Jose Cuervo has announced the launch of Tradicional Cristalino.
First released in Mexico, the new expression is now available nationwide in the U.S.
The growing Cristalino category offers tequilas that carry the complexity of an aged spirit, but with a smoothness and clarity, the company says.
“Cristalinos are exciting because they offer an incredibly smooth, yet complex tasting experience that’s unlike any other tequila expression,” says Alex Coronado, head of production and master distiller for Jose Cuervo. “When creating a Cristalino for Jose Cuervo, we wanted to make sure the liquid stayed true to the original Cuervo family recipe, while offering an expression that’s on the cutting edge of what’s exciting in the tequila category. That’s why we created a Cristalino made with a unique blend of three tequila expressions: Tradicional Reposado, Tradicional Añejo and Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo. The result is a tequila that offers incredible smoothness, all while maintaining a rich, layered taste due to the complex aging process.”
Jose Cuervo Tradicional Cristalino contains 100% Blue Weber agave plants grown at the base of the Volcán de Tequila before being sent to La Rojeña. The piñas are then cooked in brick ovens, before distillation in copper stills.
The aging process then results in a blend of three expressions: Reposado, matured in American oak barrels, Añejo, also matured in American oak, and Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo, aged in French oak and American oak barrels. Reposado is the dominant expression in the blend, giving the liquid a light and balanced herbal essence, the company says, with primary notes of cooked agave
After maturation, the tequila blend then goes through a refinement process to remove the amber color. That’s how Jose Cuervo Tradicional Cristalino maintains the aroma and taste of an aged tequila, but with a clear appearance.
Jose Cuervo Tradicional Cristalino comes bottled at 40% ABV. It’s available now in the U.S. for a suggested retail price of $34.99 per 750-ml. bottle.
