We all know that Sazerac is a renowned distillery that produces a range of high-quality whiskies, including George T. Staff, Old Rip Van Winkle, Blanton’s, and Buffalo Trace. However, one of their most overlooked offerings is Corazon Tequila, which uses these barrels to create award-winning Tequila made from 100% blue Weber agave. This unique aging process imbues tequila with a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other tequilas on the market.
Before we explore all the different ways tequila is made with Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels, it is important to know what you are reading on the bottle’s label. Like bourbon, tequila has different terms to identify the amount of time spent aging. See the types of tequila below for a quick reference.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s t dive into the different options of Corazon Tequila that Sazerac produces and how they differ from one another.
SINGLE ESTATE TEQUILA
The Single Estate Tequila is the basic product line for Corazon and comes in Blanco, Reposado, Anejo, and Extra Anejo. The Single Estate Tequila is crafted with base ingredients grown at one location, expressing the character of where they’re made. The bottles in this product line don’t indicate what specific barrels are used other than just oak barrels.
Single Barrel Tequila
Here is where things start to get fun if you are a Buffalo Trace fanatic. The custom-made single-barrel tequila is crafted from a range of select barrels and aged based on the buyer’s personal preference. Typically these bottles are ordered by stores that sell barrel-selected products but you may check availability for you to create your own.
The first step is to pick the type of whiskey barrel for aging. The barrel choices include 1792 Small Batch, Blanton’s, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, or Weller.
The second step is to decide how long to age the tequila. The Resposado versions are typically aged 9 to 12 months and Anejo aged 13 to 24 months.
The five barrels options along with the two aging choices produce ten unique combinations each made from the region’s 100% blue Weber agave. The tequila comes bottled with a metal medallion displaying a logo of the bourbon which was aged in the selected barrel.
Corazon Single Barrel Tequila Aged in 1792 Small Batch Barrels
Corazon Single Barrel Tequila Aged in Blanton’s Barrels
Corazon Single Barrel Tequila Aged in Buffalo Trace Barrels
Corazon Single Barrel Tequila Aged in Eagle Rare Barrels
Corazon Single Barrel Tequila Aged in Weller Barrels
Expresiones Collection (Limited Releases)
To quote Spinal Tap, these go to eleven! The “expresiones collection” start by using barrels from the BTAC series and other unicorn bourbon barrels.
These are extremely limited with bottle production typically in the low thousands. Supply is further reduced with not all expressions being released every year, only about two or three of the barrel types are released annually.
The bottles used for the expresiones collection are distinguished, taller, and more narrow compared to the other Corazon tequila bottles. The elegant bottle style definitely adds allure and collectibility.
I’m guessing these limited releases tequila bottles will eventually be comparable to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection for bourbon and may command a hefty price tag over time.
Buffalo Trace Reposado
Tasting Notes:
- Vanilla
- Black pepper
- Toasted marshmallow
- Soft herbal notes
SAZERAC RYE AÑEJO
Tasting Notes:
- Strawberry
- Butterscotch
- Caramel
- Nuts
- Citrus
GEORGE T. STAGG AÑEJO
Tasting Notes:
- Cinnamon
- Chocolate
- Green apple
WILLIAM LARUE WELLER AÑEJO
Tasting Notes:
- Chocolate
- Vanilla
- Nut
- Eucalyptus
- Chamomile
EAGLE RARE 17 AÑEJO
Tasting Notes:
- Citrus
- Chocolate
- Cooked agave
- Sweet
THOMAS H. HANDY SAZERAC AÑEJO
Tasting Notes:
- Red pepper
- Thyme and rosemary
- Cinnamon
- Caramel and dark chocolate
BUFFALO TRACE OLD 22 AÑEJO
Tasting Notes:
- Apple, plum, and red fruit
- Honey and chocolate
- Jasmine and eucalyptus
- Roasted coffee
Old Rip Van Winkle AÑEJO
Tasting Notes:
- Nutty
- Pepper
- Marzipan
- Vanilla
- Butterscotch
Elmer T. Lee Reposado
Tasting Notes:
- Sweet
- Almond
- Cinnamon
- Chocolate
Good luck and happy hunting, Cheers!
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