Volcán de mi Tierra Añejo Cristalino is a cristalino category tequila from the Mexican state of Jalisco, created by blending añejo and extra añejo tequila, then put through a decolourising filtration. The name means "volcano of my land", and the brand is a joint venture between Moët Hennessy and the Gallardo family. The name Volcán de mi Tierra references the actual Volcán de Tequila volcano, located in the lowland part of Jalisco.
The base is 100% blue Weber agave. The agaves come from the Altos and Valles regions of Jalisco, where they grow in volcanic soil rich in basalt and minerals, deposited there 200,000 years ago during the eruption of the Tequila volcano. In the production process, after autoclaving and milling, the mash goes into steel fermentation vats and then through two distillations.
What sets this expression apart happens only after distillation. The tequila is made from a blend of añejo tequila, matured in ex-whisky barrels, and extra añejo tequila, aged in ex-cognac barrels. After maturation, both tequilas remain separate while the colour is removed, and before blending each one is finished with a rinse in the barrel in which it was aged. The spirit is free of additives. The strength is 40%.
In terms of the aroma and flavour profile, the filtration leaves a pale, almost crystalline spirit, yet does not strip it of its oak character. The nose is marked by fruity notes of strawberry, vanilla, black cherry, oak and roasted agave, while the palate shows a distinct core of roasted agave, chocolate, black cherry and oak. The Cristalino reveals a robust character with pronounced notes of caramel, tobacco and bitter chocolate, closing with a silky, lasting presence in the mouth.