Corazon releases second Expresiones batch

Sazerac-owned Corazon Tequila has released the second batch of its Expresiones del Corazon collection, which includes liquid aged in ex-Old Rip Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrels.

The second Expresiones del Corazon batch will be available in the US from October.

Following on from its 2013 releases, the second batch is a narrower offering of a stand-alone, aged Blanco tequila, a Buffalo Trace Reposado and Van Winkle Añejo.

Created using 100% blue agave from Jalisco’s highlands, the brix for Expresiones del Corazon was measured to determine sugar levels before harvest. Two sets of agave were then selected; one with a lower sugar content and a drier taste; the other with a higher sugar content for more floral notes. These were then combined for the Blanco, which is the base for the two other expressions.

The agave was then slow cooked in stone ovens before being distilled in stainless steel pots, using fresh water from the Jalisco highlands. The resulting Tequila was aged at Casa San Matias in Acatic, Los Altos, Jalisco.

Expresiones del Corazon Blanco has given tasting notes including mint and eucalyptus; Buffalo Trace Reposado is said to offer spice, caramel and vanilla; while Van Winkle Añejo features “creamy notes of oak, almond and vanilla”.

According to the brand, it is already “thinking about future experiments” using ex-bourbon barrels that have held other brands.

Available across the US from October in “very limited” quantities, the suggested retail price for Expresiones del Corazon Blanco is $59.99, Buffalo Trace Reposado is $69.99 and Old Rip Van Winkle Añejo is $79.99. All three expressions in the release are 80 proof.

Earlier this year research showed the premium tequila category is threatening the market share of luxury whisky and Cognac.