Casa San Matias
The Last Drop
46.3%
Blended
In November, The Last Drop expanded its catalog of high-end, extra-aged spirits with an inaugural tequila. Distilled at Casa San Matias and blended by maestra tequilera Carmen Villarreal, the extra añejo comprises a blend of three casks: Two aged for 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels and one for seven years in a port pipe. Casa San Matias is widely credited with creating the first extra añejo tequila, so the release is intended as something of a full circle moment.
The tequila is additive-free and bottled at 46.3% ABV. This being The Last Drop, the quantity is limited, to say the least — only 435 bottles are available to consumers, each hosting a suggested retail price of $2,300.
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Vivid aromas of cinnamon-laden dessert. Coffee crumble cake, hazelnut, molasses and vanilla ice cream steal the show with an impressively dense and custardy texture. Hints of stewed plum and orange add a welcome fruit note, alongside a wisp of roasted agave. Elegant stuff.
Kicks of with a sweet medley of flavor that feels very port-inspired. Maraschino cherry, raisin, milk chocolate, marmalade and almond. The charred oak character is present, but not overstated, making more than enough room for delicate hints of flowers and flaky pastry dough that develop after a few sips. Flavors of cherry, toffee and leather tie it all together with a barrel-aged touch.
The tequila takes on a bittersweet edge toward the finish. A mix of cloves, flaky sea salt, vanilla, black pepper and tobacco. The agave comes back around with a nice hit of roasty, vegetal flavor, pairing well with plenty of dried fruit.
The Last Drop has curated a fantastically rich extra añejo from a distillery that — until now — was best known for more budget-friendly fare. I'm glad the gamble paid off. The bourbon and port influences are imbued with a deft touch, combining for a real treat of a tequila that never loses sight of its agave roots. The end result is custardy, luscious and totally celebratory.
But let's address the elephant in the room. Tequila is rarely priced in the four-digit range, save for collectible releases from Clase Azul and decades-old extra añejos from Fuenteseca. It's safe to say that The Last Drop No. 40 falls into the latter category, impressing with a liquid that feels deservedly opulent. Opulent to the tune of $2,300? As usual, the answer is probably not. No doubt these bottles with be snatched up by a small cadre of collectors who will forever hide them from the public eye. If you happen to be friends with someone in that elusive liquor illuminati, then by all means, ask for a sip and savor every last drop.
94
Disclosure: The producer provided this sample to review free of charge, and without expectation of review or rating.
