Master Distiller Enrique Fonseca distilled this in late winter of 2005 with two-thirds of the expression made in a double-copper column still with plates removed to achieve a lower distillation proof and the remaining third made in an alembic pot still. One third of this lot was then laid into in American white oak previously used to age California red wine, and the remaining two-thirds was barrelled in used dark French Oak. The casks were then rested for the full 11 years at 3,800′ elevation in a cool-climate subterranean barrel room, with the upper-most portion of the room opened to allow for soft air circulation in order to create a drier aging environment.
Fuenteseca Tequila has long held a revered place in the tequila world with aficionados seeking out the extra extra aged spirit.
Extra añejo tequilas in the Fuenteseca line start at a minimum of 7 years and reach all the way up to 21 years. Given that blue weber agave takes 8-10 years to mature to be used to make tequila, these expressions can take nearly 30 years to produce! Enrique Fonseca began experimenting with aging extra añejo tequilas back in the early 2000’s and not only varies the time the tequila rest, but the types of barrels and altitudes in which they rest. From the traditional American and French oak barrels to used bourbon casks, or wine barrels, Enrique has created some of the most unique aged tequilas available.
Most other sipping tequila producers fill their barrels and casks and they stay put for the duration of the aging but not with Fuenteseca tequila. As Enrique tests and tends to the barrels, he will sometimes move them from one location or elevation to another to achieve the tequila aging speed and profile he is looking for. The Fuenteseca Reserva Extra Añejo 21 year, for example, was aged in Canadian rye whiskey barrels for 10 years on a dry, earthen-floor in Atotonilco before being moved to a higher, cooler climate in a different town for an additional 11 years.
AROMA: The nose is chock-a-block full of flavour with notes of molten toffee, roasted agave, mango, oak spice, cola, and butterscotch.
TASTE: The palate entry is delicate, with just a hint of sweetness. Warming spices like nutmeg and clove come through along with roasted agave and toasted fruits, with a delicate kick of vanilla. The finish is long and fades out with generous sprinkle of pepper on the end. This is truly an amazing spirit and will absolutely change your perception of tequila and what it can offer. Bourbon, Scotch, Irish and Cognac fans, this is for you!
BARREL: 1/3 American white oak ex-red wine, 2/3 dark French oak
ENJOY: Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.