Aroma: A layered bouquet of cooked agave’s raisin-like depth meets the waxy warmth of barrel spice and rich Oloroso sherry. Deep wood tones and dark cherry intertwine with hints of cognac and a refined floral note, rounded out by caramel and a thread of cooling mint. Palate: A rich burst of purple grape leads into waves of complex oak, wrapped in caramel, burnt brown sugar, and unmistakable sherry character. Dark cherry, ripe banana, and light leather follow, with a subtle hint of kumquat adding a citrus lift. Finish: Clean and composed, with light wood tones and noticeable cherry trailing gently. Simply elegant.

Big blast of black pepper on initial aroma. Transitions to include strong cooked agave and some black cherry. The flavor has a nice hot pepper bite upfront followed by various cooking spices. This is very slightly over-proof (41.3%). Not sure the bite can be attributed to this but this Fuenteseca definitely doesn’t have the sweetness of the other two tasted earlier tonight (Solento XA and Alquimia XA VI). To my taste, I prefer this flavor profile. The finish is moderate in length. 2024 Annual XA Tasting 12-24-2024

Barrel and fruit notes love what Fuenteseca does with their agreed expressions. Great sipper.

Sweet aroma. Very smooth. Slightly sweet with a long finish that gets spicy on the end.