Here is a perfect example of a tequila being produced at one distillery and finished at another.
El Gran Legado de Vida originally delighted consumers when it launched its tequila made at the Cascahuín distillery (NOM 1123). It’s since moved to Destiladora Juanacatlán (NOM 1551).
Batches of Legado’s añejo can be found labelled as both NOM 1123 and NOM 1551. Today, let’s talk about this unique batch with the NOM 1551 badge.
The añejo I’m tasting was distilled at NOM 1123 and put in barrels there. These barrels were then transported to NOM 1551 in Juanacatlán, which the brand now calls home, then bottled and released from there.
The NOM number identifies the producer responsible for the tequila, and in this case, that is now NOM 1551.
El Gran Legado de Vida is about legacy. From seed-grown, single-estate Michoacán agaves, which are picked at an extremely high natural sugar content of 44 Brix, to the dual-barrel aging of this fine añejo, there has always been a commitment to quality.
Not only do we get fruit and floral notes, but we will find earthy and mineral notes, all from its Michoacán clay terroir.
Since leaving NOM 1123, the brand has maintained its values: patience and “no steps skipped.” This is a craft tequila brand wanting to bring you only the finest quality tequila.
Aroma: Cooked agave, spice, light cinnamon, and butterscotch notes on the nose.
Flavor: A great balance of sweetness and barrel spices. Cherry, raisin, and dried fruit complement light vanilla and butterscotch notes.
Finish: The finish lingers and has a long, pleasing aftertaste of cooked agave and barrel sweetness.
Legado’s current añejo release is layered and complex. The wet barrel aging in both the American and French barrels adds elegance and balance. It’s such a great sipping añejo, neat or over a large cube, that will not leave you disappointed.
El Gran Legado de Vida’s legacy continues as it has now moved to the only community-owned tequila distillery in Jalisco. I look forward to things to come from this brand and its new home. Its first batch of añejo produced entirely at NOM 1551 will be available in early 2027.
NOM | 1551 (Bottled at 1551, distilled at 1123) |
|---|---|
Agave | Michoacán |
Cooking | Stone or brick ovens |
Extraction | Roller mill |
Water | Deep well water |
Fermentation | Stainless steel tanks |
Still | Stainless-steel with copper coil and copper pot |
Age | 18 months in wet American oak bourbon barrels and French VSOP Martell Cognac barrels |
ABV | 43% |
Tequila Report Score: 93
93 points out of 100 (4.7 out of 5 points)
Price $99.99
More from El Gran Legado de Vida: All of our El Gran Legado de Vida coverage, including reviews, lists, scores, and more.
