Sammy Hagar and Guy Fieri have unveiled the fifth expression in their agave spirits line, Santo Añejo Tequila. Produced by third-generation distiller Juan Eduardo Nuñez and tequilera Karina Rojo at El Viejito Distillery (NOM 1107) in Atotonilco el Alto, Jalisco, the tequila is crafted using traditional methods.
Handcrafted in small batches, Santo Tequila Añejo is distilled from 100% Blue Weber Agave – both estate-grown and sourced from suppliers in the Highlands region. The agaves are cooked using traditional stone ovens. Finally, the spirit is aged for an average of 24 months in former American Whiskey oak casks.
From the carefully-selected yeast, to the two-stage low and slow cooking method, to the precise distillation cuts, the entire Santo production process is tuned towards preserving the traditional flavor of agave-forward tequila, says a press release.
The Añejo joins Santo Spirits’ current portfolio, which includes Santo Tequila Blanco, Santo Tequila Blanco 110, Santo Tequila Reposado, and its flagship Santo Mezquila. On the nose, the Añejo delivers aromas of clove, grapefruit peel and golden pineapple anchored in tobacco resin and soft, creamy vanilla. Silky on the palate, and bright in color and clarity, it has a full and long-lasting finish led by peppery cedar, dried desert sage and juicy, green melon.
Back in 1995 – almost 30 years ago – Sammy first connected with Juan Eduardo Nuñez to create his first tequila to be served at Sammy’s Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. That longstanding, trusted relationship sparked a new tequila collaboration – Santo Tequila – with the 21st century spirits enthusiast in mind.
“Our founders are both known for their big, bold, uncompromising personalities, so why would their tequila be any different,” said Dan Butkus, Santo Spirits president and CEO. “With Santo Spirits’ new Añejo expression, we’re putting the agave front and center for an incredibly flavorful and bold tequila experience.”
“When it comes to aged tequilas, I am very particular. This Añejo for me is aged to perfection,” said Sammy Hagar, Santo Spirits founder.
“Our Añejo is the perfect sipper, real deal flavor that comes from treating the agave and the barrel aging process with respect, not from additives or flavorings. On its own or side-by-side whatever you’re grillin’ up, the big, bold, agave-forward flavor of Santo Tequila Añejo is here just in time for summer,” said Guy Fieri, Santo Spirits partner.
Santo Tequila Añejo retails for $74.98 per 750ml bottle. It is available to pre-order on ReserveBar and www.shopsantospirit.com. All Santo Spirits products are available nationwide in the United States, as well as in Mexico, Canada, Japan, South Africa, and the Philippines.
For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.