Cazcanes Tequila is Proving Single Barrels Aren’t Just For Whiskey

Single-barrel expressions are not unheard of when it comes to tequila, but they are far less common in the world of agave spirits than they are in whiskey. Cazcanes, a fantastic tequila brand that has been getting a lot of attention recently, is not just releasing single-barrel picks, however; it’s choosing types of casks that are pretty unusual for any spirits category. The new Experimental Single Barrel series kicks things off with a pair of reposados that is worth checking out.

Cazcanes has been around for about a decade, but the brand has been making a bigger impact here in the U.S. over the past couple of years. In fact, the No. 7 Rosa Añejo expression, a tequila aged in ex-Four Roses and French oak wine barrels, made our Best of the Best spirits list this year. The new Experimental Single Barrel Series consists of two releases: Cazcanes Reposado No. 9 Mirabelle Eau de Vie Single Barrel and Cazcanes Reposado No. 9 Apricot Brandy Single Barrel. “Establishing our experimental offering marks an important moment in Cazcanes’ evolution,” said Edwin Dolgopyat, CEO of Cazcanes, in a statement. “These two barrels show what is possible when the same respect for agriculture, patience, intentionality, and precision is brought to tequila and its maturation. This platform gives us the freedom to explore while keeping agave at the center of every bottle, as it reinforces our reputation as an innovator that honors what nature reveals.”

Each tequila spent a total of three months maturing in a specific barrel before being bottled at 100 proof. Mirabelle Eau de Vie Single Barrel was aged in casks used to mature liqueur made from small, yellow Mirabelle plums, and has notes of plum, vanilla, agave, fig, and butterscotch on the palate; the Apricot Brandy Single Barrel was aged in casks that previously held that spirit to give it notes of apricot, citrus, banana, chocolate, grass, and roasted agave. According to the brand, there will be more single-barrel releases in the future, and you can expect them to be aged in new and unconventional barrels as the team is currently trialing tequila in various types of casks.

Each of the new Cazcanes Experimental Single Barrel Series tequilas is priced at $100. While they are currently sold out on the brand’s website, you will likely be able to find them at secondary retailers, bars, and restaurants over the coming months.