Tequila Tapatio to release second extra añejo

Tequila Tapatio is planning to release a second batch of its extra añejo expression, called Excelencia Gran Reservas, later this year.

Tequila Tapatio will release a second extra añejp expression later this year

The expression, distilled in 2001, has been aged for 4.5 years in American oak before being stored in stainless steel “under the influence of natural oxidation”.

The news of the launch comes as Charbay Distillers, the US importer for Tapatio, said Excelencia Gran Reservas was distilled early than originally thought, and is one of the oldest Tequilas on the market.

The 100% agave añejo, created by Carlos Camarena of Jalisco’s La Altena Distillery, was distilled in 1996.

“All of the Excelencia that has reached the market has been from the same batch, distilled in 1996, then aged for four years, then stored for over 13 years in glass 5 liter jars,” said Camarena.

“I distilled this Tequila almost 20 years ago. I didn’t make any rules for when, or if, I would release it,” said Camarena. He added that the brand had used the expression for blending only, but released it as an individual bottling following consumer demand.

Excelencia Gran Reservas, made with 100% estate-grown blue agave, is available as a limited edition in the US, Mexico and UK.