I’m not a big tequila person, truth be told, but it appears I have a lot more friends into tequila than ever before. Anejo has been my choice, over Blanco and Reposado, due to the longer barrel aging. Of course, Extra Anejo is even better – for my taste.
When faced with some tequila-lovers coming for dinner, I had my stash, but I wanted to add one more bottle to it. I remember liking the Blanco by El Sativo, an organic brand that doesn’t use additives, and was thrilled to find that they have an Anejo just begging for me to try. And it was really made for me as it was aged in Tennessee oak barrels. (Click here for my review of the El Sativo Blanco)
Tasting
Before nosing, just from cracking the bottle open, smoke, caramel, toasted corn…then getting a little closer I got marshmallow, vanilla, tobacco, cinnamon and dried fruit. On the palate I was reminded of both a sweet bourbon and a rum, vanilla bean, lots of spice tickling my tongue, tropical fruit – maybe Mango – with a very rich and creamy mouthfeel.
An hour later…bourbon can change after air is introduced, so I was thinking that a bourbon barrel aged Anejo might also change. But it may be a miniscule change, and for this taste it was. It still delivered.
Let’s be honest – not sure I will ever be a big tequila fan but I certainly can appreciate any fine spirit.
From Website
El Sativo Organic Añejo
El Sativo Single Estate Tequila Añejo. Aged 16 months in Ex-Tennessee Whiskey Barrels. It’s sensual and lush with mellow smoke and candied sweetness; bold spice and a silky finish.
- 2021 AÑEJO New York World Spirits Competition Silver
- 2022 AÑEJO World Tequila Awards Best Añejo Gold
- 2022 AÑEJO San Francisco World Spirits Competition Silver
- 2023 AÑEJO San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.
