Nice viscosity in the mouth along with barrel spice, oak, roast agave, caramel and a nice ethanol punch. Tasted at Monterey 10/18/2025

Sampled at Starved Rock Tequila Fest.

Aroma of cooked agave, minerals, citrus and cinnamon. Flavor of cooked agave, black pepper, cinnamon, citrus, minerals and salt. Finish is long with the pepper spiciness hanging around. The aeration adds a smoothness, but my take away some of the natural flavors.

What I like the most about this is how real it is. It's just a pure expression of agave and the environment where it was produced/fermented. It's exciting to see products like these come to the market, and to see there are people out there who can enjoy them. This is a rustic product, so if you're expecting something overly filtered, watered-down, safe, clean and neutral, this is not for you. But for those who want to take a walk on the wild and real side, it's an adventure. Aroma: Earth, citrus, olive, cooked agave, hay (something I tend to get when fibers are used in the fermentation), butter, wet cement, and cinnamon after you let it open up for a while. There's also this "creamy" thing to the aroma, which is a weird description but it's the best I can do to describe it. Flavor: Vegetal, earthy, cooked/burnt agave, and smoke (likely resulting from the burnt agaves lining the very bottom of the oven which came in contact with the flame). Finish: Dry! Jalapeño, earth, and more cooked agave. It lasts a while and evolves nicely, so don't rush and pay attention to all that it gives. I'm grateful that a product like this exists, and even more that I got a chance to try it.

This was a really enjoyable pour. Rich, layered, and beautifully balanced between agave and barrel. Definitely felt like a special treat. On the nose, the cooked agave is still present, which is great to find in an XA. Oak and vanilla come through smoothly, with dried fruit adding depth and sweetness. Cinnamon and caramel bring warmth, baking spices round it out, and there’s even a buttery richness that makes it feel luxurious. On the palate, the cooked agave holds steady against the barrel influence, joined by ripe dried fruit and smooth oak. Vanilla and caramel weave in with butterscotch and baking spice, while cinnamon adds a gentle warmth. The buttery texture really stands out here, giving the whole experience a creamy, dessert-like quality without being overpowering. Overall, this extra anejo is refined and elegant while still showing off its agave roots. The layers of sweetness, spice, and richness make it one to slow down and savor. A standout XA that feels indulgent but well-crafted.