Notes: This tequila is produced in Jalisco, the heart of tequila country. This is the Anejo (Old) expression of this particular line. The others being Azulejos Silver and Azulejos Reposado. They use a proprietary yeast and stainless steel stills so it has a brighter taste than some using copper stills. (I personally think there is reaction between the copper and the distillate which is good if not mandatory for whiskey, but not so good with tequila and certain other distillates).

This Anejo version is aged in former bourbon barrels made of American oak for over one year.

Appearance: Medium yellow, darker than a number of anejos I have seen lately, almost wheat colored. Lovely medium to heavy (for tequila) body.On swirling, it leaves a very light coating on the glass, with legs forming slowly.

First Impression: Sweetish sea salt notes, great mouth feel. Bouquet is more restrained than its younger siblings sort of a salt and toffee smell with Provence herbs. The oak adds a vanilla overlay with lemon.

Taste: Oak/vanilla wrestles with the brine/pepper notes for your attention, then the buttery leather notes start to wash through. Touches of lemon verbena / lemon balm. Long lingering finish.

Drinks: Really a bit too smooth to use anything calling for much fruit juice or frozen drinks. Use it before and after dinner, first as an aperitif, then as digestif.

Cigars: Goes well with a natural wrapper Joya de Nicaragua or Ashton

Bottle: A very nice presentation without the usual recycled coke bottle glass everyone else seems to us . White porcelain with raised blue glaze/paint (hand painted) decanter similar in shape to the old Mateus bottles with a large circular decorative stopper with a Agave design pressed into it. Nice heft to it.

Simple hang tag labeling front and paper in back gives it that antique border feel. Stopper is silicone/rubber and extremely tight – keeps the oxygen out (which can oxidize your tequila) and helps keep out the less than sober and determined. Great bottle to reuse for olive oil or whatever else you want.

Final Thoughts: Damned nice tequila!

Web site: http://www.tequilalosazulejos.com

Phone contact: (866) 484–6767

Somewhat annoying intro but it’s worth the wait for all the other information. Pretty exhaustive information via drop down menus. Well-laid out if a trifle busy.