Santo translates to “Holy” or “Saint”. Fino translates to “fine or “Refined”.
This brand was co-founded by celebrity chef Guy Fieri and rock n’ roller Sammy Hagar. Yes, Sammy was the original founder of the famed Cabo Wabo tequila. In fact Santo Fino is being produced at the same distillery that created Cabo Wabo (now made elsewhere after being acquired many years ago).
Santo Fino is produced at the venerable El Viejito distillery (NOM 1107), the oldest in Atotolnico de Alto, and one of the longest-running distilleries in The Highlands.
Other notable brands produced here include the eponymous El Viejito, as well and El Bandido Yankee.
The Santo Fino portfolio in the past has included Blanco, 110 Blanco, Reposado, Añejo and Mezquila (a blend of tequila and mezcal).
Santo Fino uses closed fermentation and aerates all their tequilas. This añejo is not your usual 12 month paint-by-numbers formula, as Santo Fino is aged 24 months in used American white oak whiskey barrels.
The entire process is overseen by the excellent master distiller Karina Rojo.
Aromas: On the nose I get barrel spices, butterscotch, and a slight coconut note, a little fruity, with some cooked agave.
Flavor Profile: Caramel and vanilla sweetness, white pepper, a slight nuttiness. Not a lot of cooked agave here, I would think due to the aeration, which mellows this barrel aged añejo.
Finish: Medium finish, with caramel and vanilla sweetness.
I believe Sammy & Guy have created a clean and balanced Añejo. It is not an overly complex example of the style, but it is very enjoyable, and a bottle I think most consumers will enjoy.
NOM | 1107 |
|---|---|
Agave | Jalisco (Los Altos) |
Cooking | Stone and brick ovens |
Extraction | Roller mill |
Water | Deep well water |
Fermentation | Closed stainless steel tanks |
Still | Stainless and copper hybrid |
Age | 24 months in American white oak barrels, whisky barrels, and used barrels |
ABV | 40% |
