Review: Gran Centenario Cristalino
Gran Centenario Cristalino Tequila was released November 2022. It is made from 100% blue agave grown on their estate in the Highland region, and crafted at Ex-Hacienda Los Camichines. Don Lazaro Gallardo founded Gran Centenario in 1857. He was a former tavern owner and tequila maker who was the first ever Maestro Tequilero. He used an innovative and proprietary process called Seleccion Suave where he hand selected and blended a mixture of different barrel batches to achieve a unique flavor profile with a vast variety of aromas and flavors. Today Gran Centenario is the best selling tequila in Mexico. Gran Centenario Cristalino is made from a blend of Anejo and Extra Anejo tequilas that were twice distilled in copper pot stills and aged in new American oak barrels. Once married the tequila is finished in Calvados casks for a minimum 2 months. Calvados is an apple brandy only made in Normandy France. The spirit then undergoes a meticulous filtration process that includes Mexican silver. The aroma leads with sliced apple wedges, baking spice, and cooked agave. Additional time brings out caramel and toasted coconut. The sweet agave and apple cider entry builds to a warm caramel and baked spiced apple peak. It fades with vanilla custard and toasted coconut and finishes lightly dry with oak, citrus, toffee, and jalapeno pepper.
NOM: 1122
Region: Highland
40% Alcohol
Score: 93
Award: Gold Medal