One of the most patient expressions in the world of premium tequila, Fuenteseca Reserva Extra Anejo 11 Year spent over a decade resting beneath the earth in a subterranean barrel room under the watchful hand of legendary Master Distiller Enrique Fonseca. This rare Jalisco tequila blends distillate aged in American white oak wine barrels with French dark oak-aged spirit, creating a depth and complexity that rivals the finest aged spirits in the world.

Distilled in late 2008 at NOM 1146 in the Tequila region of Jalisco, this additive-free extra anejo is crafted using a thoughtful dual-still approach: two-thirds of the distillate produced in a double copper column still with plates removed for a lower distillation proof, and one-third from an alembic pot still. The resulting blend rests 30% in American white oak barrels previously used for California red wine and 70% in dark French oak barrels, all laid to rest in a cool, dry underground cellar.

• Nose: Warm toffee, roasted agave, dried mangos, oak, and ground coffee
• Palate: Slightly sweet with baking spices, clove, roasted agave, dried fruit, and pepper
• Finish: A peppery yet delicate finish reminiscent of a well-crafted scotch or cognac

This is a sipping tequila first and foremost, though its richness and structure make it a showstopper in an Old Fashioned for those who want to explore its layers in cocktail form.

Best enjoyed neat or over a single large ice cube to let the full range of aged complexity unfold. Fuenteseca Reserva Extra Anejo 11 Year is produced from blue Weber agave in the Tequila region of Jalisco, Mexico.