Siete Leguas Siete Decadas Blanco Tequila Review - Complex Flavors

The History Behind Siete Leguas Tequila

Siete Leguas (Spanish for "seven leagues") has a long and storied history in the tequila industry. The distillery was founded in 1952 by Don Ignacio Gonzalez Vargas in the Los Altos region of Jalisco, Mexico - right in the heart of tequila country. This area is known for having the perfect climate and soil for growing delicious blue agave plants that make the best tequila.

For over 60 years, Siete Leguas has been producing premium 100% blue agave tequila using traditional methods. In fact, they were one of the pioneers of the "double distillation" process that gives tequila its smooth flavor. Their master distillers carefully select only the ripest agave hearts and slow cook them in traditional brick ovens. This brings out the natural sugars that will later ferment into alcohol.

The resulting tequila is distilled twice - once in a large pot still and then again in a smaller still. This double distillation produces a cleaner, smoother sipping tequila. Siete Leguas lets the tequila rest in American and French oak barrels to allow the flavors to marry and mellow. Their attention to detail and dedication to tradition has earned them numerous awards and accolades over the decades.

Introducing Siete Decadas Tequila

In 2020, Siete Leguas introduced a special limited edition tequila to celebrate their 70th anniversary - the Siete Decadas. This new ultra-premium tequila is made from hand selected 10-12 year old blue agaves grown in Los Altos. It is distilled twice and aged for 36 months in a combo of American and French oak barrels.

The Siete Decadas is currently available in two varieties:

• Siete Decadas Reposado - Aged 11 months
• Siete Decadas Blanco - Unaged "white" tequila

Both expressions are beautifully crafted tequilas that honor the legacy of quality Siete Leguas is known for. However, today we'll be focusing on reviewing the Siete Decadas Blanco.

Tasting Notes on the Siete Decadas Blanco

Here are my tasting notes on this special blanco tequila:

Appearance:

The Siete Decadas Blanco pours into the glass with the clarity of pure spring water. It's completely transparent and crystal clear with no color. As you swirl the glass, it leaves a nice clean "wine legs" effect on the side of the glass.

Aroma:

The aroma greets you with lovely hints of sweet agave, citrus, black pepper, and fresh herbaceousness. There's also a subtle vanilla and butterscotch undertone from the oak aging. Overall, very inviting and complex.

Flavor:

On the palate, the Siete Decadas Blanco delivers! It starts off with sweet fruity notes of ripe pineapple, mango and Meyer lemon. Then the signature agave flavor comes through strong but not overpowering. There’s a delightful pepperiness that tingles the tongue along with subtle oak influences.

It has an incredibly smooth and silky mouthfeel - almost creamy. The finish is long, warm and spicy with a touch of minerality. It lingers on the palate for a good while after you swallow or sip.

Overall Impressions:

I'm thoroughly impressed with this special anniversary tequila from Siete Leguas. It's refined and complex with lovely fruit, pepper and agave notes all in perfect harmony. The subtle oak aging gives it extra depth without overshadowing the agave. It strikes the ideal balance between smoothness and flavor.

While it's on the pricier side, the Siete Decadas Blanco is worth the splurge. This is ultra-premium sipping tequila made for celebrating special occasions and quality time with good friends. Salud!

Versatility of the Siete Decadas Blanco

This fantastic blanco tequila is extremely versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy it:

Neat or On the Rocks

Sipped neat at room temperature or over ice, the Siete Decadas Blanco really shines. You can fully savor the complex flavors and silky smoothness.

Tequila Cocktails

This blanco makes a mean tequila cocktail! Use it in classics like the Margarita, Paloma and Tequila Sunrise. Its flavor stands up beautifully to citrus juices and fruit flavors.

Premium Pairings

The Siete Decadas Blanco pairs nicely with fresh ceviche, oysters and lighter seafood dishes. It also complements spicy cuisines like Mexican very well. The peppery kick enhances fiery dishes.

Special Occasions

For celebrations like birthday dinners, anniversaries and holiday meals, the Siete Decadas adds a touch of class. It also makes a fantastic higher-end gift for the tequila lover in your life.

Where to Buy Siete Decadas Tequila

Due to its limited nature and popularity, the Siete Decadas expressions can be a little hard to find at times. Here are some tips on where to buy it:

• Check fine liquor stores, especially ones with large tequila selections
• Ask your local Mexican restaurant or bar if they stock it
• Search online sites like Drizly, ReserveBar and Caskers
• Join the Siete Leguas Tequila Club to get exclusive access to new releases

With some searching around, you should be able to track down a bottle or two of this excellent anniversary tequila. The hunt is well worth it for this unique and memorable drinking experience.

Is It Worth the Price?

With an MSRP of $150 or more per bottle, the Siete Decadas Blanco is not cheap. But most spirits experts and tequila aficionados agree that it's worth the high price tag. Here's why:

• Made from hand-selected older agaves that give it a complex flavor
• Double distilled and aged in French/American oak for extra smoothness
• Produced in small batches, making it rare
• A special release to celebrate a legendary tequila brand's legacy
• One of the finest sipping blanco tequilas money can buy

For hardcore tequila fans or those seeking a top-shelf spirit to commemorate life’s biggest moments, the Siete Decadas Blanco delivers. Its flawless balance of sweetness, peppery spice and oak makes it well worth the splurge.

FAQs

What is Siete Decadas tequila?

Siete Decadas is a limited edition ultra-premium tequila released in 2020 by Siete Leguas to celebrate their 70th anniversary. It is made from mature, hand-selected blue agave and aged in French and American oak barrels.

What's the difference between the Blanco and Reposado?

The Siete Decadas Blanco is unaged white tequila. The Reposado is aged 11 months in oak barrels giving it a light golden hue.

What flavors are in the Blanco?

The Blanco has lovely flavors of agave, citrus, black pepper and herbs. It has a smooth, creamy mouthfeel with a spicy finish.

How should I drink Siete Decadas Blanco?

Sip it neat, on the rocks, or use in cocktails like Margaritas. It also pairs nicely with Mexican food and seafood.

Is this tequila worth the high price?

Yes, it's one of the finest sipping blanco tequilas available. The complex flavors and smoothness justify the $150+ price tag.