Montagave Exploracion Volume IV Anejo Tequila

Montagave Exploracion Volume IV pushes the boundaries of agave maturation while staying fiercely rooted in tradition. This 88-proof añejo rests 14 months inside rare Rivesaltes wine casks sourced from southern France. It’s a shockingly bold, brilliant twist. The revered Cascahuín distillery in Jalisco provides the immaculate, additive-free foundation for this experimental release. Brick ovens slowly roast the lowland agave before natural open-air fermentation and double copper pot distillation extract its concentrated, earthy essence. Fusing centuries of Mexican distilling heritage with European fortified wine traditions yields a spectacular, grounded spirit.

• Distillery: Cascahuín (NOM 1123)
• Cask Finish: 14 Months in Rivesaltes Wine Barrels
• Production: Brick Oven Roasted & Copper Pot Distilled

Rivesaltes wine carries a rich history of halting fermentation with grape spirit to preserve natural fruit sugars. These specific casks completely transform the tequila. Instead of overwhelming the agave, the fortified wine influence interweaves seamlessly with the roasted piña character. You’ll notice an exceptional viscosity that coats the glass and lingers long after the initial pour. With fewer than 1,450 bottles ever produced, securing this meticulously crafted volume feels like a rare victory for serious agave collectors.

Nose: Damp earth and wet cobblestone immediately surge upward. That signature Cascahuín minerality anchors a dense wave of dried cherry, golden raisin, and roasted hazelnut. It’s remarkably vibrant and alive. Deep inhales reveal an underlying herbal sweetness tangled with faint traces of warm barrel spice and honey. The aromatic complexity demands absolute patience before you finally take your very first exploratory sip of this remarkably grounded agave spirit.

Palate: You’ll immediately notice a thick, unexpectedly oily texture coating the palate. Bold bursts of baked peach and spiced butterscotch collide with sharp black pepper. The agave fights back brilliantly. Concentrated natural sugars merge effortlessly with the decadent Rivesaltes wine influence, preventing the oak from dominating the profile. Flavors shift rapidly across the tongue, weaving through savory vegetal notes, dense dark fruit, and rich toasted nuts with surprising speed.

Finish: The heightened 44% ABV leaves a very pleasant, lingering warmth. It’s a slow, beautiful fade. Intense waves of cinnamon and anise slowly dissipate into a bone-dry, mineral-driven finale. That fortified wine sweetness subtly echoes in the background, anchoring the earthier elements of the Los Valles terroir. Every single sip concludes with a sharply focused, balanced finish that makes you want to sit back and immediately pour another glass.

High-proof, barrel-aged agave spirits demand bold culinary companions. Pair this rich añejo with a decadent duck confit to match the tequila’s oily viscosity. The dark fruit and hazelnut notes beautifully elevate the savory fat. It’s a spectacular pairing every time. For a sweeter contrast, serve alongside a dark chocolate tart topped with flaky sea salt and a generous dollop of fresh cherry compote. The Rivesaltes cask influence absolutely sings when matched with those deep, bitter cocoa flavors.