Nose: Sweet agave leads, backed by creamy vanilla and a clean mineral note. There’s a soft floral lift, a touch of honey, and - once you catch it, a surprising pop of Junior Mints. Not overpowering, but enough to raise an eyebrow in a good way. Palate & Mouthfeel: Light but somehow still full. The sweet agave carries through with layered minerality and a bit of earth. Mint shows up again, joined by a touch of anise that gives it a cool, herbal edge. Clean and composed throughout. Finish: Short and easygoing, but not forgettable. A light finish with soft agave and just enough anise to keep it interesting. Final Thoughts: Simple, light, and delicious. It drinks like a lower ABV but still offers enough nuance to keep you engaged. A great change of pace and a reminder that “lighter” doesn’t mean less thoughtful.

This was a treat of a pour. Elegant, rich, and still very much agave forward despite the extended aging. On the nose, it opens with a deep, rich cooked agave aroma that’s impressive for an XA. Caramel and vanilla come in smooth and warm, layered with oak, cinnamon, and a touch of baking spice. There’s a comforting, almost dessert like quality to it without being overly sweet. Just really well balanced. On the palate, the cooked agave is still front and center, which I really appreciate in an extra anejo. Caramel and vanilla are prominent, adding sweetness and roundness, while black pepper and cinnamon bring some nice warmth. The oak influence is present but not overpowering, and there’s a soft honey note that adds depth. Baking spice lingers on the finish, tying everything together beautifully. This one feels refined and thoughtfully aged. It never gets too woody or syrupy, and the agave holds its ground the whole way through. It’s a standout XA that knows how to show its age without losing its soul.

Excellent XA. Excellent blend of American and French oak. Price results in lower score.

With a deep inhale, there's a sharp peppery lift followed by an earthy minerality, vegetal undertones, and a trace of sweet cooked agave. On the palate, warm mint and pine open up with bursts of peppermint, petrichor, and a touch of dill. There's a subtle, bitter grassiness and a green pepper note, rounded out by light vanilla and sweet, cooked agave. A bold, expressive citrus tone briefly commands attention before quickly fading. The finish lingers with cooked agave’s prune-like depth, a grounding vegetal earthiness, and a mineral-rich, fresh-water quality. A faint pepperiness remains, a bit subtle, and complementary. This was much better than expected.

Tried at Anejo volans event, need go add notes

Tasted at Sabor y Cultura Chicago. Delicious!