Tequila has evolved dramatically in recent years. Once known for inexpensive, harsh spirits, many tequilas now reach a level of refinement and complexity they previously lacked. All tequila is produced from the blue agave plant, native to Mexico and primarily cultivated in the state of Jalisco and nearby regions. Lower-cost mixto tequilas must contain at least 51 percent blue agave, while premium tequilas are crafted from 100 percent blue agave. Aging also differentiates quality: lower-end tequilas often spend time in used bourbon casks, whereas high-end expressions may be finished or aged in barrels that previously held wines or spirits such as Bordeaux or Napa Valley wine.
Tequila is classified into four main categories. Blanco (also called silver, platinum, or plata) is clear and aged less than two months. Reposado, which takes on a gentle golden hue, is aged from two to 12 months. Añejo, with a color similar to whiskey, is aged one to three years. In 2006 the Tequila Regulatory Council added a fourth category, extra añejo, for tequilas aged more than three years.
One family-owned producer that has embraced premium production methods is AsomBroso, a small distillery known for a range of high-quality expressions.
Tasting three selections from AsomBroso’s lineup, all bottled at 40 percent alcohol by volume, begins with El Platino, the brand’s silver expression and the foundation of the AsomBroso range. Crystal clear, El Platino shows herbal aromas with subtle almond and orange notes. Its smooth body delivers flavors of vanilla with a faint anise accent, and a lingering finish. AsomBroso positions El Platino as the accessible entry point in its premium line, with a suggested price of around $75.
La Rosa Reposado is aged in Bordeaux oak and displays a delicate pink tint and a fragrant, nuanced nose. On the palate it is full and supple, offering a gentle sweetness and floral undertones that balance the oak influence. La Rosa Reposado is presented as a refined sipping option at a mid-range premium price, approximately $85.
From AsomBroso’s Ultra-Premium collection comes The Collaboration, a richly colored tequila aged 11 years. Part of its maturation takes place in American oak barrels that previously held Silver Oak Cellars’ Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. The result is an inviting, complex aromatic profile featuring vanilla, caramel and butterscotch. The texture is full, round and velvety, and the finish is long and memorable. The Collaboration is offered in an ornate crystal decanter housed in a humidor and is positioned as a luxury collectible, with an approximate price of $1,800.
These three expressions represent just a portion of AsomBroso’s premium offerings, illustrating how contemporary tequila producers blend traditional agave distillation with thoughtful aging choices to create a wide spectrum of flavors and styles for both casual drinkers and connoisseurs.