While I personally hate the term “sipping,” to describe various spirits — it’s such a vague term because you can sip anything — Mijenta Tequila Añejo Gran Reserve is smooth, complex, and tasty. It’s perfect for indulging alongside your favorite cigar of choice.
I’m not a big tequila guy. I mostly stick to whiskey and bourbon when I want something strong. But that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy a good pour every now and then. So, when I had the opportunity to try some delicious tequila from a relatively young brand I took it. And man, am I glad I did.
Mijenta’s Maestra Tequilera Ana María Romero has “over 25 years of experience” in the industry, and like any Master Blender in the world of cigars, she’s fine-tuned her craft to capture “the artistry of flavor.” Of course, her specialty is in the world of spirits. After a few glasses of the Añejo, I can absolutely see that as true and I wholeheartedly agree.
The Añejo is one of four tequilas available as part of Mijenta’s lineup. The brand also has Blanco, Reposado and Cristalino, all outstanding tequilas.
Tequila Añejo
Source: Mijenta
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS LoungeSource: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Distilled in stainless steel tanks, fermented without fibers and aged in French Oak, American White Oak, and Cherry barrels, and Acacia casks, this 40% abv (80-proof) tequila is brimming with flavor. The agave is sourced from the Los Altos southern region in Mexico.
It goes down smooth, with very little burn, but it pairs exceptionally well with medium to full-bodied cigars. That’s primarily thanks to the sweet flavors, light pepper and spice that hit the palate. Some of the more prominent flavors I picked up during my tastings include: Vanilla, caramel, cherry, chocolate, oak, cinnamon, butter, floral notes and even some spiced cream. As you might expect, natural agave flavors remain pretty strong throughout, as well.
Someone who is merely sipping on the tequila without a cigar pairing might find the pepper a bit much, but I thought it was fantastic.
Breaking down the tasting
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS LoungeSource: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Some excellent cigar pairings might be the Sacrificio Maestro, San Lotano RequiemHabano by AJ Fernandez, Southern Draw Rose of Sharon, La Aurora 120th Anniversary, and Davidoff Yamasa.
What’s interesting is that the experience evolved as I continued to drink, a progression you might come to expect from aged spirits like this. But in the Mijenta Añejo’s case, it vastly changes the session, not unlike the usual, complex cigar. The pepper, cherry, chocolate, and some of the more subtle notes sway in and out, dancing on your tongue and blending with the more prominent flavors like vanilla and caramel. It’s truly a unique experience even more so when you’re pairing it with something good.
The final verdict for me is that I would definitely drink this again and will likely be getting some more for myself soon.
Briley has over 16 years in the publishing and content marketing business. He's been writing about cigars for nearly half that in various forms. What makes him a tour de force is he also smokes them.
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Source: Mijenta
Source: Mijenta
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
