SHORT REVIEW: Dulce Vida “Lone Star Edition” Añejo Tequila

Dulce Vida, an Austin, Texas-based tequila company, uses 100% certified organic Blue Weber agaves (which are an average age of “nearly 8 years” old) to produce its certified Kosher tequilas. The agaves’ sugar (brix) levels are tested before harvesting so that Dulce Vida is sure that they have the ideal high brix levels to make better tequila.

The “Lone Star” añejo is a special limited edition that has been aged for 24 months in Garrison Brothers Straight Bourbon barrels. Garrison Brothers is one of the most widely known Texas bourbon distilleries and it uses a mashbill of 74% corn, 15% wheat, and 11% malted barley for its Straight Bourbon. The Texas climate has a significant influence on how the barrels age the whisky, giving the finished product a spicier, hotter finish than bourbons aged in more temperate climates with more consistent daily temperatures. The barrels’ former distillate has a clear and prominent influence on this añejo.

Dulce Vida is distilled by Grupo Industrial Tequilero de Los Altos de Jalisco (NOM 1443) and is overseen by master distiller Carlos Jurado. After harvesting and preparation, the agaves are cooked in an autoclave for 20 hours and the aguamiel is then extracted using a roller mill. Fermentation uses a proprietary yeast. The tequila is then double distilled using stainless steel pot stills and the aged expressions are then put into American White Oak barrels. The 80 proof (40% ABV) tequilas are brought to proof using an unspecified water source. The Lone Star is bottled, however, at 100 proof (50% ABV).

The specific Lot (Lote) of the Lone Star Añejo under review here is L609DVA0921.

*The Denver & Liely Mezcal Glass, pictured here, is ideal for nosing this high proof tequila, allowing the stronger ethanol to dissipate, allowing the other aromas to emerge more fully. I highly recommend getting one.

COLOR: light straw

AROMA PROFILE: Strong ethanol initially & consistently, but in the Denver & Liely Mezcal Glass, the ethanol dissipates more & allows the other aromas to become more prominent; Vanilla; Caramel; Cooked agave & sweet baking spices incl. cinnamon, nutmeg, & cloves; prominent Oak/Barrel notes & barrel spice; a spicy/hot Texas bourbon note; Black Pepper; Honeyed apple/orchard fruits note; caramelized banana

PALATE: Initial sweetness followed quickly by powerful mix of Oak/Barrel spice & some Oak tannin bitterness; strong Black Pepper & alcohol kick; light Salinity; Caramel & Vanilla

MOUTHFEEL: Medium viscosity leaving tears/legs & pearls on the glass; Creamy/Buttery/Oily (full mouthfeel)

FINISH: Medium (Oak tannins & caramel/vanilla sweetness last a bit longer)

VALUE: Very good barrel-aged tequila for lovers of (spicier) bourbons & whisky drinkers who think they “don’t like” tequila; In a blind, to those unfamiliar with the flavors of cooked Blue Weber agave, this could easily pass as a Texas bourbon.