Reserva de la Familia, Tequila Añejo Cristalino Organico, 40% ABV, 750 ml
José Cuervo is one of the oldest and most renowned Tequila brands in the world, with a history dating back to 1795. The Reserva de la Familia (RDLF) line represents the pinnacle of the distillery’s Tequila offerings. Once reserved for the family’s private consumption, this prestigious Tequila line is crafted with the utmost care and expertise. Below is some background and a tasting note on RDLF’s latest release, its Cristalino Añejo Tequila.
Cristalino Tequila is a relatively new Tequila category, known for its smooth, complex and layered flavor profile and crystal-clear appearance. It is typically made by taking an aged Tequila, such as Añejo or Extra Añejo, subjecting it to a multi-step charcoal filtration process that removes the color while retaining the complex flavors developed during aging. The Consejo Regulador de Tequila (CRT), the Tequila industry’s regulatory body, has not yet accepted Cristalino Tequila as a distinct category. Cristalinos are categorized based on the underlying aging of the base Tequila used to produce it.
Cuervo’s Reserva de la Familia range comprises Platino (Blanco), Reposado, and Extra Añejo Tequilas. The Tequila is intended for bottling as Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Cristalino Tequila is an Añejo Tequila. This is RDLF’s first Añejo Tequila bottling.
Both the Añejo and Extra Añejo Tequilas are aged in a combination of French and American oak. The extra Añejo is aged for three years while the Añejo is aged for one year. The Extra Añejo Tequila receives more French oak while the Añejo Tequila receives more American oak. Each barrel type imparts unique characteristics to the Tequila, contributing to their complex flavor profile. This distinction makes the two Tequilas very different from one another.
French oak (Quercus robur) barrels are known for their tight grain, which allows for a slower extraction of flavors and tannins. This results in a more subtle and nuanced influence on the spirit. The wood imparts flavors of vanilla, baking spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, and a touch of dried fruit. French oak can also contribute a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness to the Tequila.
American oak (Quercus alba) barrels have a looser grain than French oak, allowing for a more robust flavor extraction. The higher levels of vanillin in American oak impart more pronounced caramel, toffee, coconut, and vanilla flavors. The richer, bolder flavors, and the more pronounced oak character that American oak casks imparts, are precisely the favors that are emphasized in Cristalino Tequila.
In addition, the Cristalino Tequila is finished for six months in barrels that previously held Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry.
PX Sherry is known for its rich, sweet, and intensely flavorful profile. When PX Sherry casks are used to age Tequila, they impart distinctive flavors of dried fruit notes of raisins, figs, prunes, and dates. In addition, there are sweet notes of honey and molasses, along with dark and milk chocolate and espresso/coffee flavors. There are also spice notes of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, along with toasted walnut and almond flavors. The cask wood also contributes caramel, vanilla, and oak notes.
Aging Tequila in PX Sherry casks imparts a luxurious sweetness, balancing the agave’s natural earthiness. The dried fruit, caramel, and spice notes blend harmoniously with the Tequila’s inherent flavors adding depth and complexity to the spirit.
Reserva de la Familia, Tequila Anejo Cristalino Organico, 40% ABV, 750 ml
The Tequila is clear, with a brilliant, transparent hue. Although aged in oak barrels, the meticulous charcoal filtration process makes it look like a blanco Tequila.
The aroma is floral and fruity, with a complex bouquet of vanilla and caramel followed by pronounced aromas of golden raisin, the subtler, spicier hints of cinnamon and nutmeg and a hint of wet stone minerality. As the Tequila opens up, delicate floral aromas and the underlying sweetness of cooked agave come through, complemented by dried apricot and fig notes, chocolate and a faint hint of roasted coffee.
The Tequila is exceptionally smooth and satiny on the palate. It’s sweet and creamy, with caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch flavors, baking spices, raisin, toasted almonds, and a hint of clove.
The mid-palate reveals complex notes of dark/milk chocolate, roasted nuts, and a touch of honey, while the agave’s natural sweetness provides a bright and refreshing contrast. The oak aging imparts a gentle spiciness and a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel that lingers on the palate.
The finish is long, sweet, and fruity. Lingering notes of vanilla, oak, golden raisin, chocolate, and caramel are beautifully balanced by a hint of black pepper and a touch of minerality. Think of a Cadbury fruit and nut bar with an alcoholic twist.
This is an ideal Tequila to enjoy neat or on the rocks. It also makes an excellent aperitif.
Salud!
