Chinaco Tequila Añejo
Photo courtesy of Chinaco Tequila
Awards & Recognition
- Gold Award at 2011 Spirits of Mexico Competition
Price Range
Premium — $51–$100
Where to Buy
THL: What is it?
Chinaco Tequila Añejo is aged for three years in oak barrels that yield rich flavors of baked fruit, brown sugar and flowers.
THL: Why should you try it?
Chinacos were wealthy landowners forced to become warriors who defended Mexico from French invaders in the 1800s. The people of Mexico adored them for their bravery. Chinaco tequila producer Guillermo Gonzales fought his own battle when he had to petition the government to permit production of tequila outside of the region of Jalisco, and named his hooch as a tribute to the brave warriors. Chinaco Añejo Tequila is aged in a combination of white oak barrels from France and England that previously held Scotch whisky, and used American bourbon casks. The mix of barrels lends a complexity to this herbaceous tequila, making for an incredibly smooth spirit that is ideal for savoring neat.
THL: Who makes it?
Chinaco Tequila is produced in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The agave plants that were grown on the estate were originally destined to be sent to Jalisco (then the only legal Denomination of Origin or DOM) after they had matured, but the buyers refused to pay the asking price when the agave was ready for harvest. Tequila producer Guillermo Gonzalez petitioned the Mexican government to amend the legistlature to permit production outside of Jalisco. After four years of petitioning, Tequilera La Gonzalena was the first tequila distillery in Tamaulipas and home of Chinaco Tequila. They also produce Chinaco Blanco and Chinaco Reposado.
THL: What does it taste like?
Baked pears topped with vanilla ice cream and sprinkled with cinnamon
THL: How should you drink it?
Sip slowly in a Cognac glass, and pretend you’re a Mexican rebel after a long day of fighting injustice.
Or for something completely different, try mixing up your next Old-Fashioned with this spirit for a Mexican twist on an American classic.
