Real Hacienda Anejo - 2 yr. - NOM 1111-I - 40%
Context: Tracking down history on this bottle is a good exercise in vintage spirits research. You always want to start with the distillery if possible, in this case Tequila Viuda de Romero, S.A. (NOM 1111-I). The Romero name has a long history of spirits production dating back to 1852. By 1888 the family had entered into a partnership with “The Father of Tequila” Don Cenobio Sauza. The distillery remained family run until it was sold in 1933 and then changed hands over the next few decades until the facility that distilled this anejo was built in 1985. This was produced in 15-ton autoclaves and aged in 2 years in bourbon barrels. By 1997, a new distillery had been built by Seagram’s which produced Olmeca and Mariachi. Researching the importer, Mina International Services, Phoenix, Arizona, turns up a company formed in 1992. There’s no CRT on the label which means this was bottled pre-1996/1997. There’s a “5” embossed on the bottom of the glass so I’m guessing this is a 1995 or 1996.
My first time taking notes on Real Hacienda Anejo was on March 4th, 2019.
Those notes are in italics. Above those will be the current tasting.
Nose: It’s a bright nose with lemon, florals, and bee’s wax (some Clynelish here). Some roasted and honey notes added depth. Really fresh and natural top to bottom. Nice depth.
Minerality. Honey. Light florals. Faint vegetal notes (crisp peapods). A complex and layered nose.
Flavor: Bright to sweet to bitter to sweet. Lots of candied lemon. Waxy again. The oak gets a little tannic toward the finish. This plays more like natural root-driven bitterness and less like bourbon oak. I’d call it a very soft touch with the oak even with the bitterness creeping in. The sweeter floral notes transition out of the tannins for a pleasant finish.
Citrus. Rose petals. Light oak. Grilling spice blend. Vegetal (bitter) notes right before the finish.
Palate Structure: The nose has the volume turned up. So you expect more from the palate than you get. It’s moderately complex, but a little quiet and linear.
Slow roll with the flavors really gives you time to explore. Dynamic.
Alcohol Integration: In good shape here.
Said the same.
You May Also Dig:
Clynelish Single Malt Scotch, 100 proof or less, ex-bourbon barrels
Score: 6 (Solid) I scored this a B in my old rating system so right in the same ballpark. I had a very similar opinion of it this time. I feel like I appreciate the nose more and the palate seems a little less dynamic than I remember. But what's really on display is a nice weighty mouthfeel (likely from a low distillation proof) and bright fruit/floral notes that reflect mature agave and careful aging to keep the barrel influence in check.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate My Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Wish I Was Drinking Something Else
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour
Sources: Real Hacienda, Olmeca, Mina International, CRT