Corazon Tequila has again aged stand-alone Blanco tequila in barrels that once held Old Rip Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace whiskey. The result is a limited, high-end collection of tequilas; Expresiones del Corazon
This is the second release in this series, after the success of the 2013 line, the company said. This second release is more limited than the first, resulting in a narrower offering of Blanco, Buffalo Trace Reposado and Van Winkle Añejo.
While other products went through similar experimentation, the Corazon experts reviewed the results and selected “just the very best barrels” for this second release, the company said, passing up the ones that didn’t match Corazon Tequila’s “high standards for quality and taste.”
Using 100 percent blue agave from the highlands of Jalisco, the brix for Expresiones del Corazon was measured to determine sugar levels before harvest, rather than a traditional clear cut, the company said. Two sets of agave were harvested, one with a lower sugar content and flavored a little drier, and one with a higher sugar content considered a little sweeter for agave, resulting in more floral notes.
The result was a harmonization of the two sets of agave in the Blanco, which was then used as the base for the other Expresiones del Corazon. The agave is slow cooked in stone ovens before being distilled in stainless steel pots using fresh spring water from the Jalisco highlands. The tequila then ages at Casa San Matias in Acatic, Los Altos Jalisco.
Notes of sweet, soft, mint and eucalyptus make up the Blanco, the company said, along with a slight tanginess. Buffalo Trace Reposado’s taste — complete with a touch of spice, caramel and vanilla — is reminiscent of the bourbon, according to the company.
And for Van Winkle fans, the Van Winkle Añejo tequila has creamy notes of oak, almond and vanilla, the company said.
Expresiones del Corazon will be available nationally in October. Quantities are very limited. The suggested retail price for the Blanco is $59.99, Buffalo Trace Reposado is $69.99 and Old Rip Van Winkle Añejo is $79.99.
All three expressions in this release are 80 proof.
