This Organic Añejo Surprised Me… Authentico Tequila Review

[00:00:00] Most anejos have just a one year aging requirement. They get bottled and sold for a premium. But what happens when the distiller decides to slow things down and craft an organic tequila with intention? Today we're reviewing Authentico's organic anejo made at the historic tequilas de Senor Nam 1124, a family owned distillery with over 80 years of tradition. [00:00:23] Tequila Di Senor is based in Tlaquipaki, Guadalajara. [00:00:27] It's been continuously family owned since 1943. Not only is it historic, but it's one of the greenest operations around. Powered entirely by solar and natural gas and the bottle is certified 100% USDA organic. That means nothing added, no shortcuts, just agave, yeast and water. The agaves used in this one are both from the highlands and from the Valles of Jalisco. It's steam cooked for 24 hours in a low pressure autoclave and then rested for another 24 extract. Fermentation is done with an older roller mill that dates back to the late 1800s. Originally steam powered, now running on solar, fermentation is with a proprietary yeast strain that has been passed down since the 40s, giving Authentico a consistent old school profile. Distillation is a mix of stainless steel pot stills. This anejo rests for 16 months, 14 months in lightly charred American oak barrels. Barrels that are brand new were only used by Authentico, so no whiskey and no wine influence sneaking in. Then they go through a one month aeration before and after barreling which softens the edges and creates this easy to drink profile. On the nose I get a bright orange peel, a little bit of vanilla and some warm like oak spice. [00:01:48] Let's dive into the taste. On the taste I get this orange soda feel some citrus zest almost like a cinnamon of a graham cracker and some vanilla, almost like a vanilla cream with a touch of white pepper. The oak influence there is very mellow and it really lets that agave shine through. You get a nice cooked agave flavor. It's not overpowering or overly sweet like some on Jejos. It's clean, authentic and approachable. So who's this for? If you're looking for an organic tequila with real heritage. Crafted at one of Mexico's oldest family owned distilleries, this is worth checking out. At 16 months it's got more depth than some of your other anejos without tipping into the extra heavy anejo territory. It's not an overly complex anejo, but it's an easy tequila to drink with a really nice orange touch. If you've tried Authentico before, let me know your thoughts in the comments. If you want more tequila reviews and interviews with brand owners and master distillers, hit that subscribe button and salute. Cheers.