Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo

Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo is produced by José Cuervo, the world’s largest tequila brand by volume. The expression is a blend of extra añejo tequilas aged in both French and American oak barrels.

Each year, the liquid remains a signature house blend, while a different contemporary Mexican artist is invited to design the presentation box that accompanies the bottle.

For this review, I’m tasting the 2025 release, which celebrates the 30th anniversary of Reserva de la Familia. Originally introduced in 1995 to commemorate José Cuervo’s 200th anniversary, the annual release has become as much an art collection as it is a tequila.

This year’s artist is Ana Segovia, a Mexican painter whose work explores Mexican identity, gender roles, and popular cultural imagery. Her design reimagines the traditional charro suit through color, questioning long-held ideas of masculinity while honoring one of Mexico’s most recognizable symbols.

While touring La Rojeña in the fall of 2025, I learned more about the history behind the charro tradition. Traditionally, charro suits were limited to black, gray, and brown, and for many years, the practice was almost exclusively reserved for men.

Charros are skilled horsemen and cattle ranchers whose traditions evolved into charrería, Mexico’s national sport. Similar to a rodeo but far more ceremonial, Charrería combines precision horsemanship, roping, and livestock events. In 2016, UNESCO recognized Charrería as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Across the bottom of the box appears the phrase “No Señorita, Esos Colores son Prohibidos,” meaning “No, miss, those colors are forbidden.” When two boxes are placed together, Segovia’s fluorescent pink charro suit is revealed. Every detail mirrors the traditional tailoring, except for the colors. The vibrant pinks and purples challenge historical expectations while celebrating the cultural importance of the charro tradition.

There’s something poetic about that evolution. Traditions endure, but perspectives continue to change.

It’s been a while since I’ve revisited Reserva de la Familia, and after tasting it again during my recent visit to the distillery, I wanted to sit down and properly reassess it.

Aroma: Fresh oak, tree bark, leather, cedar, subtle orange, and orchard fruit.

Palate: Baking spices immediately take the lead. Ginger, clove, and cinnamon dominate the palate and continue throughout the finish.

Finish: Short to medium. Lingering baking spices remain the defining characteristic, accompanied by oak, leather, and a light, waxy bitterness. I also pick up the subtle signature José Cuervo character on the finish, although it’s much less pronounced than in some of their other expressions.

The barrel is unquestionably the star here. Oak, leather, and baking spices consistently lead the experience, while the orchard fruit hinted at on the nose never fully develops on the palate. I also miss a stronger cooked-agave presence, which is something I personally value in well-aged tequila.

I understand the appeal of this tequila, but for my palate, it lacks the depth and complexity I look for in an extra añejo. This may not be one I’d pick for myself, but I’d probably drink it again based on the company or the moment it was offered.

As a collectible, however, I think Reserva de la Familia continues to shine. The annual collaboration with Mexican artists has become one of the bottle’s greatest strengths. Each release tells a story that extends beyond the tequila itself, making it as much a celebration of Mexican art and culture as it is of the spirit inside.