With this latest El Tesoro Mundial Series release, pure agave tequila meets spicy Kentucky straight rye barrels.
At the La Alteña distillery, brother and sister team Carlos and Jenny Camarena age tequila in various barrel types worldwide to create unique and limited añejo expressions. This second installment of the Mundial Series is classic El Tesoro tequila distilled in Mexico’s Jalisco highlands, then aged for one year in 7-year-old Knob Creek rye barrels from Beam Distilling Company in Clermont, Kentucky. The result, according to Jenny Camarena, El Tesoro’s master of operations, is a “fascinating tequila” that was made in the spirit of collaboration and innovation with their Beam-Suntory stablemates from Kentucky.
This latest rye barrel expression follows Mundial’s first bottling, the Laphroaig Edition. Initially launched in 2021, here is a gently smoked tequila matured nine months in ex-bourbon barrels, then finished an additional 4-months in Laphroaig 10 Years Old Single Malt peated casks. And for serious fans, we have great news. El Tesoro announced a second release of The Laphraig Edition, which will be made available in tandem with the Knob Creek Rye release. The bottles are sold individually for a $175 MSRP. Here are company tasting notes on each expression.
“We are thrilled to introduce this exceptional new tequila, produced at our home in La Alteña with barrels so generously provided by our friends at Knob Creek. The way that our delicate Añejo marries with the amazing full-bodied rye barrels makes a delicious treat that we are incredibly proud to share.”
— Jenny Camarena, El Tesoro’s master of operations
El Tesoro Mundial Collection: Knob Creek Rye Edition
Vitals: 80 Proof (40% ABV); Aged One Year; $175
Cooked agave, peaches, bread, vanilla, caramel, pineapple, apple, cinnamon, leather, and delicate floral aromas lead to cooked agave, black pepper, cinnamon, dark chocolate, vanilla, orange peel, plus notes of oak and spices on the palate. The finish is long, with lingering oak, spices, and mineral notes.
El Tesoro Mundial Collection: Laphroaig Edition
Vitals: 80 Proof (40% ABV); Aged 9 months in ex-bourbon and an additional 4 months in peated single malt casks; $175
Aromas of cooked agave, peat, vanilla, caramel, and sea salt with light notes of citrus, cardamom, and leather. The palate features more cooked agave, butterscotch, black pepper, spices, and seasoned oak mingling with citrus. The finish is long with lingering oak, spices, saline, and smoke.
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