(Photo: Alma del Jaguar)
Last week, Alma del Jaguar took a note from the whiskey world with an innovative three-part blend of añejo tequilas. Here's how the latest offering from the additive-free, conservation-oriented brand breaks rank from the agave spirits status quo:
Blended tequilas are usually epitomized by the Joven, a popular expression that blends unaged blancos with small amounts of 2-12 month reposados. These kinds of tequilas are otherwise known as "Oro" or "Gold" thanks in large part to Jose Cuervo's ubiquitous Especial lineup. That isn't to say that all blended tequila is bound for the bargain bin — Volcan de Mi Tierra's X.A expression does wonders by combining reposado, añejo and extra añejos for a smorgasbord of oak flavor.
What's rare, however, is for a distiller to blend several of the same tequila type. Alma del Jaguar has accomplished this task with a double-barreled añejo aged in American and French oak blended with a duo of añejos aged solely in American oak. According to the brand, the end result is a refinement of the añejo concept loaded with nuanced flavors of caramel corn, limestone and subtle smoke.
“Our goal was to craft a tequila with layers of flavor that would set this añejo apart,” founder McCauley Williams remarked in a news release. “Each sip reveals something new, making the experience both dynamic and refined.”
The expression is bottled at 40% ABV and is now available for pre-order nationwide at a suggested retail price of $79.99.
Alma del Jaguar was launched in 2023 by spirits entrepreneur McCauley Williams, who was inspired by his uncle, Rick Williams — co-founder of the Northern Jaguar Project (NJP) — to pay it forward to Mexico’s wildlife population. The NJP is a bi-national conservation organization dedicated not only to protecting the wild jaguars of Northern Mexico but also its rich tapestry of birds, plants, reptiles and invertebrates. The brand has also dedicated itself to sustainable packaging by way of 100% recycled glass bottles, agave fiber labels and repurposed cork closures.
Alma's core offerings consist of Blanco and a Reposado, recently expanded upon with a limited edition Nocturna Blanco bottled at 101 proof. All are produced at the Feliciano Vivano y Asociados distillery in the highlands of Jalisco.
Details and tasting notes for the Añejo blend are as follows:
Double-barreled batch (65%): "Aged 6.7 months in American oak and 11 months in French oak, producing deep colors and notes of caramel, caramel corn, vanilla, and subtle smoke."
Single American oak batch (18%): "Aged 20.7 months, offering a light color with delicate notes of chalk and limestone."
Single American oak batch (17%): "Aged 20.2 months, darker in color with an intriguing mix of vanilla and subtle vinegar tang."
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