finish. @ Twin Peaks Mesquite