Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Colleccion 2017 Extra Anejo 100% Agave Tequila (750ml)

First released in 1995 to celebrate the company's 200th birthday, José Cuervo Reserva de la Familia pioneered the category of extended age Tequila. Matured for a minimum of two years in a combination of American and French oak barrels, some of the reserve components are up to thirty years old. The tequila itself which has been described as "rich and brandy-like" doesn't change much from year to year. And just as consistency has become its hallmark, so too has been its high praise.

What does change annually is the packaging, with a different Mexican artist making each release a collector’s item. For the 2017 Edition, acclaimed painter, Abraham Cruzvillegas has depicted a golden monkey on a royal blue background. Cruzvillega's multimedia exhibition at the Cuervo Cultural Centre entitled 'Tequioh', paid homage to the workers, the tools, the rain, the pollinating bats and the plants that make this exceptional spirit possible.

Tasting note: [20ml sample] Pale copper gold. These extra old tequilas are hard to pin down... this one combines blanco-like vibrancy with the kind of depth you'd expect from XO cognac - brine, charred capsicum, smoldering eucalyptus, later beeswax, vanilla and menthol in a bouquet that also presents a drier, woody aspect including cigar box, cedar, white pepper.... Likewise the silky delivery matches sappy agave and butter menthol lozenge-like flavours against drying astringency. It's delicate and somewhat fleeting through the finish, trailing off with black tea, potpourri, white pepper, hints of grilled pineapple, vanilla and trace beeswax. The overall effect strikes a fine balance between young and old. 40% Alc./Vol.