Celebrate tradition and craftsmanship with El Tesoro 85th Anniversary Extra Añejo Tequila, an ultra-premium spirit that honors eight decades of tequila artistry at La Alteña distillery. This limited-edition release is meticulously crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave and aged for over three years in exceptional Booker's 30th Anniversary Bourbon barrels, infusing the tequila with rich layers of vanilla, oak, and caramel. The nose reveals a symphony of cooked agave, cherries, leather, and spices, while the palate delights with notes of blackberries, toffee, and tobacco, finishing with a velvety, long-lasting sweetness. Perfect for sipping neat, this tequila embodies the heritage of two celebrated family legacies and is an exquisite choice for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Process & Profile
El Tesoro combines time-honored techniques with an innovative twist to create this extraordinary tequila. Using 100% Blue Weber Agave, the agave is cooked in traditional stone/brick ovens and then crushed using a tahona (a large stone wheel), preserving its complex flavors. The tequila is aged for over 36 months in Booker's 30th Anniversary Bourbon barrels, which impart deep notes of oak, vanilla, and bourbon while maintaining the essence of agave. Double-distilled in copper pot stills, its profile is polished to perfection with 40% ABV to deliver a balanced, ultra-premium spirit.
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Agave: 100% Blue Weber from Jalisco Highlands
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Aging: Over three years in ex-Bourbon barrels
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Distillation: Copper pot stills, twice distilled
Tasting Notes
Savor the indulgent sensory journey of this crafted tequila:
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Appearance: A rich gold hue, reflecting its refined aging process.
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Nose: Cooked agave, cherries, seasoned oak, leather, and hints of molasses, vanilla, toffee, and maple syrup.
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Palate: Sweet layers of cooked agave and blackberries, complemented by almonds, tobacco, caramel, and a touch of pepper and coffee.
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Finish: Long, creamy, and sweet with a delicate spice, leaving a luxurious impression.
What Makes It Special
This release is more than a tequila—it's a celebration of two legacies. The partnership with Jim Beam's Fred Noe and aging in Booker's bourbon barrels makes this a standout expression. The barrels impart bourbon characteristics like nuttiness and vanilla while elevating the complexity of the agave's natural sweetness. Each batch is handcrafted and limited, making it a collector's dream and a rare treat for connoisseurs. Every sip celebrates 85 years of artistry and tradition.
How to Enjoy
El Tesoro 85th Anniversary Extra Añejo Tequila is best savored slowly to appreciate its rich profile fully. Here's how to enjoy it:
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Neat: The pinnacle way to explore its full complexity. Serve in a tequila snifter or Glencairn glass to enhance its nose and flavor evolution.
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On the Rocks: A single ice cube can slightly open the spirit, revealing more nuanced flavors over time.
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Special Occasion Pour: Perfect for life's milestones, whether celebrating anniversaries or achievements.
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Pairing Ideas: Complement its rich profile with dark chocolate, roasted nuts, or aged cheeses for an elevated tasting experience.
A Collector's Gem
Priced at $400-$500, this Extra Añejo is a luxurious investment for tequila enthusiasts. Whether for its unparalleled craftsmanship, the partnership with Jim Beam, or its aged refinement, the El Tesoro 85th Anniversary Extra Añejo Tequila is destined to be the centerpiece of any premium spirits collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the El Tesoro 85th Anniversary Extra Añejo special?
This tequila commemorates the 85th anniversary of La Alteña Distillery and is a collaborative effort with Jim Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe. It is aged for over three years in barrels previously used for Booker's 30th Anniversary Bourbon, resulting in a unique blend of rich agave flavors, oak, and complex bourbon influences.
What is the flavor profile of this tequila?
The flavor of the El Tesoro 85th Anniversary Extra Añejo is a complex blend that includes sweet licorice, blackberries, oak, almonds, bananas, tobacco, spices, coffee, caramel, and pepper. The finish is long, creamy, and slightly spiced, offering a luxurious sipping experience.
How is this tequila different from other Extra Añejo tequilas?
While all Extra Añejo tequilas are aged for at least three years to develop a richer and more complex flavor profile, this particular edition uses Booker's 30th Anniversary Bourbon barrels for aging. This process imparts unique notes of seasoned oak, maple syrup, and molasses, setting it apart from other Extra Añejos.
Is this tequila meant to be sipped or used in cocktails?
The El Tesoro 85th Anniversary Extra Añejo is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and nuanced flavors. It is not typically recommended for cocktails due to its expensive price and delicate profile.
What are the key tasting notes of this tequila?
On the nose, you'll find cooked agave, cherries, seasoned oak, leather, spices, molasses, vanilla, toffee, and maple syrup. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious mix of sweet and spicy flavors, including blackberries, almonds, banana, and coffee.
What kind of barrels are used to age this tequila?
This tequila is aged for over three years in Booker's 30th Anniversary Bourbon barrels, which infuse the spirit with layers of bourbon-inspired flavors like vanilla, caramel, and seasoned oak.
Is the El Tesoro 85th Anniversary Extra Añejo a limited edition?
Yes, this is an extraordinarily limited release designed to celebrate the 85th anniversary of La Alteña Distillery, making it a collector's item for tequila enthusiasts.
What are the ideal serving suggestions?
To enjoy the full richness of this Extra Añejo tequila, it is best served neat in a tequila snifter or a glass with a wide bowl to allow the aromas to fully develop.
What is the price of this tequila, and is it worth it?
The El Tesoro 85th Anniversary Extra Añejo is priced between $500 and $600. While its flavor profile is exceptional, the high price has sparked debate among tequila enthusiasts. It is often considered a special-occasion tequila or a collector's item rather than an everyday drink.
How does this tequila compare to other El Tesoro offerings?
While El Tesoro's standard Extra Añejo offerings are highly regarded for their affordability and quality, the 85th Anniversary edition stands out as a premium collector's item. However, some reviewers suggest that the regular Extra Añejo delivers comparable complexity at a fraction of the price.