San Matias Tequila Anejo Gran Reserva

Very sweet aroma of brown sugar and vanilla. A great viscousy extra anejo. The best part is that it doesn't taste like the barrel -bourbon. Too many times 3+ years in a barrel makes a tequila loose its herbaceous goodness. This still tastes like agave with a subtle smokiness. Great for desert and it looks great in the glass. (dark tequila usually equates to expensive) For $50, it is a great sipper.

I paid $38.99 for a bottle of this tequila and drank it out of a crystal snifter
This Añejo is really good and has a nose that is very enjoyable. It displays a fine range of complexity and age. The body is oily with nice legs that drip slowly down the glass. Once I sipped it and swirled it around my mouth, I was taken back by its dynamics and hints of smoke. Vanilla, oak, sunshine and earth are all present in the main flavor stage. With the swallow, an enjoyable mount of mineral mixed with the alcohol burn. The burn is mild, but does a nice job of spreading the love into your taste buds.
I am not a fan of smokey Añjo, but this one displays a very mild tone of smoke that does not over power the agave or white oak (that it is rested in).
Over all, this is a fine tequila. One that should be tried by any ardent fan of this sublime spirit.

Bought 3/2/10, paid $46, sampled from a tall shot glass. The bottle is elegant but a bit bland, corked top, your not buying because of the bottle I hope. Color is a beautiful amber slides quickly down the glass, leaves lasting legs and will gather on the sides after several moments. Let it settle for a bit, the nose will get more complex, agave, alcohol, caramel, vanilla, oak... and much more. Wow, settles nicely on the tongue, almost a shame to have to swallow, I held this longer than most, letting it infuse with the buds, too good. Swallowing is another reward. Excellent body, smooooooooooth, full of multiple details that can only be achieved with substantial time in the barrel and frankly defy description. Has a delayed finish with a slight alcohol burn that lingers on the tongue.... very nice. Like a good women, this anejo leaves only fond memories.

Not too bad for a mixto. I received this by accident in a shipment from Hi Times. They corrected the mistake and let me keep this as a gift. The aroma is full of vanilla and caramel. The taste is at first a little harsh then it smooths. It does finish with some alcohol burn but now I think I know why ;). The retail price is about $50, I wouldn't pay that for it but for $20, maybe. It might be good in a margarita, but I'd rather use an inexpensive 100% repo for that.

I really enjoyed San Matias Gran Reserva. For $12 a shot, I wasn't expecting much, but this was a very pleasant surprise.

For a 3 year age, San Matias Gran Reserva retains quite a bit of agave flavor while gaining a nice amount of wood and smoke. Mild hints of tobacco and coffee round out the flavors in this medium bodied, smooth tequila.

You can't miss at this price. I highly recommend it.