The aroma opens with bright citrus layered over fresh earthiness, cooling mint, and a light thread of petrichor. Pepperiness adds energy, while an assertive ethyl presence gives the nose a sharp, spirited edge. On the palate, lemon and lime citrus lead before yielding to earthy notes and a steady foundation of petrichor. Light floral tones, mint, and a touch of brine add freshness, while pronounced cinnamon, gentle wood, and allspice build warmth through the mid-palate. A subtle vegetal quality rounds out the profile without overwhelming it. The finish lingers with petrichor and citrus, but it's the cinnamon that ultimately leaves the strongest impression, clinging to the palate long after the brighter notes have faded.

You should know by now that El Ateo is making quality small batch tequila. I know it’s small batch because I’ve visited the distillery. This XA has aged for 3 years in American Oak barrels and it’s 40% ABV - 80 proof. On the nose it’s sweet cooked agave, barrels spice, caramel and heavy char Crème brûlée. The aromas are sweet and spicy. The flavors are similar to the nose but the palate / mouthfeel is thin. The flavors are pleasant and as full of flavor as a 40% ABV will allow. This is a full flavor sipper but I imagine that a higher proof version would be more interesting.

Barrel heavy. It’s sweet

This has a really nice nose. Kind of smells like bourbon Finish is a bit sweet

El.Ateo anejo Sample from Tim Locker Nice nose. Beautiful barrel notes, fruit and cognac shine through. Cooked agave on the palate and finish, along with the french oak presence. Really nice sipper

Conditions: indoors, 70 degrees, Kenzie glass, resting for 30 min Appearance: pale light gold shimmer, numerous legs that took a while to form possibly hinting at viscosity and / or sugar and alcohol content Aroma: medium to intense, oak and leather melds with sweet carmelized agave, angels food cake and lemon bar. As it opens, some earthy lemon grass appears later on evolving into stone fruit sweetness. Taste: prominent barrel flavor sticks around on the initial, with a fine balance of cooked agave, black pepper, toaster strudel (cinnamon) and a savory quality hinting at Thanksgiving spices and allspice. Finish is lingering and contemplative with a great harmony and balance that coats the palate and lingers. Very appealing expression for either the mixologist and /or the agave afficionado.

Conditions: indoors, 70 degrees, Kenzie glass, resting for 30 min Appearance: pale light gold shimmer, numerous legs that took a while to form possibly hinting at viscosity and / or sugar and alcohol content Aroma: medium to intense, oak and leather melds with sweet carmelized agave, angels food cake and lemon bar. As it opens, some earthy lemon grass appears later on evolving into stone fruit sweetness. Taste: prominent barrel flavor sticks around on the initial, with a fine balance of cooked agave, black pepper, toaster strudel (cinnamon) and a savory quality hinting at Thanksgiving spices and allspice. Finish is lingering and contemplative with a great harmony and balance that coats the palate and lingers. Very appealing expression for either the mixologist and /or the agave afficionado.