Introduction: ArteNOM Selección de 1146 Añejo Tequila is a distinguished expression crafted by Master Distiller Enrique Fonseca at Casa Tequileña in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, Mexico. This tequila exemplifies the artistry of blending and aging, resulting in a complex and refined spirit.
Agave Content: Produced from 100% Blue Weber Agave, sourced from the highlands of Jalisco, known for yielding agaves with higher sugar content, contributing to a sweeter and fruitier tequila profile.
Aroma and Flavor Profile:
- Aroma: Enticing notes of butterscotch, citrus, baking spices, and vanilla, creating a rich and inviting bouquet.
- Flavor: A harmonious blend of toffee, walnut candy, custard, orange zest, and dark chocolate, offering a complex and well-rounded palate.
Mouthfeel: Full-bodied and velvety, providing a smooth and lingering finish that highlights its aged character and depth.
Aging Process: This Añejo undergoes a meticulous aging process:
- Initially aged for a minimum of 14 months in used Cabernet Franc wine barrels from the Loire Valley of France.
- Subsequently transferred to toasted American white oak barrels, previously used to age either Canadian whiskey or Tennessee rye whiskey, for an additional 14 months. This dual maturation imparts a unique complexity and balance to the tequila.
Distillery and Production Details:
- Distillery: Casa Tequileña (NOM 1146)
- Region: Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, Mexico
- Cooking: Halved and quartered agave, steam-roasted without pressure in steel ovens for approximately 30 hours, including pre-roast and cool-down periods.
- Extraction: Juice extraction using a proprietary screw press method.
- Fermentation: Fermented in stainless steel vats using Mendoza wine yeast strains.
- Distillation: Double-distilled in copper-pot stills to approximately 53% ABV, then reduced with reverse-osmosis demineralized water.
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 41.3%
Overall Impression: ArteNOM Selección de 1146 Añejo Tequila is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and innovative aging techniques employed by Master Distiller Enrique Fonseca. Its complex aroma and flavor profile, combined with a smooth and luxurious mouthfeel, make it an exceptional choice for sipping neat or enjoying in refined cocktails.