Pura Sangre Anejo Tequila 750ML

Pura Sangre Anejo Tequila 750ML is a 40% ABV additive-free añejo aged fourteen months in French oak casks, produced at the Tequileña distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. Scored 94 points by tastings.com, this expression showcases the highland character of agave grown at 5,200 feet in Atotonilco El Alto through an uncommon double pot-still distillation process.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 proof)  |  Origin: Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico  |  Aged 14 Months in French Oak  |  Distillery: Tequileña (NOM 1146)

Production & Heritage

Pura Sangre is the creation of Master Distiller Enrique Fonseca, one of the most respected figures in tequila production, at his Tequileña distillery (NOM 1146) in the town of Tequila, Jalisco. The agave is sourced exclusively from the highlands of Atotonilco El Alto, where the red iron-rich soils and 5,200-foot elevation produce plants with higher sugar content and distinctive floral-herbaceous qualities. What truly distinguishes the production is its sequential double distillation — first through stainless steel alembic pot stills, then a second pass through traditional copper pot stills — a method that strips harshness while preserving the agave's natural complexity. The resulting spirit rests for fourteen months in French oak casks, and no additives of any kind are introduced at any stage.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Toasted almonds and warm caramel greet the nose first, followed by a wave of light vanilla and gentle oak. A subtle nuttiness ties the aromatics together, hinting at the espresso and cocoa notes to come.

Taste: The entry is rich with vibrant toasted oak and caramel, quickly giving way to roasted coffee and dark cocoa at mid-palate. As the flavors develop, light grassy and herbaceous agave notes emerge beneath layers of toasted almond and soft vanilla, keeping the sweetness in check with earthy balance.

Finish: Medium-long and textured, closing with a pleasant rise of white pepper spice and lingering vanilla. The oak influence fades gracefully, leaving behind a clean, warming impression that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Pura Sangre Añejo

This añejo drinks best neat or with a single ice cube to open up its layered oak and espresso character. A few drops of water can further coax out the more delicate agave and vanilla notes. For cocktails, try it in an Oaxaca Old Fashioned, where its coffee and cocoa tones stand up beautifully to mole bitters; a Tequila Manhattan, where the French oak aging bridges naturally with sweet vermouth; or a Café Añejo (añejo, cold brew, agave nectar), which amplifies the spirit's inherent espresso character.

Best For

• Gifting a tequila enthusiast who values additive-free, artisanal production
• After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a fine cigar
• Exploring highland añejos from a legendary master distiller
• Building a curated tequila shelf that represents traditional craftsmanship

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pura Sangre Añejo taste like? Pura Sangre Añejo leads with toasted oak, caramel, and roasted almond, followed by espresso, dark cocoa, and soft vanilla, finishing with white pepper spice. The highland agave comes through as a grassy, herbaceous undercurrent that keeps the profile balanced rather than overly sweet.

How does Pura Sangre Añejo compare to El Tesoro Añejo? Both are traditionally made, additive-free highland añejos from acclaimed distillers in Jalisco, but they differ in barrel program and distillation method. Pura Sangre uses French oak casks and a stainless-then-copper double pot distillation, while El Tesoro (NOM 1139) ages in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, resulting in a distinctly different oak profile.

Is Pura Sangre Añejo good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the fourteen months of French oak aging and additive-free production create a clean, complex spirit that rewards slow, deliberate tasting. Its 80-proof strength is approachable enough to enjoy without dilution.

Where is Pura Sangre Añejo made? Pura Sangre Añejo is produced at the Tequileña distillery (NOM 1146) in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, under the direction of Master Distiller Enrique Fonseca. The agave is grown in the Los Altos highlands region of Atotonilco El Alto at an elevation of approximately 5,200 feet.

What foods pair well with Pura Sangre Añejo? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and espresso notes; grilled lamb chops match the oak-driven warmth; aged Manchego cheese echoes the nutty, toasted character; mole negro mirrors the spirit's spice and cocoa complexity; and flan or crème brûlée pairs naturally with the vanilla and caramel tones.

What sizes does Pura Sangre Añejo come in? Pura Sangre Añejo is available in the standard 750mL bottle size.

Is Pura Sangre Añejo worth the price? Pura Sangre Añejo positions as a premium, artisanal expression within the añejo category, and its additive-free certification, highland-sourced agave, French oak aging, and dual pot-still distillation represent genuine production investment that justifies its price tier against comparable craft añejos.

Why Pura Sangre Añejo?

In a category increasingly crowded with additive-laden, diffuser-produced tequilas, Pura Sangre Añejo stands as a credible statement of traditional highland craftsmanship. The sequential distillation through stainless steel alembic and then copper pot stills is an uncommon step that yields a noticeably cleaner, more refined spirit than single-method distillation typically achieves. The choice of French oak over the more common American oak introduces tighter grain influence — yielding spice and structure without overwhelming the agave — while fourteen months of aging hits a sweet spot between oak integration and agave preservation. Its 94-point rating from tastings.com and Enrique Fonseca's reputation as one of Mexico's foremost master distillers lend further credibility to what the glass already confirms.