El Tesoro Tequila Collides With Basil Hayden Bourbon in Latest ‘Mundial Collection’ Cask Finish

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On Wednesday, El Tesoro Tequila expanded its specialty cask-finished "Mundial Collection" with assistance from Basil Hayden Toast barrels. It's the latest release marrying the distiller's additive-free ethos with a splash of Suntory whiskey flavor. Unlike typical bourbon casks, which, by definition, need only be charred, the Basil Hayden barrels used for this year's six-month reposado were first toasted. The difference lies in exposure; charred casks spend seconds or minutes over a high-temperature flame, while the toasting process can add up to an hour or more over lower-temperature heat. El Tesoro says the technique adds "indulgent" notes of cooked agave, cinnamon and crème brûlée to its latest limited-edition offering. Bottled at 40% ABV, the release can now be picked up online at a suggested retail price of $175.

“I am a firm believer that great tequila has the power to bring us together,” Jenny Camarena, third-generation Tequila Maker and Head of Operations at La Altena Distillery, remarked in a news release. “It’s made to be shared over good food and even better conversation. The Mundial Collection represents a group of people coming together to create something beautiful, continuing the vision and spirit that my family set for El Tesoro. It honors tradition while exploring the very best of what tequila can be."

The Mundial Collection was kicked off in 2021 with the debut of The Laphroaig Edition, an añejo aged 12 months in casks that previously held 10 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky reserves. The release was followed up last year with an añejo aged in charred oak Knob Creek Rye barrels. Those expressions earned a Raided Score® of 92 and 90, respectively, among the highest in El Tesoro's stacked catalog. This year's Basil Hayden finish is the first in the series to opt toward reposado. In conversation with Jenny Camarena a few weeks before the launch, she explained that the toasted bourbon barrels intermingled with tequila at a much faster rate — overpoweringly so if left up to a year like previous expressions. We had a chance to sample the juice for ourselves and can attest that the result came out elegantly. Keep an eye out for a full review in the weeks to come. So what next for the Mundial Collection? Future editions could — theoretically — go in virtually any direction. Suntory's portfolio is brimming with American whiskey favorites including Booker's, Maker's Mark and Old Overholt, all of which have held steady in the headlines with a string of recent bottlings. Across the pond, choices could include Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey or Bowmore Scotch. Even further across the pond, Suntory's Japanese whiskies from the historied Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries might be put to good use.

El Tesoro Mundial Collection: Basil Hayden Toast Edition Tasting Notes, Per the Brand

• APPEARANCE: Golden, amber color with clear and bright appearance
• AROMA: Cooked agave, fresh cherries, baked red apple, apricot, light vanilla bean, caramel, brown sugar, confectionary, nutmeg, toast
• PALATE: Cinnamon, confectionary, spicy white pepper, brown sugar, crèmebrûlée, dried fruits, honey, herbal, light lavender and florals
• FINISH: Sweet and dry with a lingering finish

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