San Matías Gran Reserva Extra Añejo was one of the first extra añejo tequilas, debuting in 1993. Produced by Casa San Matías (Casa San Matias) distillery (NOM 1103), Gran Reserva is made using mature 7 to 10-year-old Blue Weber agaves that are cooked in stone/brick ovens for 48 hours at 194 degrees. The cooked agaves than have their aguamiel (sugars) extracted from the fibers using a roller-mill. The aguamiel is then fermented for 72 hours in open-air stainless steel tanks using natural, local yeast. The tequila is then double distilled using a stainless steel pot still at very low temperature before being transferred to new French Oak barrels to age for 3 years. The distillery is one of the few with a female master distiller (maestra tequilera), Rocío Rodriguez.
The normal version of the Gran Reserva is a blend of extra añejos and is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV). The version of the Gran Reserva under review here is a single barrel (Barrel #129) originally purchased by a Virginia restaurant that then reneged on its agreement with the VA ABC and returned a large number of bottles, resulting in it being banned from ordering single barrels anymore. The restaurant’s name has been redacted for legal reasons. This single barrel is 90 proof (45% ABV).
The extra añejo comes in a black glass bottle that looks elegant, though part of me wishes the bottle was clear glass to the tequila’s beautiful golden color was visible inside. Some people may not like the screw cap top, but the cap does ensure for an airtight seal that better protects the tequila from evaporation and over-aeration.
*93/100
COLOR: Golden amber
NOSE: Deep & rich with prominent alcohol initially (this dissipates as it aerates in the glass) with sweet, spice notes. The aroma profile is defined by a mix of Cooked Agave & Baking Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Cardamom) with Oak/Barrel notes reminiscent of walking through a Christmas market where there are lots of wood ornaments, trees, & wreaths, evoking a winter vibe. There is also some Caramel/Butterscotch, Vanilla, Dark Cherries (somewhat akin to the cherry cordial fillings chocolates), Dark Chocolate mixed with Hazelnuts, & a deeply spiced Honey. The aroma profile reminds me of the Panettone with raisins & dried fruits that I grew up with (or a Babka).
PALATE: The flavor profile is much less sweet than the nose suggests. What comes across are the deep spice, Oak/Barrel notes, Dark Chocolate/Cacao, Dark Red Fruits (Cherries) & Dried Fruits, Black Pepper, & spiced Honey. There is a hint of anise-like or Oak tannin bitterness, but it is balanced by the spice, Oak, & the other flavors.
FINISH: Medium-long
MOUTHFEEL: Good viscosity with tears/legs & pearls on the sides of the glass
PRICE POINT (IN MY AREA): $60
VALUE: The regular version of the Gran Reserva is one of my favorite extra añejos at an excellent price. This single barrel dials all the regular version’s flavors up to 13.
ALWAYS ON SHELF/BUY AGAIN? It’s a single barrel and I’ve bought multiple bottles. The regular Gran Reserva will always be on my shelf.
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