Tequila Herradura Introduced The World To Reposado and Extra Añejo Expressions of Tequila

by Andrew Chalk

I always took these styles of tequila for granted. The spirit went from blanco to reposado to añejo to extra añejo as the length of oak aging increased. Of course, I had seen Tequila Herradura in countless bars and liquor stores. Little did I realize its role in defining those tequila expressions. This week, some Herradura folks enlightened me and sent a couple of examples -- the reposado and añejo. 

Tasting these, I went from the reposado (2-12 months oak age) to the añejo (one to three years oak age). The experience was a classic example of how the character of agave-based spirits embrace the effect of oak in aging and transform from herbal aromas and flavors to woody and vanilla notes embedding and defining the character.

Below is a description of the full Herradura range and prices, taken from Herradura materials. If you want to learn more about this spirit (sales of which are booming, by the way, especially in the southwest and California) start with the Herradura range and taste through the first four at least. The final two are more of a treat. 

“Born in 1870, Casa Herradura is one of Mexico’s most historic and renowned tequila producers. Known for its iconic horseshoe logo for where it gets its Spanish name, Tequila Herradura introduced the world’s first Reposado and Extra Añejo’s categories, forever changing the world of tequila. Herradura continues to grow while setting the standard for sustainable, quality tequila production.

THE BRAND:

●      An ultra-premium 100% agave tequila crafted by Casa Herradura using traditional production methods such as the most mature blue agave, clay ovens and natural fermentation with wild yeast

●      Casa Herradura is one of Mexico's most historic and renowned tequila producers, hand harvesting, producing and estate bottling fine tequilas from the small town of Amatitán, Jalisco since 1870.

●      Herradura has long emphasized the importance of being an environmental steward to the land and has integrated sustainable practices in many facets of the tequila production process including investment into a water treatment plant, a composting plant and greenhouses.

THE RANGE:

Tequila Herradura is made with 100% Blue Weber Agave grown and harvested in the volcanic Tequila Valley and Highlands surrounding Amatitán. Herradura is one of the only large scale tequila producers to use 100% natural fermentation, a process that naturally imparts the flavors of the over 16 species of fruit trees that grow on the distillery property. Please see the full range listed below:

●      Herradura Silver (SRP $45.00)

●      Herradura Reposado (SRP $45.00)

●      Herradura Añejo (SRP $50.00)

●      Herradura Ultra (SRP $60.00)

●      Herradura Legend Añejo (SRP $149.00)

●      Herradura Selección Suprema (SRP $349.00)”

Sample