Corrido Tequila

Corrido Tequila's story is a fascinating one, at least the story behind the name is. The "corrido" is a Mexican song and poetry style that originated in the late 1800's along the US-Mexico border to tell a variety of folktales. During Prohibition in the US corrido was often used to give credit to the tequileros, or tequila smugglers, who worked to keep the States from drying out completely. This is the inspiration for one of the newest tequilas on the market that took its name from this folk tradition and I think those tequileros would be proud because these tequilas are certainly impressive.

Since its release in September 2009 Corrido Tequila has won over the palates of many people and it has the awards to prove it. There is a noticeable attention to quality in these tequilas that is always nice to see and I liken it to my fondness for Tequila Tezon and Corazon. These are tequilas that you want to share with friends and mix into modern cocktails that allow the spirits to shine.

The production of Corrido is relatively standard in premium tequilas. It is made of 100% blue agave, which are slow cooked in stainless steel ovens before going through a double distillation process. With each of the aged bottlings the barrel selection is key and in the case of the Extra Añejo, 58 hand selected charred white oak barrels.

I recently had the opportunity to taste two of Corrido Tequila's offerings, the Blanco (or 'Cristalino') and Extra Añejo. They also produce a reposado and añejo.

Corrido Cristalino Tequila:
This blanco tequila is as crystal clear as its name alludes to and opens with the fragrant scents of floral lime and a seductive earthiness. The palate is crisp and rich with notes of bee balm, burnt orange and a nice balance of earthy agave. Cristalino has a lasting finish that is full and marked with pepper, lime and a touch of sweetness.

Cristalino has become one of my favorite blancos because it has that crispness that many are missing, but it does not have too much zing to ruin its smoothness. This is a great one for any tequila cocktail, especially those with fewer ingredients that allow the tequila to shine. Two fine examples of this come from Corrido and I highly recommend tasting this tequila in either a Modern Smuggler or a Corrido Prohibidos.

Corrido Extra Añejo Tequila:
This rich gold tequila is filled with sweet delights right from the beginning. The nose is creamy butterscotch and vanilla, reminding me of a Werther's Original candy. The taste follows suit, is warming to the palate, and holds notes of coconut, mocha, and caramel. The finish resembles a taste of cognac with a full body, lasting warm agave and a delightful balance that leaves you wanting more.

All that I could say about this extra añejo when I first tasted it was that it was "oh so pleasant." It's one of those melt in your mouth tequilas that I encourage everyone to try, especially if tequila is not your favorite distilled spirit. This one is a rich delight that is an example why so many of us are in love with tequila.

While some people would not mix a $100 tequila into cocktails, I do suggest you give at least one cocktail a shot. That would be the Spanish Harlem, which is the tequila version of the Manhattan. However, if that's a little too much money to pour into a mixed drink you can downgrade to the añejo, which I'm told is nearly as good. Another fine option is to use this to make a tequila Old-fashioned using agave nectar for the sugar.

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.