Adictivo Extra Añejo Cristalino Review

Last Updated on: 16th May 2024, 12:34 pm

Discover everything about the sweet and smooth Adictivo Extra Añejo Cristalino Tequila in this in-depth review!

Reviewed by: J Highland

Adictivo Extra Añejo Cristalino: Sweet Sipping Tequila (But Maybe Not for Purists)

Rating: ⭐⭐

This Cristalino tequila offers a unique twist on a classic spirit, but is it the right choice for you? Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

Sweet and Smooth:

• Adictivo Extra Añejo Cristalino boasts a smooth and sweet taste profile, perfect for easy sipping.
• This sweetness might be a major draw for those who enjoy liqueurs or other sweeter spirits.

Consider the Sweetness:

• Tequila expert Neil Coleman and other experts highlight the potential downside of the sweetness. For those who prefer a more traditional, agave-forward tequila taste, this might be a turn-off.
• There's also some speculation about added sweeteners, which could affect the overall authenticity for some drinkers.

Price and Proof:

• Be prepared for a higher price tag compared to other Extra Añejos.
• Additionally, the alcohol content (proof) is on the lower side.
• This, combined with the sweetness, has led some reviewers to suggest there might be better options in the Cristalino or Extra Añejo category.

Verdict:

Adictivo Extra Añejo Cristalino offers a unique and potentially appealing option for those who enjoy sweet drinks. However, the level of sweetness and the price point are important factors to consider. If you prefer a more traditional tequila experience or are on a budget, there might be better choices out there.

Related: Favorite Extra Añejo Tequilas

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Agave, oak, cherry, alcohol
• Palate: Apple, vanilla, alcohol
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat, rocks
• Similar to: Clase Azul

If you take your time, you'll detect some agave and oak from the French barrels on the light nose, along with some cherry and vanilla notes and a slight hint of alcohol at the end.

While the body is a bit too thin for a Tequila in this price range, the palate is incredibly smooth and sweet, without any harshness, alcohol burn, or bite.

The flavor is predominantly sweet and sugary, with noticeable hints of vanilla and apple.

It tastes more like flavored Vodka than Tequila!

How did I review Adictivo Cristalino?

I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller.

My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and Tequila expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.

I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.

Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.

⭐ - Poor, ⭐⭐ - Average, ⭐⭐⭐ - Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Excellent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Drink

• Adictivo Extra Añejo Cristalino is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks for those who prefer a chilled drink. Its lack of harshness makes it a pleasant sipping Tequila. Due to its pronounced sweetness and high price, it's not recommended for use in cocktails. For mixed drinks, it's generally better to use spirits priced under $30 USD, as the nuances of more expensive Tequilas can be lost when combined with other flavors.

Price

• The price of Adictivo Extra Añejo Cristalino is around $110 in the United States and approximately $70 USD in Mexico (1,400 MXN), reflecting its premium status.

Alternatives

• As alternatives in a similar price range, consider Patron Extra Añejo, Avion 44 Reserva, and Casa Noble Single Barrel Extra Añejo. These Tequilas are slightly cheaper and offer superior quality, making them excellent choices for those seeking a premium Extra Añejo experience.

Aging Process

• Adictivo Extra Añejo Cristalino is aged for an extended period of 7 years in French oak barrels, significantly longer than the typical 3-4 years for most Extra Añejos. Before bottling, it undergoes a filtration process through activated charcoal, removing the deep amber color and softening the flavor, a technique more commonly used in whiskey production.

Where is it Made?

• Adictivo Tequila is produced at the Tequilera Puerta de Hierro distillery in El Arenal, Jalisco, Mexico. This distillery is responsible for crafting around 30 other Tequila brands, including Cava de Oro and Macho Prieto.

Adictivo Extra Añejo Cristalino: Specs

• Type: Extra Añejo Cristalino
• Proof: 76
• 100% Agave: Yes
• ABV: 38%
• Double-distilled: Yes
• Flavor Profile: Extremely sweet, possibly cloying, without warmth or smokiness
• Suitability for Beginners: Yes, particularly for those who prefer sweeter spirits
• Ideal for Cocktails: No, its sweetness and price make it less suitable for mixed drinks
• Calories per Shot: 69
• Gluten-Free: Yes
• Keto-Friendly: Yes