EL TEQUILENO LIMITED EDITION 65TH ANNIVERSARY
EXTRA ANEJO TEQUILA
JALISCO, MEXICO
WHY BUY:
In a word: incredible. El Tequileño's ultra-limited (1,000 bottles worldwide) 65th Anniversary Extra Añejo, blended from five select barrels (one ex-Jack Daniel's American oak, three new French oak, and one reused French oak) and aged 3-4 years before bottling, is a total showstopper of a small-batch tequila that the Robb Report declared "extraordinary ... one of the best ultra-premium Extra Añejo tequilas" out there. When we say showstopper, we mean it in every way: both in its performance on the palate and as a dazzling collectible (a delicate crystal decanter housed in a custom-embroidered box). Honors for this great house have been stacking up in recent years, with awards for "Agave Producer of the Year" at both the 2023 and 2025 International Spirits Challenge and recognition from Forbes as a “global star.” But for us, the most resonant fact of all is that El Tequileno is one of an estimated 10 tequila brands that exclusively use their own distillery (La Guarreña, NOM 1108) and doesn’t produce tequila for others.
OUR TASTING NOTES:
The blend of five barrels has created the kind of complexity that keeps you guessing as you sip, and has you reaching for another glass the moment you're finished with the first. Orange zest and papaya hit you first, followed by beguiling notes of plantain banana and white chocolate. On the palate, perhaps what’s most impressive is how the cooked agave character remains front and center despite the years of oaking, with a velvety texture that manages still to convey vitality, primarily in the form of its ripe stone fruits. The finish brings creamy richness with warm spice and just enough sweetness to give it a stately, elegant maturity, but (and this might be the key to the whole bottling) the natural earthy character of the agave shines through to the end.
THE STORY:
Named in honor of the people of Tequila, Mexico, El Tequileño was founded in 1959 by Don Jorge Salles Cuervo, who came from a long family line of tequila producers and had been crafting spirits for the Cuervo distillery since 1941 before striking out on his own. He cared little about quarterly profits, and was bent on making tequila with character, purity, and soul. More than sixty years later, his grandson Jorge Antonio Salles continues that heritage, and in the very same location, and employing the same family recipes. For this important bottling, Jorge made sure to collaborate with his father, Juan, who has the rare distinction of being one of only 4 people in the world to hold the title Gran Tequilero. Their barrel selection process was long and meticulous (they chose just five barrels out of a potential hundreds for this blend), and speaks to their commitment to artisanal craft. Of course, the Salles family has always minded the details: using only estate-grown Blue Weber agave from the Los Altos highlands and mineral-rich volcanic spring water; employing a custom (not commercial) yeast; and never cutting corners on its ancient production methods.
OUR GUARANTEE:
As always, we only buy and source directly from the distillery to ensure that your spirits arrive with pristine provenance. And remember, only 1,000 bottles were produced, and our allocation is limited, making this almost certain to go fast. Secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 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 only valid in AZ, CA, FL, & TX. This offer will expire on Monday, December 29, 2025.