In a New York event which included the making of a tequila barrel, a lesson on the history of tequila by brand historian Ruben Aceves and a tasting of their offerings, Tequila Herradura introduced the first in a series of small-batch tequilas: Colección de la Casa, Reserva 2012, Port Cask Finish. The inaugural product is a reposado that acquires its complex body and smooth taste from resting in two different types of oak casks.

This new offering was crafted by Master Distiller Maria Teresa Lara, Casa Herradura uses the finest blue agave, traditional production methods and a proprietary fermentation from naturally occurring wild yeast to create a smooth tasting tequila.  The tequila is then rested in medium-char American oak casks for eleven months and then transferred to hand-selected vintage port casks from the renowned Douro Valley in Portugal for an additional two months of aging.  The double-maturation process accentuates the notes of cooked agave, increases complexity and delivers a nose of dried fruit and ripe plum infused with hints of cinnamon, caramel and chocolate.

At the launch event attendees had the opportunity to compare the añejo , the reposado and the Coleccion de la Casa. Of these three, Coleccion de la Casa was my favorite. With a crisp bright amber color with shades of rose and copper and an aroma that combines a balance of smoky notes, warm tobacco, dried fruit, and a hint of spice. The flavor can best be compared to a fine cognac yet with the distinctive taste of oak aged agave complemented by hints of rich port, plum, and pepper.

“The first of our innovative barrel finish concepts, Port Cask Finish, complements Tequila Herradura Reposado’s award-winning taste profile while adding a new dimension of flavor. The result is a perfectly balanced blend and a new style of tequila,” said Tequila Herradura’s Master Distiller Maria Teresa Lara.As we learned from brand  historian Ruben Aceves, Casa Herradura has been handcrafting the finest tequilas for over 140 years.  The brand is credited with inventing the reposado expression in 1974 and the extra añejo expression in 1995. Now Casa Herradura continues to push the boundaries of tequila, while balancing a respect for traditional processes.

Colección de la Casa-Port Cask Finish is now available at fine wine and spirits stores. A limited quantity will be available in Mexico. Each 750 ml. bottle is numbered and retails for $89.99.  Only 2,000 cases were produced.