Ultimate Beverage Challenge – Añejo Tequilas
June 22, 2016
Añejo Tequila
100% Agave Tequila
Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) was founded in 2010 by award-winning author/critic/journalist/educator F. Paul Pacult, publishing executive and editor Sue Woodley, and consultant David Talbot. In 2013, editor/journalist Sean Ludford became a partner. For the past five years, UBC has operated Ultimate Wine Challenge (UWC) and Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC), which are acknowledged as being two of the world’s foremost annual international wine evaluation and competition events.
This issue, we are featuring UBC’s 2016 top 10 picks in the Añejo Tequila category.
Score: 97
El Tesoro Añejo
Mexico, 40% abv
Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
A pretty, pale straw color in the glass, it delivers creamy butterscotch aromas that give way to semisweet notes of chai tea, fresh herbs and a hint of licorice. The finish is wet stone and pepper.
Score: 96
El Tesoro Añejo
Mexico, 40% abv
Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
An enticing fruity funk on the nose is accented by a Milk Dud sweetness. On the palate, the agave character is pronounced, laced with mocha, pepper and baking spices, leaving you with a cooling peppery finish.
Score: 95
KAH Añejo
Mexico, 40% abv
Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
An almost brandy-like nose of crystallized plum fruit and milk chocolate. Prepare for a hedonistic mouthful of sweet, hazelnut candy and a slight lift of wild agave pepper. A Tequila to be sipped and contemplated.
Score: 94
Chinaco Añejo
Mexico, 40% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
Toastiness and damp earth announce this elegant, mild añejo, which snaps to life with a sip, thanks to thick honeycomb, charred vanilla bean and candied citrus notes. The finish leaves a long-lasting impression of this well-structured spirit. A modern classic.
Score: 94
Tequila Roca Patrón Añejo
Mexico, 44% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
Generously fragrant with sweet charred pineapple, dark honey and roasted earth. Soft yet textured on the palate, honey roasted sweetness plays with earthy green vegetation creating a complex profile. The bright acidity lends a lemony clean finish.
Score: 94
Santera Añejo
Mexico, 40% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
Caramel taffy and freshly baked ginger cookie marry with more classic flavors of pepper and flowers in this hedonistic Tequila. If there ever was an after dinner Tequila that shows how oak and agave can rival Whisky, this is it.
Score: 93
Agave 99 Añejo
Mexico, 49.5% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
This bold overproof Tequila wears barrel spice on its sleeve, with oatmeal cookie, candied citrus and saffron taking center stage. There is a present but not overwhelming sense of alcohol, which supports the teaberry and lavender accents toward the end.
Score: 92
Siete Leguas Añejo
Mexico, 40% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
Even at an añejo age, there is no denying the deeply savory agave earth flavors present on the nose. In the mouth, there is a touch more vanilla bean, but this is certainly an añejo for Tequila lovers who value freshness.
Score: 91
Corazon Añejo
Mexico, 40% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
Decadent and pretty, bursting with aromas of rose, vanilla and Turkish tobacco, the sweet floral aromatics persist through the first sip, adding layers of cinnamon, nutmeg and prickly pear cactus. The wood influence is subtle and nicely integrated.
Score: 90
Cabo Wabo Añejo
Mexico, 40% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
The oak influence has drawn intense flavors of cedar and cherry sap from the intensely earthy base Tequila. The juicy, fruit-driven character continues to a rich, decadent palate accented with baked toffee and wild, spicy clover.
