The Íconos de México collection exists to put Mexican folk art on a bottle, and Alebrijes is the most striking entry in it. Alebrijes are a genuine Oaxacan folk art tradition: brightly painted wooden sculptures of impossible hybrid creatures, carved and decorated by hand, usually in vivid pattern work that covers every surface. The creature on this bottle is a winged Xoloitzcuintli, the ancient Mexican hairless dog, rendered in full color across the front panel. It is a decanter you keep after the tequila is gone, which is a large part of the point. What is inside earns the packaging. This is an extra añejo, meaning a minimum of three years in oak, and it is reportedly matured in French oak rather than the American white oak most of the category uses. French oak contributes finer tannin and a more restrained spice profile, tending toward dried fruit and warm baking spice where American oak pushes coconut and heavy vanilla. Three years is a long rest for agave, and at this point the spirit has shifted well away from the bright vegetal character of a blanco toward something closer in weight to a good aged rum or a cognac. Expect a rich and layered nose of vanilla, oak and honey, then a full bodied palate that stays balanced rather than turning syrupy, with a warm spice running underneath and a distinctly sweet vanilla thread. The finish is long and warming. Drink it neat at room temperature in a proper glass and give it time. This is a slow sipping bottle and a serious gift, and it does not belong anywhere near a mixer.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
40% |
| Proof |
80 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Mexico |
| Region |
Jalisco |
| Category |
Tequila |
| Expression |
Extra Añejo |
| Collection |
Íconos de México |
| Agave |
100% agave |
| Age |
Three years, minimum three years required for extra añejo |
| Maturation |
Oak barrels, reported French oak |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep burnished amber from three years in oak.
Nose: Rich and complex, leading with vanilla, oak and honey, with dried fruit and warm baking spice behind.
Palate: Full bodied and smooth, with a distinctly sweet vanilla character over cooked agave, balanced by a gentle spice running through the middle.
Finish: Long and warming, closing on vanilla, oak and lingering spice.
FAQ
What proof is Íconos de México Alebrijes Extra Añejo? It is bottled at 80 proof, or 40 percent alcohol by volume.
What does extra añejo mean? It is the oldest tequila classification, requiring a minimum of three years in oak. It sits above añejo, which requires one year, and reposado, which requires two months.
What is an alebrije? A traditional Mexican folk art form from Oaxaca, in which brightly painted wooden sculptures depict fantastical hybrid creatures. The figure on this bottle is a winged Xoloitzcuintli, the ancient Mexican hairless dog.
How should I drink it? Neat at room temperature, in a glass that lets the aromatics develop. At three years in oak this is a sipping tequila and should not be mixed.
Does it make a good gift? Yes. The hand illustrated decanter is designed to be kept and displayed, which makes this a strong choice for a milestone gift or a collector.
Where can I buy Íconos de México Alebrijes Extra Añejo online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
