The new Tequila 1921 Añejo
Tequila 1921 recently announced the addition of an añejo that is aged for one year in American oak barrels. The new añejo replaces the "Reserva Especial" reposado that was aged for about 9 months. (1921 also offers a reposado that is aged for 4 months.) The company felt that consumers did not understand the term "Reserva Especial," and kept the tequila in the barrel for a few extra months so it could grow into an añejo.
The evolution of the Reserva Especial was a great move; the new añejo is a standout in their already superb lineup.
Tequila 1921 Blanco Tasting Notes
The blanco is unaged tequila that is as clear as purified water. It has a strong astringent scent that is similar to paint thinner. Upon further exploration the nose reveals a nice, subtle floral scent that’s somewhat reminiscent of Don Julio blanco. The first sip is surprisingly tame given the astringent scent, and there is a strong, earthy agave flavor that is nicely accented with black pepper, a hint of fruity citrus, and a lingering herbal aftertaste. The peppery, almost smoky flavor expands on the palate for a medium-long finish that warms from beginning to end.
Tequila Examiner Grade, Tequila 1921 Blanco: B+
Tequila 1921 Reposado Tasting Notes
The color of smooth, pale straw, the 1921 reposado smells great, with a noticeable sweet, mild agave scent that has notes of cinnamon and a lingering scent of fresh grass. It is a creamy, medium-bodied tequila with a strong peppery agave flavor accented with a sweet blend of caramel and citrus. It is fairly sweet for a reposado with soft notes of chocolate and cinnamon, especially in the finish - which is light, but quite a long, spirited aftertaste.
Tequila Examiner Grade, Tequila 1921 Reposado: B+
Tequila 1921 Añejo Tasting Notes
The newest member of the Tequila 1921 family was definitely worth waiting for. It has a bold, bronze color where mild scents of butterscotch and honey hover over the solid aroma of sweet, earthy agave. Let it breathe for a few minutes, and you can detect additional smells, specifically, chocolate. It has a lightly creamy entry that is not too thick or oily. The sweetness of this tequila invigorates the palate and quickly transforms into a unique combination of peppery agave with notes of caramel and a savory vanilla. This is an añejo that has a great finish, starting with roasted peppers that extinguish themselves and offer an arid, caramel-accented sweetness that fights for some attention over the spicy finish. The extra months in the barrel did not cause the Reserva Especial to lose any of its wonderful liveliness.
Tequila Examiner Grade, Tequila 1921 Añejo: A-
Cocktail Notes
Tequila 1921 is one of my favorites in a margarita. The distinctively warm presence of earthy agave blends well with lime juice and triple sec. The drink also enhanced the sweetness of the tequila, allowing you to explore the 1921 lineup from a different perspective. I also made a margarita where I substituted agave nectar for the triple sec, and this brought out the pepper and herbal flavors of 1921.
About Tequila 1921
From Tequila 1921: “1921 Tequila celebrates the Mexican Revolution. Each of the hand-labeled bottles bears tribute to a Mexican hero. Every expression is made entirely from the finest blue agave, the most prized of all agave plants. It takes nine years for the blue agave to reach full maturity and be ready for harvest. After baking and fermentation, the agave syrup is carefully distilled two times in pot stills following the finest traditions.”
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