EL ATEO FRENCH OAK ANEJO TEQUILA
JALISCO, MEXICO
French oak barrels to age tequila? Some distillers might call that heresy. We call it genius.
And we’re pretty sure that after one long smooth sip of this 18-month, ultra-premium Añejo from the small-batch masters at El Ateo, you’ll see the case for breaking with bourbon barrel orthodoxy, too.
Which, by the way, at just $65 a bottle, makes another case, too: that “ultra-premium” doesn’t have to mean “expensive.”
El Ateo's methods are gloriously throwback and pure, beginning with their use of well-water and 100% Tequilana Weber agave. That agave is slow-cooked in traditional brick ovens, tahona-crushed by volcanic stone wheels, and then — to produce this stellar expression — aged in used French oak instead of the usual American bourbon barrels.
The Beverage Tasting Institute awarded it 93 points, calling it “rare” and “silky.”
It is, indeed, both. We loved the opening notes, which establish the roasted agave backbone, with its earthy, mineral-driven character. Then comes the sweet-and-spicy interplay: caramel and pear dipping and dancing with almond brittle. In the background, a sneaky floral aspect lurks. The texture puts you in mind of a Cognac, elegant and refined.
This is a tequila to challenge your preconceptions of the category.
Of course, you need not think at all about innovation or experimentation to enjoy it.
In fact, we dare say that when you finally set your glass down for the night, the take-away is going to be the memory of its smoothness and deliciousness, its grace and its depth.
Get yours today.
Just know that our allocations are limited, so you’ll want to hop on this quickly before it goes.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2026. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. The price reflected on your order form is subject to change after the order is placed in the event of a change in tariffs or taxes that are imposed by the U.S. government, or in the case of currency fluctuations of 10% or greater. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NC, NY, TN, VA, & WA. This offer will expire on Monday, May 18, 2026.