Tequilera Simbolo
Suerte
40%
11 years
In June, Suerte released just 400 bottles of what appears to be its oldest Extra Añejo to date. Aged seven years in used American oak whiskey barrels before finishing an additional four years in French oak, the release is something of an ultra-aged novelty by industry standards (due in large part to Mexico's warm climate, rarely do the oldest of extra añejos scratch anywhere beyond five years). Apart from its age, the release abides by all the usual Suerte basics: produced at the brand's dedicated distillery using single-estate, highland agaves that are extracted with a combination of tahona and screw mill. It's bottled at a calm 40% ABV, and now appears to be on sale in the ballpark of $300.
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Decadently dark and syrupy on the nose. Slathered aromas of maraschino cherry, caramelized banana, marmalade, fruit cake, ginger and pecans. There's something almost Christmassy about it. The sharp, nearly overwhelming sweetness is underlined by a cedar note that brings it back to Earth.
The first thing that leaps out the glass is an unmistakable raisin note, one that lurks in every nook and cranny of the palate and finish. The rest of the flavors revolve around a similarly prune-like vibe; figs, fresh blueberries, deeply roasted agave, sherry wine, malted biscuits and heaps of jam. It's wonderfully rich stuff. Soaks into the palate with the texture and sweetness of agave syrup, making way for a baseball bat of oak flavor that begins to dominate the backend.
Oak crescendos on the finish with bitter hints of toffee, currants, coffee grounds and drying acidity. I wouldn't say it's over oaked, per se, but the flavor does take a turn toward something akin to tannic, mouth-coating red wine. Once again, quite rich — insanely so for something that's bottled at the legal minimum of 40% ABV.
Some of the most in-your-face flavor I've ever tasted in an extra añejo. It's not complex so much as it is punchy, heaping on gobs of sticky raisin sweetness that linger long after the last sip. Considering the richness of it all, I'd be fascinated to see what this tastes like at a higher ABV. Might bring out even more pizzazz. Nonetheless, there's no mistaking this spirit's showstopping quality. This is the kind of tequila you drink from a goblet, perhaps enjoyed alongside a platter of grapes and candied nuts.
93
Disclosure: The producer provided this sample to review free of charge, and without expectation of review or rating.
