G4 Tequila Clásico Reposado Limited Release 750ml

G4 stands for four generations, and it’s the tequila of the Camarena family, who have been making tequila since 1937. Master distiller Felipe Camarena built El Pandillo, named for his grandfather’s favorite bull, with a tahona stone that was the only surviving piece of the family’s original distillery during the Mexican Revolution. At El Pandillo in Jesús María, in the highlands of Jalisco, he and his sons make tequila from their own agave, using traditional methods blended with innovation. The agave is slow-roasted in stone ovens that cook from the top and bottom, crushed with a tahona, fermented with a 50/50 blend of spring water and collected rainwater, and double distilled in copper pot stills. The Clásico Reposado is a limited-edition release that returns to the early days of G4. It’s described as “G4 Tequila’s finest Reposado ever,” by Felipe himself, with a label that revives the original 2012 design, a tribute to the brand’s origins at El Pandillo. It’s made differently from the regular G4 Reposado in three ways: it’s partially fermented with agave fibers, which adds mouthfeel and a rustic depth, it’s split-aged, half in single-use American oak whiskey barrels and half in single-use sherry wine casks, for about three months, and it’s made in a single small run of just 2,016 cases. Like all G4 tequilas, it’s additive-free, and bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). The tasting notes describe a nose of “roasted agave, toasted almond, vanilla, dried cherry, and oak spice,” a palate of “caramelized agave, stewed fruit, pepper, and a hint of sherry richness,” a “medium-bodied” tequila with “a silky texture and layered complexity,” and “a long, warming, and slightly dry finish with notes of oak, spice, and fig.” Another description puts it as “roasted agave and cracked black pepper lifted by oak sweetness, sherry-derived dried fruit, vanilla, and a subtly rich, lingering finish.” No independent critic reviews are published for this limited release yet. It’s a reposado for people who like the character of a richer, more complex tequila with some sherry sweetness: sip it neat in a copita or a small tumbler, or use it in an Old Fashioned with a touch of agave and bitters. It’s also a good gift for tequila collectors, and a natural companion to the regular G4 Reposado. Origins & Craftsmanship G4 Tequila Clásico Reposado is produced at El Pandillo Distillery (NOM 1579) in Jesús María, Los Altos de Jalisco, Mexico, by master distiller Felipe Camarena, from 100% Blue Weber agave grown on the family’s estate. The agave is slow-roasted in stone ovens, crushed with a tahona, and partially fermented with agave fibers using a 50/50 blend of spring water and rainwater, then double distilled in copper pot stills. It is aged about three months, split between single-use American oak whiskey barrels and single-use sherry casks. Additive-free. Bottled at 40% ABV / 80 proof, 750ml. A limited release of 2,016 cases. Critics Reviews No independent critic reviews are published for this limited release. G4 / retailer tasting notes: “Nose: Roasted agave, toasted almond, vanilla, dried cherry, and oak spice. Palate: Caramelized agave, stewed fruit, pepper, and a hint of sherry richness. Body: Medium-bodied with a silky texture and layered complexity. Finish: A long, warming, and slightly dry finish with notes of oak, spice, and fig.” Distributor description: “Expect roasted agave and cracked black pepper lifted by oak sweetness, sherry-derived dried fruit, vanilla, and a subtly rich, lingering finish.” Tasting Profile Nose Roasted agave, toasted almond, vanilla, dried cherry, and oak spice. Palate Medium-bodied and silky, with caramelized agave, stewed fruit, black pepper, and a hint of sherry richness. Finish Long, warming, and slightly dry, with oak, spice, and fig. Quick Overview Category Details Style Reposado Tequila — Limited Release ABV / Proof 40% ABV / 80 Proof Agave 100% Blue Weber, Los Altos de Jalisco Production Stone-oven roasted, tahona-crushed, partial agave-fiber fermentation, 50/50 spring and rainwater, double distilled in copper pot stills Aging ~3 months, split between American oak whiskey barrels and sherry casks Distillery El Pandillo (NOM 1579) — Jesús María, Jalisco Master Distiller Felipe Camarena Production 2,016 cases; original 2012 label design Additives None Style / Identity A rich, rustic, sherry-kissed reposado made in the early-G4 style Aromas & Flavors Roasted agave, toasted almond, vanilla, dried cherry, pepper, sherry, fig Bottle Size 750ml Cocktail Suggestions Neat in a copita — the best way to taste the agave, sherry, and oak. Old Fashioned — with a barspoon of agave and bitters. Reposado Margarita (Blackwell’s 3-2-1) — 3 parts tequila, 2 parts orange liqueur, 1 part fresh lime. Food Pairings Carnitas and grilled meats Mole and roasted vegetables Aged cheeses and dried fruit Dark chocolate