Reviews / Xicaru Anejo

Review · · by The Editors

Xicaru Anejo

Xicaru's añejo is an aging mistake on top of a base mistake

Score: 2.0/5 agaves

Xicaru Anejo bottle
  • Producer: Xicaru Mezcal
  • Maestro: Fernando Santibañez
  • Region: Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca
  • Agave: Espadin
  • ABV: 43%
  • Price: $70 ($$)

Verdict

Nobody rates this bottle because nobody drinks this bottle. Xicaru Añejo is the argument aged-mezcal critics use when they say the category shouldn't exist below the premium tier: a thin base, a low proof, and a barrel program stacked on top of both. The oak ate what was left of the agave. A bottle that exists so a brand can have an añejo.

Every problem in the Xicaru range compounds at añejo

Tasting notes

Nose: Heavy vanilla, then oak, confected sweetness, faint smoke

Palate: The base at 43% can't carry the aging

Finish: Oaky, hot. Short

The bottom line

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Where to buy online

We found this bottle at 3 US retailers. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.