Tears Of Llorona Tequila Extra Anejo 1.0Ltr

Tears of Llorona (“ur-ona“) is one of those unicorn tequila bottles that sit up there with Clase Azul, waiting for whales to purchase a celebratory shot. It is only available in one expression — the “#3” extra anejo. The number 3 refers to process, as Llorona is aged in three types of barrels — Scotch, sherry, and brandy — for a long five years.

The nose here is every bit as rich and unctuous as you expect. Heavy aromas of maple syrup, fig jam, macerated raisins, and creme brulee dominate an extremely sweet attack — though somehow it never comes across as overwhelming and pushy. Many very old extra anejos come across as just dripping in liquified brown sugar and vanilla, but Llorona keeps a semblance of balance and even finds room for some gentle black pepper and green herbal notes.

There’s not a major departure on the palate as the tequila digs deeper into its punchy dessert-like qualities, though it continues to temper any thoughts of overbearing sweetness with spice and chili, those figs and maple notes laced with rosemary and cayenne. The underlying agave is quieted here, and by the time the finish arrives the sweet and savory have combined to create a lovely combination of sugar and spice. It’s on this conclusion that Tears of Llorona really coalesces and elevates itself into a cohesive whole — one which is hard to put down.