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Caramba Tequila Extra Añejo Review

Caramba-Extra-AnejoThis will be my first official write-up of a Tequila classified as “Extra Añejo.” The new extra añejo labeling is placed on all Tequila’s that have aged more than three years so we’re working with a really mature product. I’m going to dig right into it because I’m too excited to hold back any longer.

First, the color has to be mentioned in Caramba Extra Añejo because it’s so dark and copper toned much like a freshly polished copper pipping. The color seems to have taken on the properties of a bourbon whiskey. Compared to a standard Añejo, this is much more deep and dark in coloring which shows the barrel aging has been working wonders on the presentation.

Moving on to the nose; my initial impression is that of a caramel agave. The Caramba Extra Añejo exhibits a very familiar bouquet, a bourbon-style vanilla profile. I went in for a long deep sniff and received a potent alcoholic punch showing me this spirit has a good amount of power to it that needs to be respected. Unlike a Scotch Whisky, the nose doesn’t present smokey properties and follows more of a American Kentucky straight bourbon with a sweetness that made me salivate a bit after a few more sniffs.

Tasting the Caramba Extra Añejo is a fun experience to say the least. The thick viscosity was impressive. Upon this thickness rode a nice black pepper spice which ran across my cheeks and down the flat of my tongue with a predominance towards the front sweeter tip. This followed with a buttery agave mid-palate transition and a very sensually silk finish that leaves a long creamy oak behind for minutes after the sip.

The mouth feel matches that of a whiskey five times older but requiring much less time to mature to such a level of taste. Ironically, the mouth feel and nose reminded me of a straight bourbon but the taste didn’t give me any other bourbon attributes. The Caramba Extra Añejo does not burn as it goes down, remaining smooth with a clean finish throughout the tasting experience.

After my initial tastings I added a bit of room temperature spring water to the extra añejo to see what else I could work out of the glass. I received a much stronger oak and vanilla flavoring than prior, the finish was slightly lighter and the agave was a bit more pronounced. Oddly enough, I never received any real chocolate notes, which I almost expected going into the tasting.

The Caramba Extra Añejo makes a great complex sipping Tequila. In many ways, I’ve found this extra añejo to go far beyond a standard tequila, almost becoming its own spirit. It seems this tequila has adopted properties from a whiskey, perhaps through using whiskey barrels to age the tequila yet it doesn’t lose its own identity in the process.

You can expect to pay roughly USD $99.99 for a bottle of Caramba Extra Añejo and receive a well crafted sipping experience. If you’re looking to bring a well aged tequila into your home and try an extra añejo with a reasonable price, Caramba is a good choice. Other extra añejo alternatives may run you USD $300+ for such an aged tequila.

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9 Comments

  • Reply
    Carl Summers
    August 11, 2009 at 1:22 am

    Awesome, I have been waiting to see some Extra Anejo reviews on the site!

  • Reply
    Derrick Schommer
    August 11, 2009 at 1:38 am

    Yeah, now if I can get more tequila folks to send extra añejo’s, they price makes them not want to send out samples, unfortunately.

  • Reply
    Joe Alvarez
    August 13, 2009 at 12:55 pm

    We have done numerous events with Caramba Tequila and have heard great things from the athletes, musicians and guests.

    We always try and have Caramba Tequila at every VIP area.

    Our new signature drink –

    Britney’s Comeback

    1 1/2 oz Caramba Pink
    Monster Energy Khaos

    You guys have to try this one as well.

    • Reply
      Derrick Schommer
      August 13, 2009 at 1:06 pm

      Great idea, unfortunately they didn’t give me the pink reposado. Does pink make the presentation or can you use standard caramba reposado?

  • Reply
    Azul DelGrasso
    August 13, 2009 at 1:35 pm

    My family is from Guadalajara so we grew up drinking only the best Tequilas. For years I would only drink Casa Noble and Asombroso Anejo. I have to admit when I first tried Caramba I was impressed and it made a believer, it has such a smooth palate and a firm finish. This is a perfect tequila for sipping not shots, as it is meant to be.

  • Reply
    Reframe It -- It's Your Web, Speak Up, Give It Context
    August 13, 2009 at 5:08 pm

    RayBeau had this to say…

    This was some of the xmoothest agave that I have ever had and We did an agave tasting and the Caramba Extra Anejo walked away from the other agave’s that we had collected for this tasting party….

  • Reply
    AF
    August 14, 2009 at 12:32 am

    Erick and the Caramba Team have brought the world something special. This is one of the best Extra Anejos out there. At first taste it reminds one of a great Scotch or Irish whiskey. warm,smooth and delicate, with a hint of the “earthy agave” finish. It a bottle you give and share with your special friends. Go out and find yourself a bottle! A must for a Tequila fan or someone looking for something….Great

  • Reply
    Guillermo Chavez
    August 15, 2009 at 1:37 am

    this is an authentic extra anejo. i bought it on the recommendation of a friend and I agree, it is among the classiest i hvae ever tasted. i will be keeping it in my cabinet and recommending to friends as well.

    hats off the caramba for brining us this fine tequila.

  • Reply
    billzblaze
    December 30, 2009 at 5:10 am

    I JUST BOUGHT A BOTTLE OF THIS IT WAS VERY SMOOTH BUT IN MY OPINION TOO SWEET LIKE THEY ADDED SUGAR TO IT NOT TO PLEASED TRY GRAND MAYAN EX AGED MUCH BETTER AND CHEAPER!

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