Review: Cierto Tequila Private Collection Anejo

Cierto recently became the first tequila brand to surpass 700 International medals and awards.  Having already sampled and reviewed Cierto Tequila Private Collection Blanco and Reposado I’m not surprised. I’m now anxious to open my bottle of Cierto Anejo.  Before I do, a little history of Cierto is in order.  Todd Chaffee CEO of Elevated Spirits Company set a goal to make the worlds finest tequila.  He worked with Master Distillers Enrique Fonseca and Sergio Mendoza 4th and 5th generation agavero’s to accomplish this task.  Their family has grown agave since the 1800’s.  Cierto Anejo is made from estate grown agave from the Atotonilco Highlands.  Cierto is crafted at La Tequilena Distillery.  Cierto Anejo is gently matured for 18 months in French Limousin oak barrels previously used to age wine, cognac and Armagnac.  Prior to bottling, the tequila is blended with aged tequilas from the Fonseca’s Private stock of tequila.  Simply making the finest tequila does not insure success.  With over 1000 tequilas on the market today, shelf space is hard find unless you are a Multinational or celebrity owned tequila brand.  Todd felt the best way to market was to prove his tequila was the best tasting before launching the brand.  With over 700 awards and medals from the worlds most respected reviewers, and publications, I’d say mission accomplished.  The aroma leads with roasted agave, leather, cinnamon, vanilla, and oak.  Additional time brings out cocoa, roasted almonds, and whole sliced lemon.  The sweet cinnamon apple entry has a very soft mouth feel.  Oak and honey arrive building to a dark chocolate buttercream and salty agave peak.  It fades with lemon and tropical fruit and finishes semi-dry with toasted oak, pineapple, melted chocolate, lemon zest, vanilla, and pepper.  Cierto Private Collection Anejo is a silky smooth sipper that’s sure to impress and hard to put down.

NOM: 1146

40% Alcohol

Score: 93

Award: Gold Medal