Though I generally write about whiskey on this blog, I find it’s nice to sip on something else occasionally. So, the next few posts will cover a couple of tequilas as well as brandy, gin and vodka. Let’s start with Jose Cuervo’s Reserva de la Familia (which means ‘family reserve’). This premium añejo tequila is released yearly. Each release features a different wooden box adorned with art from a Mexican artist, with this year’s being Jose Mèndez Blake. I’m a sucker for beautiful packaging and a nicely designed label, but they come in second to how the spirit tastes.
This extra añejo tequila has aged at least three years in French and American oak barrels. As this tequila has aged in barrels longer than the average añejo, it has picked up some barrel influence. How much? Upon pouring my sample in the glass, it came across very much like a bourbon. Vanilla and toffee sit on top of a rounded, herbal agave note. It’s all wrapped around a soft bed of oak. A very small hint of varnish pops up at first, but mostly disappears with a little air time. The palate closely follows. It is very clear this is aged tequila, as there’s cooked agave up front followed by vanilla, lemon rind and smoked caramel chews. Small waves of spice, mainly cinnamon bark, occasionally show, but I wouldn’t call this a spicy tequila. Instead, it’s rather easy going and slightly creamy. The finish is a little warm, but mostly remains smooth.
Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia is a great extra aged tequila for folks looking for a something nice to sip on. It is akin to, say, a Johnnie Walker Blue Label. While there are better tasting tequilas out there for cheaper (I’ve seen this go anywhere from $100 – $150), this tequila is nothing to turn your nose up at. I’m throughly enjoying this tequila and wish I had more than a small sample. 8/10
A small sample was provided for review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Adventures In Whiskey 