Mijenta Tequila Goes Clear With 8-Month Symphony Barrel-Finished Cristalino

(Photo: Mijenta)

Mijenta Tequila — one of the biggest names in additive-free, sustainable agave spirits — is expanding its catalog with a Cristalino expression.

Originally coined in 2009, Cristalinos are created by charcoal-filtering an aged reposado or añejo, removing its dark whiskey-like tint and granting the appearance of an unaged blanco. The technique has taken off like wildfire in the past few years on the backs of brands like Jose Cuervo, Gran Coramino and Maestro Dobel.

Mijenta plans to do things a little differently. For one, the brand is among a small handful of confirmed additive-free distillers to venture into the category. The spirit itself is aged eight months in Symphony barrels, built from staves of American oak from the forests of Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Mijenta Cristalino is said to balance aromas of maple, caramel, coffee and coconut with a palate chock full of “sweet and silky” vanilla and chocolate.

“Aficionados, top mixologists, retailers and distributors have gravitated around a common theme — ours doesn’t taste like any Cristalino they’ve experienced before,” said co-founder Mike Dolan in a press release.

“Ours of course is additive-free, and that’s exactly what we wanted. Commercially, where we see the most significant opportunity isn’t even necessarily in the Tequila market. Rather, as vodka continues to shed market share, we’re targeting those drinkers who are looking for a spirit that’s still clear, but has greater richness and complexity, and also makes the perfect Martini.”

Bottled at 40% ABV, the new expression is set to hit liquor store shelves this month at $124.

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