Fans of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Antique Collection have more reason to celebrate this fall. Corazón Tequila has announced the 2020 release of its limited line of Expresiones del Corazón, a lineup of barrel-aged tequila expressions that will arrive in stores in October.
This year’s lineup includes William Larue Weller Añejo, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Añejo and George T. Stagg Añejo, all of which aged in barrels that previously held Antique Collection whiskies from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Also part of the lineup is the Artisanal Blanco.
The William Larue Weller Añejo aged 15 months in William Larue Weller bourbon barrels. This tequila tastes of chocolate, vanilla, nut, eucalyptus and chamomile, the company says. Only 1,675 bottles of this tequila were produced.
George T. Stagg Añejo aged 22 months in George T. Stagg barrels, and tastes of cinnamon, chocolate and green apple. Just over 3,000 bottles of this añejo were made for this release.
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Añejo aged 19 months in Thomas H. Handy barrels and has a sweet flavor and a dense texture, the company reports.. A total of 4,311 bottles of this tequila are coming out this year.
The Artisanal Blanco was held for 60 days in stainless steel, and with less aging, expresses the terroir in the tequila, the company says. This expression has a mint, eucalyptus and slightly tangy taste.
The Corazón brand, which falls under the Sazerac umbrella, is produced in Los Altos de Jalisco at the Casa San Matías Distillery, which has more than 130 years of tequila-making experience.
“We’ve enjoyed experimenting with our single estate tequila and barrels that held some of the most highly awarded whiskies. The result is a perfectly balanced, unique line of tequilas,” says Agave Marketing Director Megan Hurtuk. “This year’s release truly bridges the best of both worlds, whether you’re a tequila aficionado or bourbon lover.”
Using 100 percent blue agave from the highlands of Jalisco, the brix for Expresiones del Corazón are measured to determine sugar levels before harvest, rather than a traditional clear cut. Two sets of agave were harvested, one with a lower sugar content and flavored a little drier, and one with a higher sugar content considered a little sweeter for agave, resulting in more floral notes, the company says.
Expresiones del Corazón are now available nationally; however, quantities are limited. The suggested retail price for the Artisanal Blanco is $59.99 per 750-ml. bottle. Suggested retail pricing for the William Larue Weller Añejo, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Añejo and George T. Stagg Añejo bottles is $79.99 each.
