Pros: Exotic, rich, flavorful; 100% blue agave tequila.
Cons: Fairly expensive at $50+ per bottle.
The Bottom Line: In the battle of Patrón Añejo vs. Tequila 30-30 Añejo ...I declare both to be winners. Two very interesting and different sipping tequilas.
In honor of my 700th review, I pronounce today Tequila Tuesday, and I shall herewith regale my readers with a short review of two aged -- Añejo -- tequilas:
Patrón Añejovs.Tequila 30-30 Añejo
Patrón is a well-known premium brand; the Tequila 30-30 is widely available, but it not listed in Epinions' database.
These tequilas are both made from 100% blue agave; they are double distilled and are aged in small oak barrels for one year.
To the best of my understanding, Patrón -- a very well-known premium brand -- is actually not distilled by "Patrón" (which means "boss") at all. Surprise! This tequila (NOM 1120-T) is owned by Martin Crowley (St. Maarten Spirits Company). The tequila is produced by Siete Leguas (Seven Leagues), which distills tequila in the town of Atotonilco (Jalisco state), not Tequila.
Tequila 30-30 a.k.a. "Treinta-Treinta" (NOM 1068) is produced by Agroindustrias Guadalajara -- which is a co-op of 17 different growers who formed this production company a few short years ago in 1994. The distillery is located in the Los Altos agave growing region, in the town of Capilla de Guadalupe. A 30-30, by the way, is a type of rifle.
Patrón Añejo
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Alcohol: 40% alcohol by volume.
Color: Pale gold, honey pine color.
Aroma: Exotic, fruity pear and ripe agave nose, faint amount of vanilla, oak
Flavor: Splendid, classy, rich; some nutty fruit and ripe agave juiciness -- perhaps a little doughy; long, slightly sweet, lingering finish.
Rating: 4½ stars. Really good.
Tequila 30-30 Añejo
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Alcohol: 40% alcohol by volume.
Color: Pale straw yellow color, clear.
Aroma: Not quite as ripe or as open as the Patrón; a little spicier, woodier, and exhibiting some orange citrus.
Flavor: Woody, orange blossom, earthy and slightly minerally; a macho yet creamy agave; slightly sweet with a heavy oak finish.
Imported by: Sans Wine & Spirits Co., Irvine, CA
Rating: 4½ stars. Really good.
Price and Availability
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I purchased these tequilas at Beverages and More in Orange, California. The Patrón sells for $50 per 750 ml bottle (although I did buy one bottle on sale last December at Sav-On Drug Store -- of all places -- for only $45 just before Christmas). Shop around, but you definitely can expect to pay $50-to-$55 per bottle. The 30-30 Tequila Añejo, more affordably priced, sells for about $30.
Recommendations
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I liked both these tequilas, although they are vastly different. They would both make for a great drink accompaniment with a fine cigar... which is exactly what I did, enjoying them with a C.A.O. L'Anniversaire Cameroon Belicoso. If asked to choose between the two, I'd say the PatrónAñejo was the greatest pleasure for its rich, complex flavor. But, when it comes to regular drinking, I'm very satisfied with the earthy, woody and slightly macho30-30.
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Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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