It’s a risky business indeed, especially when the liquid in question is Avión 100% agave extra añejo tequila. This spirit is naturally vibrant, with an amber hue indicative of its rich flavour and sophisticated taste profile. At least that’s how it starts out, but this particular batch had been laid to rest for nine years in previously matured Mexican Cabernet Sauvignon casks—a new experiment—so the flavour outcome was far from certain.

At the start of this nine-year journey eight casks were filled, each at high risk, risk of the woody flavours overpowering the rich agave, or bitterness taking over the taste profile entirely. Unfortunately, given the normally short aging time for tequila and the overall rise in its popularity, focus on production drifted elsewhere, and over the years these casks drifted into obscurity and eventually became a forgotten experiment.

Determined to have their day in the sun, thankfully these barrels were recently rediscovered. Better yet, despite being many years past their “normal” aging period, one of the eight barrels turned out to be exceptional. In this cask the prolonged rest resulted in a rich red colour and a sophisticated, chocolatey mouthfeel that enhanced the fullness of the 100% agave tequila.