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 over 200 years of making tequila, making them easily the oldest tequila makers anywhere. The agaves grown on this estate have a pedigree equally long dating from 1758 – 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 latest release – an Anejo (Old) expression of this particular line.The others being Lunazul Silver and Lunazul Reposado.There is also a filtered ( read plata or white Anejo (which makes it a bit of a hybrid with no specific classification beyond the Anejo age classification called Lunazul Primero.

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 oak and pepper tang and touches of leather and tobacco. Finish is dry, slightly oaky with a nice touch of citrus and minerals.

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: Square clear glass bottle with black label – similar in shape and appearance to a Jack Daniels bottle only large body and shorter neck.

Final Thoughts: Really, a helluva buy for the money.

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

Minimal information. Some recipes. Fast-loading and not overburdened with code.