The premium tequila space is seeing an unprecedented amount of growth. Once an overlooked segment of the spirits market, Mexico’s national beverage has quickly become one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. Over the last few years, an influx of brands has resulted in a wave of innovation regarding the distillation of tequila, such as the emergence of Cristalino. Though established brands are slowly beginning to come around this new distillation method, tequila juggernaut Avión has fully leaned into the trend with its latest addition to its Reserva line.
The release in question, Avión Reserva Cristalino, has the delicious complexity of an Añejo and the brightness of a Blanco. For those who haven’t heard of or tasted Cristalino, it’s a newer, more experimental category of tequila where the distiller takes an aged tequila (usually an Añejo) and filters it through charcoal to strip it of its amber hue that the tequila develops while aging in the cask. Despite taking away its color, the tequila retains its Añejo flavor profile and texture and develops a crisper finish that you’d normally find in a Blanco.
To make Avión Reserva Cristalino, Avión blends its 12-month-old Añejo with a small portion of its ultra-premium, three-year-old Extra Añejo. From there, the blend goes through a rigorous doubled-charcoal filtration process that removes the natural colors the spirit absorbed from the cask, which enhances the fruity and floral notes of the Añejo blend. On the nose, Avión Reserva Cristalino has notes of oak, vanilla, caramel, and earthy spices along with hints of citrus and fresh agave. These aromas translate to a smooth palate of vanilla, pecans, roasted agave, and bright notes of pineapple and herbs. Expect a smooth finish that’s full of oak, caramel, and earthy tones.
Given the depth of its flavor profile and its aged nature, this tequila should most likely be enjoyed straight or over rocks, however, that’s not to say it can’t be an exquisite base for a cocktail. Avión Reserva Cristalino retails for $145 and is available now.
