Introduction:
Tapatio Excelencia Extra Añejo is the ultra-premium expression from the esteemed La Alteña distillery in the Los Altos region of Jalisco, Mexico. Crafted under the expertise of master distiller Carlos Camarena, this Gran Reserva is a small-batch, long-aged tequila that represents the pinnacle of Tapatio’s artisanal production—designed exclusively for sipping and connoisseur appreciation.

Agave Content:
Produced from 100% mature Blue Weber Agave, grown in the high-altitude Los Altos (Highlands) of Jalisco. The agaves are harvested at peak maturity to extract maximum natural sweetness and character.

Aroma and Flavor Profile:

Aroma:
Rich and layered, with aromas of cooked agave, grilled pineapple, apricot, vanilla, toasted oak, and subtle spice. Notes of caramel, butter, and dried citrus zest rise from the glass, balanced by an earthy highland herbaceousness.

Flavor:
Smooth and complex, offering sweet roasted agave at the core, enhanced by flavors of toffee, dark chocolate, baking spice, black pepper, and a hint of citrus. Layers of caramel, oak char, and dried fruit unfold with each sip, culminating in a long, warm, and peppery finish that echoes the tequila's highland roots.

Mouthfeel:
Medium to full-bodied with a velvety, almost oily texture. The mouthfeel is elegant and rounded, beginning with a soft entry that transitions into a lingering, warming spice. The finish is dry yet persistent, leaving a satisfying trace of oak and agave.

Aging Process:
Aged approximately 4 years in new, heavily charred American white oak barrels. The “alligator char” level brings a depth of barrel influence that includes smoke, spice, and a touch of bitterness, while still allowing the cooked agave to shine through. Some batches may see slightly longer aging or blending with older stock for added complexity.

Distillery and Production Details including NOM Designation:
Distillery: La Alteña Distillery
NOM: 1139
Region: Arandas, Los Altos, Jalisco, Mexico
Cooking: Traditional brick ovens (hornos)
Extraction: Roller mill
Fermentation: Stainless steel tanks, ambient yeast
Distillation: Double distilled in copper pot stills
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 40% (80 proof)

Farming Practices:
Tapatio emphasizes traditional and sustainable farming practices. The Camarena family maintains a strong connection to land stewardship, cultivating agave without synthetic additives or industrial shortcuts. Though not certified organic, the process reflects a deep commitment to artisanal quality and ecological respect.

Overall Impression:
Tapatio Excelencia Extra Añejo is a masterclass in aged tequila, offering a rich, oak-driven experience without compromising the bold, expressive character of Los Altos agave. Balanced, luxurious, and deeply flavorful, it is best enjoyed neat to savor the full range of aromas and textures. This tequila is ideal for seasoned aficionados and collectors seeking a complex, long-aged spirit that honors traditional methods.