Chinaco Tequila Anejo

I drank this tequila out of a crystal snifter. The nose on this is deceiving. It yields a pleasant aroma of agave, vanilla and earth. Upon my first sip I was overwhelmed by the flavor of burnt wood. Then as I sat with it in my mouth, letting the flavors develop and decode, I realized that this Anéjo was over powered by a strange flavor; very reminiscent of Bourbon. In-fact, I question if this tequila was stored in burnt wood barrels. The body was boring with no real definition or characteristics. It had so-so legs and did not impress with any definition. The finish was bathed in the flavor of bourbon.
I will admit, I like my tequila to taste like Agave, mixed with subtle nuances that define its production. If I want bourbon, I will buy bourbon, but I do not... I want Anéjo Tequila. Though this brand is in many bars and served as their "top shelf". I must say I find it very disappointing and not worth the cost of admission. If you want sunshine bathed Agave tasting Tequila, then look elsewhere.

"Elegant" is the word that comes to mind.... From its package, to its aromas, flavours and finish, Chinaco is a rare treat. Deep copper-gold in colour and viscous in the Reidel glass it promises a memorable tasting experience. Nose is vanilla, florals, oak and deep agave. Initial taste is a sweet flush of agave with deeper herbals appearing later. Sweetness rolls over to a very satisfying low bitterness, leading to a long finish with flavours of oak, earth and smoke. Considering its region of origin, Tamaulipas, it is almost in a class of its own. A superbly crafted anejo in every respect.

I paid a little more than other reviewers, but it was the only place I found it - in NY for $56. For the $35-40 others have paid I'd say it would be one of the best values out there. At $56 I'd say it's still a great anejo for the price, but in that range there are others I'd prefer. It's a high quality anejo still and for the most part just comes down to personal preference at that price point. Nose is mostly pleasant with strong caramel, vanilla, fruit, even a slight hint of floral; pretty complex aroma compared to most, even in the $50 range. A fairly thick anejo, not quite syrupy, but leaning that way. Entry is sweet and caramel/vanilla are the predominant flavors with agave and oak quickly coming forth. This actually has a touch more oak flavor than I prefer, but the agave is still present. Bottle is simple, yet unique, and done well, including a nice cork.

I purchased a bottle of this from Wineandliquordepot.com. Let me just say that I was blown away at the quality, not to mention the price relative to high quality tequilas in the industry. This tequila had so much character. As I sipped it there was nothing that I didn't like about it. It was so good that I tasted it side-by-side to Don Julio 1942, and Don Julio (my two favorite anejos). It had strong aromas of vanilla and fruit. It was very sweet, syrupy with no detectable bitterness. The Don Julio anejos are slightly sweeter, and fruitier (citrus) with NO bitterness. This tequila has a much more earthy taste which I appreciated. There were also hints of smoke. This is my new go-to tequila. I am blown away at the quality and have a will have a hard time enjoying the more affordable tequilas that I have been searching for in these economic times. Top-notch all the way, very high in character.

Chinaco Anejo NOM 1127. Tasted on 1/1/09. Two ounces in a snifter at my home tequila bar. Medium golden in color. I was pleasantly suprised at the earthiness of this tequila. The bottle tag stated that this tequila was aged up to four years. I have to say that it tasted like it had been been stored in the oak for the entire period. I particularly enjoyed the natural sweetness that engulfed my palate and the intense agave flavor did not get overpowered by the natural smoke. For the very reasonable price of $39.99, I would rate this anejo equal or above others costing twice as much. The bottle presentation is handsome as well.
Aroma/Nose: Strong Floral & Fruit
Initial Taste: Sweet,intense vanilla, slightly syrupy.
Body: Intense agave, earthy with mild smokiness
Finish: Smooth caramel followed by heat with no biterness.