Are we looking here at the finest Tequila in the world? With its 11-year maturation, and its finishing in Silver Oak Winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon American Oak Barrels, we certainly have here one of the most exclusives and unique spirits coming out of Mexico (and California).
For background information about the producer, see Asombroso’s profile page.
Asombroso are about to release their last ultra-premium Tequila creation: ‘The Collaboration’ 11 year old double barrel aged anejo. And I’ve been one of the lucky few to taste it before the first customers receive it.
So what’s so special about this Tequila?
Well, it is 11-year-old, which is very rare in the world of Tequila’s, and it’s double barreled, meaning it was aged in two different types of oak containers.
This extremely refined Tequila is first aged for many years, probably a bit over 10 years, in oak barrels whose provenance seems to be kept a secret. After this, Asombroso looked for the best possible oak barrels to marry and finish their finest Tequila. For ‘The Collaboration’, they have selected Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon American oak barrels to finish infusing the right amount of flavours and balance over a few months, perfecting the whole.
Silver Oak is famous for its use of unique American oak barrels, in particular for their Cabernet Sauvignon. Oak vessels come from A & K Cooperage in Missouri. After having hosted the Silver Oak Cab wine in California, the barrels were shipped to Asombroso distillery in Jalisco to be filled with the Tequila for a few months, until Master distiller Ricardo Gamarra decided the perfect balance was reached.
The result is an absolutely unique Tequila, that retails at $1,800 and comes as the producer puts it: “elegantly housed in a Crystal Decanter, hand-made by Italian artist Luciano Gambaro, displayed in a finely polished Humidor and resting on a laser engraved custom pedestal”.
But is it worth the money?
The answer is in the tasting notes:
Appearance: a light salmon-orange colour, slightly amber, bright and shiny. Color coming from both the wine and the barrel.
Nose: An astonishing intensity of aromas, literally comes out of the glass. No need to stick your nose deep in the vessel to smell the powerful fragrance. With the glass down below your chin, 4 inches (10 cm) away from your nose, the intense yet complex and subtle notes of vanilla and coconut, blond caramel and white pepper still manage to capture your senses. It is without a doubt one of the most intense beverages I have ever smelt.
Getting my long nose closer to the entrance of the glass, the agave aromas reveal themselves, like extremely delicate Aloe Vera cosmetics. They are coated in an ocean of ripe fruit notes: caramelised plum, rich port wine, dark berry jam. There are spices and dried fruit too, Christmas pudding.
An incredible nose that makes you want to sip the nectar irresistibly. You would die for eating these aromas if you could… as it seems to smell better than anything you’ve ever eaten before…
Palate: Putting the beverage in your mouth, you enter the world of Tequila again. On the first palate, the cactus flavors burst in your mouth to reassure you: this is indeed a fine spirit from Mexico, smelling like the warm agave under the sun. The spirit is superbly smooth on the palate, with a slight velvety texture, but not really tannic, just velvety. Flavours described for the nose go on exploding, one after the other, dancing around the dominant delicious agave note. The mouthfeel is all smoothness, roundness, pleasure. Perfect balance of a shy touch of sweetness, medium-oily texture and a delicate bitterness on the finish. This bitterness is just enough to make you salivate and want to taste again. The finish is very long, with a slight char flavour.
Overall, a truly unique tasting experience lies in this Tequila. Asombroso have found here a definite balance between an extremely refined and flavorsome base Tequila and -how unexpected Californian Cabernet wine barrels. ‘The Collaboration’ takes you both to Jalisco, Mexico, and the surroundings of Oakville, Napa Valley. All in a single glass you are sure never to forget.
Is it worth the money? Well probably if you don’t mind the price tag. The perfect drink in a way, as much as it can be approached. Powerful, long, true to its origins, yet showing off an incredible intensity layered with hips of subtle flavours and aromas. And veeeerry long….
You might be surprised though, how well and easily this drinks. Imagine how well the best Tequila you could ever taste would drink, how light, flavorsome and contenting it would be. Well, this might be just what it is…. The best Tequila you’ve ever tasted. For the money, this might go down faster than you think, but that’s also what we ask from the finest spirits, isn’t it? Perfect!
For further information, see asombrosotequila.com.
Please let me know your thoughts