G4 7 YEAR EXTRA ANEJO TEQUILA
JALISCO, MEXICO
Why Buy: In an industry often seduced by shortcuts and flavor enhancements, this additive-free, barrel strength slow sipper — fashioned from just three ingredients (agave, yeast, and a combination of rainwater and spring water) and double-aged (for 6 years in George Dickel bourbon barrels, followed by another year in French oak) — is a purist’s dream, and a must-have for the serious collector.
The Context: This 7 Year Extra Añejo builds upon the success of last year's coveted 6 Year release, which sold out in a matter of minutes. The additional year of aging in French oak has elevated an already exceptional tequila to new heights of complexity and character.
Our Tasting Notes: The nose — a complex bouquet of floral notes intertwined with leather, agave, and caramelized toffee — is as resonant and evocative as a tequila gets, and absolutely primes you for the many riches to come. On the palate, the French oak influence is evident, delivering a symphony of elderberry, tart cherries, and tangerine — all beautifully balanced with hints of caramelization and brown butter. The finish is not just long and smooth, but also shows off the enormous depth that seven years of careful aging can impart. With every sip, you’re lifted out of the day to day.
The Method: This 7 Year Extra Añejo begins with the finest oven-baked agave from Los Altos, fermented using yeast passed down from master distiller Felipe Camarena's father. The spirit then undergoes an extraordinary aging process: six years underground in old George Dickel bourbon barrels, followed by a final year in single-use French oak wine barrels. Before bottling at barrel strength, the cogollo is removed by hand from the agave to eliminate bitterness, and distillation in copper stills ensures an impurity-free spirit, allowing the agave's true character to shine.
The Story: Since 1937, the Camarena family has been writing tequila history, and with G4, they're authoring its future. Now in its fourth generation of master distillers, G4 represents not just a culmination of legacy, but a bold reimagining of what tequila can be. At the helm is Felipe Camarena, revered as the "Mad Scientist of Distilling." Together with his sons Luis Felipe and Alan, he's created a distillery that's as much a temple to tequila as it is a laboratory for innovation. G4's philosophy is disarmingly simple: purity above all. As the first additive-free certified distillery in Jalisco, they use only three ingredients: agave, yeast, and water. But it's in the details where G4’s genius shines. Their water, a unique 50-50 blend of rainwater and deep well spring water from their El Pandillo ranch, distinguishes G4 from every other tequila on the market. This commitment to terroir extends to their agave, all estate-grown, and their yeast, a strain passed down through generations of the Camarena family. But for the Camarenas, excellence isn't enough – it must be sustainable too. El Pandillo is widely regarded as the most eco-friendly distillery in Jalisco. Solar panels gleam alongside traditional brick ovens, and an ingenious system captures and reuses the heat from cooking agave, significantly reducing their carbon footprint. This conscientiousness extends to every aspect of production, from their efficient roller mill (which extracts more juice with less waste) to their unique copper stills designed by Felipe himself. Does the path to the future of tequila lie in a return to its roots? G4 seems to be making that argument, and at this point it would be hard to disagree.
Fun Fact: Each bottle of this extraordinary tequila is presented in a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted Rosa Morada wooden box, traditionally used to house fine musical instruments in Mexico. This year's edition features an innovative Japanese hinge design, marrying Mexican craftsmanship with Japanese precision — a fitting tribute to the global appreciation for this world-class tequila.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the distiller, so you can be confident that your tequila will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Act now to 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 Fall 2024. 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. Offer only valid in AZ, CA, FL, NV, & TX. This offer will expire on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
