Released in fall of 2015, Santera Tequila is produced in the northern highlands of Jalisco. We reviewed Santera Blanco last year, and now we’re going straight to the Añejo.
Santera Añejo Tequila is aged for up to 16 months in American oak barrels and then blended with a touch of extra añejo for a little something extra. On the nose, it’s rich and full, with notes of oak, leather, chocolate, baking spices and cooked agave. Take a sip and the heat ramps up, with cinnamon at the forefront, followed closely by cayenne-like red pepper. Here the chocolate becomes more pronounced too, which plays nicely with the heat. Vanilla cream begins to show itself alongside dark fruits. Eventually things turn very dry, with more spice and oak on the very long finish.
This is interesting stuff. It’s not the most balanced of tequilas, but it’s also not lacking for flavor. And the incredibly long finish is an impressive feat in itself. Santera Añejo makes a tasty old fashioned, if you’d like to go the cocktail route. Otherwise, we’re pretty content drink this brash, wild and always flavorful tequila on its own.
Stats:
— 40% ABV
— $50
CE Rating: ★★★★
