Rey Sol Tequila Anejo 750ML is a 100% blue agave extra añejo tequila bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a handcrafted 750ml decanter. Aged a minimum of five years in French oak barrels, this expression from Casa San Matias earned a Silver Medal at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and arrives in a striking sun-shaped decanter designed by renowned Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Los Altos, Jalisco, Mexico | Aged 5+ Years in French Oak | Distillery: Casa San Matias (NOM 1103) Production & Heritage Casa San Matias, located in Ojo de Agua in the Los Altos highlands of Jalisco, holds a notable place in tequila history as the distillery credited with producing the world's first extra añejo expression. The distillery is also recognized for being among the first with a female owner and operator. Rey Sol is made from 100% highland blue agave, double distilled in stainless steel pot stills, then rested for a minimum of five years — with some sources citing up to six years — in French oak barrels. Though sometimes listed simply as "Añejo," the extended aging period firmly places Rey Sol in extra añejo territory, yielding a deeply complex spirit with pronounced wood influence and rich confectionery character. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with assertive oak and toasted hazelnut, followed by layers of dark chocolate, vanilla, and roasted almonds. Dried fruit and a faint butterscotch sweetness round out the bouquet. Taste: The entry is smooth and sweet, with dominant French oak character leading into a mid-palate of dark chocolate, dried plum, and cherry. As it develops, butterscotch and baking spice emerge, balanced by the underlying earthy agave core that persists despite the lengthy barrel aging. Finish: Long and warming, with lingering notes of chocolate and almond that slowly fade into toasted oak. The texture is velvety, with a gentle dryness on the tail end that invites the next sip. How to Drink Rey Sol Rey Sol is best appreciated neat in a Riedel tequila glass or snifter at room temperature, allowing the complex French oak character and layered confectionery notes to fully present themselves. A few drops of water can open up the dried fruit and butterscotch notes further. For cocktail use, consider an Old Fashioned, where the deep oak and chocolate tones substitute beautifully for aged bourbon; a Tequila Manhattan, where the dried fruit and vanilla complement sweet vermouth naturally; or a Boulevardier variation, replacing whiskey with Rey Sol to add agave depth beneath the bittersweet profile. Best For Gifting a tequila enthusiast who appreciates artisan packaging and extended aging After-dinner sipping as a dessert substitute alongside dark chocolate Display-worthy collector bottles featuring the Sergio Bustamante sun decanter Milestone celebrations where presentation and depth of flavor both matter Frequently Asked Questions What does Rey Sol taste like? Rey Sol delivers a rich, oak-forward profile with dominant notes of dark chocolate, roasted almond, vanilla, and dried fruit. Extended French oak aging gives it a velvety sweetness balanced by subtle agave earthiness. How does Rey Sol compare to Chinaco Negro Extra Añejo? Both are premium extra añejo expressions aged extensively in oak, but Rey Sol leans heavier into chocolate and French oak sweetness from its five-plus years in French barrels, while Chinaco Negro is often noted for a spicier, more herbaceous agave-forward character. Rey Sol's Bustamante-designed decanter also makes it more of a presentation piece than Chinaco Negro's traditional bottle. Is Rey Sol good for sipping neat? Rey Sol is ideally suited for neat sipping, as the extended aging produces a smooth, layered complexity that rewards slow, contemplative drinking. The 40% ABV makes it approachable without excessive heat. Where is Rey Sol made? Rey Sol is produced by Casa San Matias (NOM 1103), located in Ojo de Agua in the Los Altos highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. The highland terroir contributes sweeter, fruitier agave character to the spirit before barrel aging. What foods pair well with Rey Sol? Dark chocolate truffles amplify the spirit's cocoa and almond notes. Aged Manchego or Gouda complement the oak and butterscotch richness. Mole negro mirrors the dark fruit and spice complexity. Crème brûlée echoes the caramelized vanilla. Roasted almonds or pecans reinforce the nutty undertones in the finish. What sizes does Rey Sol come in? Rey Sol is primarily available in the standard 750ml decanter format. Is Rey Sol worth the price? Rey Sol positions as a ultra-premium extra añejo tequila, and the five-plus years of French oak aging combined with the collectible Sergio Bustamante decanter provide tangible justification for its price tier. Within the extra añejo category, the aging length and presentation place it among serious collector and connoisseur expressions. Why Rey Sol? Few tequilas commit to the kind of extended French oak maturation that defines Rey Sol — five or more years in barrel transforms highland blue agave into something closer to a fine aged Cognac in complexity, while retaining its Mexican identity. Casa San Matias's pioneering role in creating the extra añejo category lends genuine historical weight to the bottle. The Sergio Bustamante sun decanter is not a marketing afterthought but a collaboration with one of Mexico's most celebrated sculptors, making each bottle a functional art piece. For drinkers seeking depth, heritage, and visual impact in a single expression, Rey Sol remains one of the more compelling options in the extra añejo space.
