Last Updated on: 16th May 2024, 12:43 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
Discover everything about San Matias Gran Reserva Extra Añejo in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Reviewed by: J Highland
San Matias Extra Añejo Tequila: Budget-Friendly Extra Añejo (Smooth, Caramel & Vanilla Notes)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tequila authority Neil Coleman shines a light on San Matias Extra Añejo, a budget-friendly option that breaks the mold in the Extra Añejo category. Let's delve into what makes it special:
Strengths:
- Exceptional Value: San Matias stands out as one of the most affordable Extra Añejos on the market, significantly undercutting pricier options.
- Quality Beyond Price: Despite the lower price tag, the quality is surprisingly high, exceeding expectations for its price point. Neil Coleman himself recommends it as a fantastic value.
- Smooth and Easy Drinking: This Extra Añejo boasts a smooth taste free of any harshness, making it enjoyable to sip neat.
- Caramel & Vanilla Indulgence: The flavor profile is rich with prominent notes of caramel and vanilla, offering a delightful sipping experience.
- Straightforward Pleasure: San Matias offers a pleasant and uncomplicated Extra Añejo experience, perfect for those who appreciate a smooth and flavorful tequila.
- Great Entry Point: Tequila expert Miguel Ortega suggests San Matias as an ideal introduction to the world of Extra Añejos tequilas, allowing you to explore the category without breaking the bank.
Weaknesses:
- Lacks Nuanced Flavors: While smooth and enjoyable, San Matias might not possess the complex and nuanced flavors found in some top-shelf Extra Añejos.
Verdict:
San Matias Extra Añejo Tequila is a fantastic option for those seeking a high-quality Extra Añejo experience at a budget-friendly price. Its smooth taste, rich caramel and vanilla notes, and easy drinking character make it a great choice, especially for those new to Extra Añejos or those who are value-conscious. While it might not offer the full spectrum of flavors found in the most expensive Extra Añejos, Neil Coleman still considers it a steal for its price point.
What's special about it?
- San Matias was the first Extra Añejo Tequila in the market when launched in 1993.
- Priced under $50 it is the most affordable Extra Añejo which is the most luxurious and expensive type of Tequila.
- Aged for 3 years in bourbon and French oak casks.
This review is on the US release as the Mexican version is different as it's not 100% agave and is bottled at a lower proof.
Tasting Notes
- Taste: Agave, cinnamon, oak, ripe fruit
- Palate: Caramel, vanilla, oak, leather
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat, rocks
The aroma of the Tequila initially reveals notes of agave, followed by hints of cinnamon, oak, and a subtle touch of ripe fruit as it opens up.
When tasted, it offers a medium body, providing a satisfying mouthfeel.
The first sip delivers a pleasant and smooth sweetness, featuring flavors of caramel and vanilla, accompanied by notes of oak and aged leather.
The finish is lingering, with a mild presence of black pepper that adds a touch of spice, balanced by a lingering hint of caramel sweetness.
How did I review San Matias Gran Reserva?
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
Alternatives
- San Matias is unparalleled in its price bracket for Extra Añejo Tequilas, offering a blend of quality and affordability that is hard to match.
- Casa Noble Single Barrel Extra Añejo is a commendable higher-priced alternative. At about $100, it offers a rich profile and remarkable value, making it a strong candidate for those looking to explore beyond San Matias without significantly increasing their budget.
How to Drink It
- The sweet and smooth character of San Matias is best appreciated neat, ideally in a Glencairn glass to enhance its aromatic qualities.
- For a slightly chilled experience, opt for large ice cubes, which dilute the drink minimally, preserving the flavor integrity.
Who Makes It
- Casa San Matias, one of Mexico's oldest distilleries, established in 1886 in Jalisco, Mexico, is the proud producer of San Matias.
Ownership
- Carmen Villarreal leads the operation at San Matias, overseeing its production and quality.
Price
- San Matias offers good value within its category, with prices around $50 at Total Wine and $60 on Drizly in USD.
Alcohol Content
- Consistent with Tequila standards, San Matias is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV).
Does It Expire? Does It Go Bad?
- Tequila's shelf life is indefinite if stored properly, though it's advisable to consume it soon after opening. Flavor may change as the bottle empties, suggesting a quicker consumption once it's 25% full to avoid taste alterations.
Does It Have Sugar?
- With minimal sugar content, San Matias is suitable for those on a low-sugar diet. Be cautious with mixers, as many contain high sugar levels. Selecting sugar-free or low-sugar options is advisable to maintain a low-sugar consumption.
Does It Have Carbs? Is It Keto-Friendly?
- Tequila, including San Matias, is carb-free and keto-friendly, though moderation is recommended due to its alcohol content.
Additives
- While it's easier to detect additives in Blanco Tequilas than in Extra Añejos, San Matias's quality and price point make it a less concerning issue for many consumers, focusing instead on its overall value.
San Matias Gran Reserva: Specs
- Type: Extra Añejo
- Proof: 80
- 100% Agave: Yes
- ABV: 40%
- Double-distilled: Yes
- Aging length: 36 months
- Taste: Sweet, not warm, and not smoky
- Beginner-friendly: Yes, due to its smoothness and accessibility
- Suitable for cocktails: Yes, though traditionally enjoyed neat to appreciate its complexity
- Calories per shot: 98
- Gluten-free: Yes
- Keto-friendly: Yes