Review: Tequila Enemigo 89 Anejo Cristalino
Tequila Enemigo 89 Anejo Cristalino was built around breaking the existing stereotype of tequila being a spirit best served in a cocktail or shot glass. Enemigo translates to enemy or adversary. The 89 represents the number of samples created before perfecting their tequila. The story starts when Robin Clough left the UK and Sebastian Gonzalez left Mexico to attend school in California to earn an MBA. On a trip to Mexico Robin was introduced to well crafted tequila. After completing his MBA he returned to the UK and he brought samples of tequila for his life long friend Max Davies-Gilbert to sample. For the next four years Robin, Sebastian, and Max traveled to Mexico developing the brand. In 2017 they launched Enemigo in the UK. In 2018 they entered the US market. Enemigo is made from 100% blue weber agave grown for 7-12 years in volcanic mineral rich soil in the Lowland region. Tequila Enemigo 89 Anejo Cristalino is double distilled and aged in new custom American Quercus Alba oak barrels for over one year. The spirit is then put through a three phase carbon cellulose filtration system to remove most of the color and some wood notes. The aroma leads with agave, seasoned oak, spice, vanilla, and anise. Additional time brings out toasted coconut, sea salt, and berry. The sweet vanilla, oak, earthy agave, and lemon entry is joined by apple and orange building to a raspberry grapefruit peak. It fades with lemon, wood spice, and almond and finishes dry and peppery with oak, coconut, berry, and lemon peel taste. While most of the color has been stripped, Tequila Enemigo Anejo Cristalino still retains a kaleidoscope of flavors, and plenty of wood notes.
NOM: 1489
Region: Lowland
40% Alcohol
Score: 88
Award: Silver Medal