Notes: This tequila is distilled and bottled on the Beckman Estate in just outside the town of Tequila (yes, there is a town called that) in the state of Jalisco, the heart of tequila country. This family has a tradition of almost 200 years of making tequila, making them easily the oldest tequila makers anywhere. Former partners in José Cuervo, they have decided to go on their own and are now producing this tequila. The agaves grown on this estate have a pedigree equally long – longer than those strains of yeast certain bourbon makers go on about.

Double distilled -all tequilas are – the difference here is they use traditional alembics (somewhat generically and less romantically known as type of pot still) cognac stills and aged in used Bourbon and French oak barrels. This practice of using barrels is in contrast to some of the more commercial companies who use wood vats big enough to live in – giving the tequila a good bit more flavor and aging characteristics than the later. This is the limited release Anejo (Old) expression of this particular line. The others being Certeza Silver and Certeza Reposado. 

Appearance: Crystal clear body, dark oak color from aging in oak casks. Almost could be mistaken for a young cognac because of the dark appearance. On swirling, it leaves a very light coating on the glass with very long legs forming.

First Impression: Roasted peppers and almonds, vanilla oak, fruitier (dried fruit) smell than most tequilas.

Taste: Somewhat delicate neutral start then followed rapidly by a dry pepper tang and touches of leather and oak. Finish is dry, light and bracing if a touch too light for some.

Drinks: Wonderful dry and slightly woody notes make it very good for a exotic martini. We also liked it with tonic and lime. A light and dryish Anejo with more more delicate presence in a drink than most so be careful how you use it.

Cigars: Goes well with a Ashton or Romeo Y Julieta

Bottle: Looks like a 1950’s liquor bottle or maybe a perfume bottle with side pieces that remind me of a Soviet heavy lift rocket. Tasteful black label with blue lettering. Large circular decorative stopper made of wood with a sun on moorish sun on horizon design with a cork. Looks very nice on a bar- stands out from the rustico recycled glass crowd.

Final Thoughts: A interesting expression of a tequila that whispers but does not shout. May be too understated for some.

Web site: http://www.lacerteza.com

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