El Tesoro Anejo Tequila 750ML is a 100% Blue Weber agave highland añejo bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml format. A Double Gold Medal winner at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and scored 94 points by the Ultimate Spirits Challenge that same year, this expression stands apart through its use of the traditional tahona stone wheel and a rare distilled-to-proof process that skips post-distillation water dilution entirely.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Arandas, Los Altos (Highlands), Jalisco, Mexico | Añejo | Distillery: La Alteña (NOM 1139)Production & HeritageLa Alteña distillery sits at over 7,000 feet in Arandas, the heart of the Jalisco highlands, where red iron-rich soils produce agave prized for its higher sugar content. Blue Weber agave piñas are slow-roasted in traditional stone ovens, then crushed using a massive volcanic tahona stone — a centuries-old technique that extracts juice while preserving fibrous agave character. Those fibers remain in the mix during open-air fermentation in wooden tanks, contributing texture and complexity. Double distillation in small copper pot stills yields a spirit that already arrives at bottling strength, meaning no water is added after distillation. This distilled-to-proof approach is exceedingly rare in the tequila world and preserves the full intensity of flavor developed throughout production.Tasting NotesAroma: Sweet cooked agave leads immediately, followed by toasted oak, light vanilla, and caramel. Beneath those primary notes, delicate floral jasmine and a faint whisper of orange blossom add an unexpected elegance.Taste: The entry is soft and agave-forward, with vanilla custard and light caramel arriving quickly on the palate. Mid-palate brings gentle oak tannins, roasted nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, and subtle white pepper that provides just enough heat to balance the natural sweetness. The agave thread never drops out, anchoring every layer.Finish: Medium in length, with a lightly sweet fade that transitions into warm baking spice and a whisper of toasted oak. The finish stays clean and balanced, never bitter or overly tannic.How to Drink El Tesoro AñejoNeat at room temperature in a Riedel tequila glass or narrow snifter is the primary serve — the distilled-to-proof character rewards slow sipping and opens further with a few minutes of rest. A single large ice cube softens the oak and amplifies the vanilla and floral notes without drowning the agave. Oaxaca Old Fashioned: The añejo's oak structure and caramel sweetness hold up beautifully against mezcal smoke and mole bitters. Tequila Manhattan: Cooked agave and vanilla custard mirror the sweet vermouth's richness, creating a seamless riff on the classic. Añejo Highball: Lengthened with chilled soda water and a grapefruit twist, the lighter floral and spice notes translate into a refreshing long drink. Best For Gifting a tequila enthusiast who values traditional production methods Side-by-side tastings comparing highland versus lowland añejos After-dinner sipping as an alternative to aged brandy or cognac Building a premium home bar focused on artisanal Mexican spirits Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does El Tesoro Añejo taste like? El Tesoro Añejo leads with sweet cooked agave and vanilla custard, layered with light oak tannin, caramel, roasted nuts, and a gentle cinnamon-white pepper warmth. The finish is clean and lightly sweet with lingering baking spice.How does El Tesoro Añejo compare to Herradura Añejo? Both are highland-grown 100% agave añejos, but El Tesoro uses a tahona stone and copper pot stills and is distilled to proof without water addition, while Herradura employs roller mills and a more modern production line. The result is that El Tesoro tends to carry more rustic agave character and textural complexity, whereas Herradura leans smoother and butterscotch-forward.Is El Tesoro Añejo good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the distilled-to-proof method preserves a concentrated agave flavor and silky mouthfeel that reward slow, undiluted sipping. Its 40% ABV makes it approachable without needing water or ice.Where is El Tesoro Añejo made? El Tesoro Añejo is produced at the La Alteña distillery (NOM 1139) in Arandas, located in the Los Altos (highlands) region of Jalisco, Mexico — an area known for red clay soils and sweeter, more fruit-forward agave.What foods pair well with El Tesoro Añejo? Slow-smoked barbacoa complements the oak and spice notes; chicken mole poblano mirrors the añejo's layered sweetness; aged Manchego cheese echoes its nutty, caramel undertones; dark chocolate with sea salt highlights the vanilla and agave; and grilled stone fruit like peaches or nectarines plays off the floral character.What sizes does El Tesoro Añejo come in? The standard widely available format is the 750ml bottle.Is El Tesoro Añejo worth the price? El Tesoro Añejo positions as a premium añejo, priced above mass-market options but justified by its labor-intensive tahona production, distilled-to-proof process, and consistent critical recognition including a Double Gold Medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.Why El Tesoro Añejo?Very few commercial tequilas still employ both a tahona stone and distillation to proof — El Tesoro Añejo does both, placing it among the most traditionally produced expressions on the market. That commitment to process shows up in the glass as a density of agave flavor and a textural weight that diluted tequilas rarely match. A 94-point score from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2021 confirm that the approach translates to measurable quality. For drinkers who want to taste what highland agave can deliver when modern shortcuts are removed, this añejo makes a compelling case.
