Mijenta Añejo Gran Reserva is a beautifully constructed tequila from NOM 1499 that showcases just how complex barrel aging can be without sacrificing the character of the agave.

Master distiller Ana María Romero Mena has earned tremendous respect for her ability to build flavor through thoughtful maturation and blending, and this añejo may be one of the best examples of her talent.

What really separates Mijenta Añejo is its use of four different woods: American white oak, French oak, acacia, and cherry wood.

Rather than simply putting the tequila into a single barrel type and letting oak dominate the spirit, Ana María matures the tequila using these different casks before carefully blending the lots together.

American oak contributes familiar vanilla, caramel, and baking spice, while French oak adds structure, spice, and richer fruit character. Acacia is particularly unusual in tequila and brings floral notes, brightness, and texture, while cherry wood adds another layer of subtle fruit and complexity.

In the glass, cooked agave remains present alongside vanilla bean, caramel, honey, cinnamon, dried apricot, orange zest, orchard fruit, and a soft minerality.

The mouthfeel is exceptionally creamy and rich, leading into a long finish of honey, baking spice, pepper, and lingering agave.

This is barrel-forward tequila done with restraint. Ana María manages to bring four very different woods together without allowing any one of them to overpower the agave—a difficult balancing act and an impressive example of blending.

NOM

1499 (earlier batch at 1412)

Agave

Jalisco (Los Altos)

Cooking

Low pressure autoclave

Extraction

Roller mill

Water

Deep well water

Fermentation

Stainless steel tanks

Still

Stainless steel pot

Age

18 months in used French oak barrels, American White oak barrels, acacia casks, and cherry barrels

ABV

40%

Tequila Report Score: 91

91 points out of 100 (4.6 out of 5 points)

Price $199.99

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