Expresiones del Corazon Tequila Anejo aged in Eagle Rare Barrels

Expresiones del Corazon Tequila Anejo Aged in Eagle Rare Barrels is a 750ml, 40% ABV añejo tequila aged 17 months in barrels that previously held Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon. This limited expression earned an A- from Drinkhacker, reflecting the remarkable synergy between highland agave and some of the most coveted bourbon casks in America.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Los Altos de Jalisco, Mexico  |  Añejo — 17 Months  |  Distillery: Casa San Matías (NOM 1103)

Production & Heritage

Casa San Matías, operating under NOM 1103 in the highland region of Los Altos de Jalisco, produces the base spirit for this expression. The process begins with 100% blue Weber agave slow-cooked in traditional stone ovens, then pressed, fermented, and twice distilled in stainless steel pot stills. What separates this release from standard añejos is the aging vessel: barrels sourced directly from Buffalo Trace's Antique Collection, specifically casks that previously matured Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon — one of the most sought-after American whiskeys in existence. The 17-month rest in these well-seasoned barrels imparts a depth of bourbon character rarely found in tequila while still honoring the agave at its core.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: A lush opening of vanilla and butterscotch leads into toffee-like sweetness. The bourbon barrel influence is unmistakable on the nose, layering caramel richness over a subtle agave backbone.

Taste: The entry is soft with toasted coconut and a sweeter, more concentrated vanilla character than typical añejos. At mid-palate, roasted agave emerges alongside dark chocolate, baking spices, and toasted nuts. A soothing caramel-toffee quality anchors the profile, with warm oak rounding out the experience.

Finish: Long and satisfying, the finish delivers lingering vanilla, oak, and a touch of caramelized agave. A dusting of citrus peel provides a cleansing lift that keeps the sweetness in check.

How to Drink Expresiones Eagle Rare Añejo

Neat in a Riedel tequila glass or a Glencairn is the ideal serve — the bourbon barrel complexity rewards slow, attentive sipping, and a few drops of water can help open the butterscotch and chocolate notes. For cocktail applications, consider these three: an Old Fashioned, where the bourbon-barrel character makes it a seamless stand-in for whiskey with agave syrup and mole bitters; a Tequila Manhattan, where the dark chocolate and vanilla notes complement sweet vermouth beautifully; or a Barrel-Aged Margarita riff, where the oak and caramel tones add unexpected depth to fresh lime and orange liqueur.

Best For

• Bourbon enthusiasts curious about barrel-finished tequila
• Gifting a collector who follows Buffalo Trace's Antique Collection releases
• Side-by-side tastings across the Expresiones del Corazón barrel series
• After-dinner sipping as an alternative to aged cognac or whiskey

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Expresiones Eagle Rare Añejo taste like? It leads with vanilla, butterscotch, and toasted coconut from the bourbon barrels, then transitions into dark chocolate, baking spices, and roasted agave. The finish is long, with caramelized agave and a cleansing citrus-peel note.

How does Expresiones Eagle Rare Añejo compare to the Expresiones Thomas H. Handy Añejo? Both are produced by Casa San Matías and aged for similar durations, but the Thomas H. Handy expression uses rye whiskey barrels (aged 19 months), lending it spicier, drier characteristics compared to the sweeter vanilla-butterscotch profile imparted by the Eagle Rare bourbon casks. The choice often comes down to preference for bourbon-leaning sweetness versus rye-driven spice.

Is Expresiones Eagle Rare Añejo good for sipping neat? Absolutely — at 40% ABV it is approachable and smooth enough for neat sipping, and the layered bourbon-barrel influence gives it the complexity to hold attention across a long pour.

Where is Expresiones Eagle Rare Añejo made? It is distilled at Casa San Matías (NOM 1103) in Los Altos de Jalisco, Mexico, one of the two primary tequila-producing highlands regions known for producing agave with sweeter, fruitier characteristics.

What foods pair well with Expresiones Eagle Rare Añejo? Mole negro, where the tequila's dark chocolate and baking spice notes echo the sauce's complexity; crème brûlée, which mirrors its caramelized vanilla character; smoked brisket, whose char and fat complement the oak tones; sharp aged cheddar, which balances the butterscotch sweetness; and pecan pie, which aligns with the toasted nut and toffee flavors.

What sizes does Expresiones Eagle Rare Añejo come in? It is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Expresiones Eagle Rare Añejo worth the price? This expression positions firmly in the premium-to-ultra-premium tier, justified by its use of highly prized Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old barrels from Buffalo Trace's Antique Collection — casks that are themselves scarce and collectible. For those who value the intersection of fine tequila and distinguished bourbon heritage, it represents strong value within the barrel-aged tequila category.

Why Expresiones Eagle Rare Añejo?

The defining differentiator here is the barrel provenance. Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon is an annual limited release within Buffalo Trace's Antique Collection, meaning the casks that shape this tequila carry decades of bourbon maturation character that no standard ex-bourbon barrel can replicate. Casa San Matías provides a clean, well-made highland distillate that serves as an ideal canvas for those barrel flavors without losing its agave identity. The A- rating from Drinkhacker confirms it delivers on the promise of its pedigree. In a crowded añejo market, this expression stands apart not through marketing but through the verifiable quality and rarity of its aging vessel.