EL Jimador Anejo (750Ml)

El Jimador Añejo is the oldest tequila in the El Jimador line. It starts with 100% Blue Weber agave, harvested by hand. The brand was born at Casa Herradura in Jalisco, Mexico, and it is made under NOM 1119.

The agave ferments in open-air tanks with natural yeasts. It is then distilled twice for a clean, crisp spirit. Next comes a full 12 months in deeply charred American oak barrels. Some retailers describe the wood as toasted white American oak. That year in barrel gives the tequila its rich amber color.

The name honors the jimadores. These skilled workers use a sharp coa to cut each agave down to its heart, or piña. It is bottled at 40% ABV, which is 80 proof.

Pour a glass and you will smell vanilla, hazelnut and a little cinnamon. On the palate, mellow agave meets soft pepper. Butterscotch, orange peel, oak and almond follow. The finish is long, smooth and full-bodied, with oak and a light cherry note.

You can sip it neat or over a single large cube. The brand also likes it as a simple añejo shot. It works well in an añejo Old Fashioned, too. Try it with grilled steak, tacos, aged cheese or a square of dark chocolate.

This bottle suits anyone who wants an aged, 100% agave tequila at an easy price. Collectors can enjoy it, and so can a casual Friday-night sipper.