Notes: This tequila is produced on the Highlands of Jalisco (the Corazón de Los Altos), the heart of tequila country. This is the Extra Ańejo (old) expression of this tequila. Much like whiskey distillers who have their selling and their drinking whiskey, tequila producers have a special set aside of a outstanding batch that is the result of using the highest grade of materials and attention to detail. The production run is limited in this case to 1,000 hand numbered 1 liter bottles of which almost 850 were presold. Other younger expressions are the Voodoo Tiki Platinum, Voodoo Tiki Reposado, Voodoo Tiki Anejo and a there is also a infused Tequila product line including Desert Rose Prickly pear, Blue Dragon Blue kiwi, and Green Dragon lime.

Voodoo Tiki uses agave that are a minimum of 10 years old for their Tequila (others use agave as young as 3 years old). A more mature agave develops a better flavor of terroir (taste and sense of place) due to the longer growing period according to a number of experts.In this case all the pinãs are hand selected by the master distiller for this select fermentation and distillation using strict standards. Voodoo Tiki also uses a number of more traditional steps to make their tequila than many others.

First, they use hornos, the old style brick and stone ovens rather than the stainless steel autoclaves (that look a lot like wood drying kilns) and eight to twelve times longer 50 -72 hours rather than 6) to bake the pinãs (heart of the agave) and convert the starch to sugar. This allows a slow conversion and avoids carmelization of sugar (and the resulting bitterness). After that the resulting juice is fermented over a 7-10 day period to become mosto (fermented juice). It is then first fermented intoordinario (the english term would be low wine) it is then redistilled into tequila. Unlike vodka you only want to distill Tequila twice to preserve flavor and character.

Appearance: Crystal clear, with a slight yellow/ gold cast to it – lovely body. On swirling, it leaves a very light coating on the glass which then forms some luscious legs which then leave a constellation of droplets on the sides of the nosing glass.

First Impression: Has a subdued aromatic signature of salty, sweet brine, savory, herb butter with a citrusy bouquet- like thai-lime leaves and lemon grass, hints of oak pepper, leather notes, lemon balm, cinnamon and vanilla from the French oak casks.

Taste: Wonderful oily body. Sweet buttery entry drying rapidly but pleasantly. Savory Provencal-type spiciness and a brandy like finish with dryish notes. sweet, gentle floral aroma with warm woody notes in a very long finish, caramelized agave, French oak, minerals.

Finish is long, with the char and tobacco taste lingering. Very smooth.

Drinks: Very nice on its own worth sipping and contemplating over. Wonderful margaritas- not the usual insipid sweetness. Be sure to use fresh juice and Grand Marnier- anything less would be an insult to the tequila and a waste.

Cigars: Joya de Nicaragua, Rocky Patel, or Davidoff natural wrapper.

Bottle: First off, this bottle comes in a 2 foot tall hand carved tiki box/casket which weighs almost 9 pounds (4 kilos) with a twin light assembly that lights up when you open the box. Inside you find the bottle and 4 of their handmade signature glasses in a fitted cushion . The bottle itself is recycled heavy clear glass bottle with rounded shoulders short neck and dark red sealing wax (with stamp on top) neckband. Dark red / purple glass. Tiki totem/god attached to inside surface of pommel in bottle. Engraved and gold paint highlighted lettering bamboo graphics in white, limited edition # on back. Composite cork (with wooden top) reduces chance of cork taint. Each bottle is handmade by the Master Artisan glass blower Alahandro Numaro. Quite the package altogether and a real standout on your bar. Must have tequila for a Tiki Bar.

Final Thoughts: Nicely done, the brandy and cognac notes as a result of aging a already premium tequila make this one to be experienced. If you want the ultimate tequila and tiki gift this is it. Anyone who wants one is advised to contact Drink Up NY NOW ! Update – they are now becoming collectable and investment grade – past editions keep climbing in value.

(and no, no one paid me to say that – stocks are extremely limited!)

Web site: http://www.voodootiki.com

More layers than an onion. Lots facts, pictures and Easter eggs.Well-laid out.