Espolon Anejo 100% Agave Tequila (750ml)
Launched in 2010 with the Anejo added in 2015, the Espolon tequilas have become stock standard in bars around the country. While they may not be universally considered great standalone tequilas, they are deemed solid values and perfectly good mixers. Master Distiller, Cirilo Oropeza makes Espolon in a small batch process from ‘hand-selected’ 100% Blue Weber agaves cooked for 18 to 20 hours prior to fermentation. Following a slow distillation, the Anejo is aged for at least a year in unused white oak barrels then finished in x-Wild Turkey Bourbon barrels for 2-3 months - which makes sense, as both ventures are owned by Campari. Although some find the Bourbon influence too much, you'll still find agave-derived notes of grilled pineapple and roasted banana, enriched by butterscotch, vanilla, cinnamon and gingery warmth. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... The nose is rich without being aggressive, with big caramel and vanilla notes that hit the nose right at the start. The body engages right away, pushing that silky sweetness into some woody notes with a slight, agave-driven, vegetal edge. The finish is long and complex, hitting some racy red pepper notes as it begins, then punching up butterscotch and more vanilla syrup before a slow fade that brings the agave back to the forefront. None of this is particularly surprising, but it’s all on point and just about perfect for an anejo, proving again that, pound for pound, Espolon is one of the best bargains in the tequila business. - drinkhacker.com
...Nose is certainly aggressive. Faint agave, some butterscotch, and unusually aggressive baking spices. There’s the Turkey… The palate is…fine. It’s bold and flavorful, and I don’t tast many of any additives, but I’m missing that rich cooked agave taste and creamy mouthfeel a traditionally well-made tequila has. Finish is medium. More spice. Not enough cooked agave. This is a mixer at heart, not a sipper. It makes a killer Paloma, and is fine as a sessionable sipper with chips and salsa waiting for mediocre tex-mex food... Salud! - distiller.com