Gran Centenario Anejo 750ML is a 100% blue agave tequila aged approximately 16 months in new American oak barrels, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). This Highland Jalisco añejo earned a Double Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and scored 87 points from Wine Enthusiast, underscoring its standing among well-regarded aged tequilas.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof) | Origin: Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico | Aged ~16 Months | Distillery: Ex Hacienda Los CamichinesProduction & HeritageGran Centenario is produced at the Ex Hacienda Los Camichines distillery in the highlands of Jalisco, a region prized for the sweeter, fruit-forward blue agave it yields at higher elevations. The añejo expression undergoes the proprietary Selección Suave process, developed by Lázaro Gallardo — widely recognized as one of the earliest maestros tequileros — in which only the richest, smoothest distillate is selected and blended before aging approximately 16 months in new American oak barrels. This selective blending step, still practiced today, distinguishes the brand's approach from standard single-batch aging and contributes to the tequila's notably round, honeyed character.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with cooked agave and toasted almonds, followed by warmer waves of clove, nutmeg, and a trace of cocoa bean. Underneath, orange peel, candied fig, and light toffee add a sweet, fruity complexity.Taste: On the palate, entry is soft and honeyed, with candied almond and nougat arriving first. The mid-palate broadens into cooked agave, vanilla, and baking spice, with subtle dried herb and fennel notes lending savory balance. A gentle sweetness threads through without becoming cloying.Finish: The finish is medium in length, warm and smooth with lingering clove, toasted coconut, and a faint brininess. A whisper of hard candy sweetness fades slowly into light oak tannins.How to Drink Gran Centenario AnejoSipping neat at room temperature is the most direct way to appreciate the oak-influenced vanilla and spice layers; a single ice cube can open up the fruitier agave and citrus notes if you prefer a cooler serve. Three cocktails that pair well with this añejo: Oaxaca Old Fashioned — the tequila's vanilla and clove complement the drink's bitters-and-orange structure, substituting seamlessly for reposado. Tequila Manhattan — its honeyed oak character works with sweet vermouth the way a well-aged bourbon would. Añejo Paloma — the tequila's cooked-agave sweetness stands up to grapefruit soda without being overpowered. Best For Gifting a tequila enthusiast who appreciates oak-aged expressions After-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or dessert Introducing bourbon drinkers to aged tequila's overlapping flavor profile Building a home tequila collection with a dependable añejo benchmark Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Gran Centenario Anejo taste like? It delivers a honeyed, smooth palate led by cooked agave, toasted almond, vanilla, and baking spice, with supporting notes of candied fruit and cocoa bean that emerge as the tequila opens up.How does Gran Centenario Anejo compare to 1800 Añejo? Both are produced at the same Ex Hacienda Los Camichines distillery in the Jalisco highlands, but Gran Centenario's Selección Suave blending process creates a notably softer, more honeyed profile, while 1800 Añejo tends toward bolder oak and pepper notes with a slightly drier finish.Is Gran Centenario Anejo good for sipping neat? Yes — its 40% ABV and smooth, rounded character from the Selección Suave process make it approachable for neat sipping without the harsh alcohol bite some añejos can carry.Where is Gran Centenario Anejo made? It is distilled at the Ex Hacienda Los Camichines distillery located in the highlands (Los Altos) of Jalisco, Mexico, a region known for producing agave with higher sugar content and fruit-forward characteristics.What foods pair well with Gran Centenario Anejo? Grilled carne asada highlights the tequila's smoky oak tones; mole negro mirrors its cocoa and spice; aged Manchego echoes its nutty, toasted-almond quality; churros with chocolate sauce complement the vanilla and toffee notes; and citrus-dressed ceviche cuts through the honeyed sweetness.What sizes does Gran Centenario Anejo come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.Is Gran Centenario Anejo worth the price? It positions as a mid-range 100% agave añejo, and its Double Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition suggests quality that punches above its price tier relative to many competitors at the same level.Why Gran Centenario Anejo?The Selección Suave process — a selective blending technique dating back to Lázaro Gallardo — gives this añejo a consistently smooth, honeyed profile that stands apart from single-barrel or single-batch competitors. A Double Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition validates that consistency on a competitive stage. Approximately 16 months in new American oak provides genuine añejo depth — vanilla, baking spice, toasted coconut — without the tannic heaviness that longer-aged tequilas sometimes develop. For drinkers looking for an oak-aged, 100% agave tequila that performs equally well neat and in spirit-forward cocktails, this Highland Jalisco expression delivers verifiable quality at a competitive price point.
