Tequila, Mexico’s iconic spirit, boasts a rich history and diverse range of expressions. From the crisp blancos to the complex añejos, there’s a tequila to suit every palate. San Matias Legado stands out as a premium brand, often lauded for its quality and craftsmanship. But is San Matias Legado truly a “good” tequila? This article delves into the nuances of the brand, examining its production process, flavor profile, and overall value to help you decide if it’s worth adding to your collection.
A Glimpse into the History of San Matias
San Matias Gran Reserva has a long and esteemed history, dating back to 1886 when Don Delfino González established the distillery, Destilería San Matías de Jalisco. This makes it one of the oldest tequila distilleries in Mexico. The distillery prides itself on tradition, using time-honored methods passed down through generations. The Legado line represents a commitment to preserving this heritage while embracing modern techniques to ensure the highest quality.
The brand has consistently strived for excellence, focusing on the quality of its agave and the meticulous distillation process. Over the years, San Matias has earned numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its reputation as a producer of premium tequila.
Unveiling the Production Process
The quality of any tequila hinges on its production process, from the selection of the agave to the final aging. San Matias Legado adheres to strict standards, ensuring a spirit of exceptional character.
Agave Selection and Harvesting
San Matias Legado starts with 100% blue Weber agave, sourced from the highlands of Jalisco. This region is renowned for its ideal climate and soil conditions, which contribute to the agave’s distinct flavor profile. The agave plants are carefully cultivated and allowed to mature for several years before being harvested by skilled jimadores.
Only fully mature agave plants are selected, ensuring the highest sugar content. The agave is then transported to the distillery for processing.
Cooking and Extraction
Once at the distillery, the agave piñas (the heart of the agave plant) are cooked in traditional brick ovens. This slow-cooking process, which can last for several days, is crucial for converting the complex carbohydrates into fermentable sugars. This method is often favored for its ability to impart a sweeter and more complex flavor to the tequila, compared to faster methods like autoclaves.
After cooking, the agave is crushed using a combination of roller mills and a traditional tahona stone. This extracts the sugary juice, which is then fermented.
Fermentation and Distillation
The extracted agave juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks. San Matias uses a proprietary yeast strain, carefully cultivated to enhance the tequila’s unique flavor profile. Fermentation typically lasts for several days, converting the sugars into alcohol.
The fermented liquid is then distilled twice in copper pot stills. This double distillation process refines the spirit, removing impurities and concentrating the desirable flavors. The use of copper stills is believed to contribute to a smoother and more refined tequila.
Aging and Maturation
The Legado line showcases the art of aging. The different expressions (Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo) are aged in different types of oak barrels for varying lengths of time.
- Blanco: Typically unaged or aged for a very short period, preserving the fresh agave flavors.
- Reposado: Aged in oak barrels for a period of two months to one year, acquiring subtle notes of oak and vanilla.
- Añejo: Aged in oak barrels for one to three years, developing richer and more complex flavors of caramel, spice, and dried fruit.
The specific type of oak barrel used and the length of aging significantly influence the final flavor profile of the tequila. San Matias carefully selects its barrels to complement the agave’s natural character.
Exploring the Flavor Profile of San Matias Legado
The true test of any tequila lies in its taste. San Matias Legado is celebrated for its balanced and complex flavor profile, which reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and tradition.
San Matias Legado Blanco
The Blanco expression is a testament to the pure essence of agave. It presents a bright and clean aroma, with prominent notes of cooked agave, citrus, and a hint of pepper. On the palate, it is smooth and refreshing, with a subtle sweetness and a lingering finish.
The Blanco is an excellent choice for cocktails, allowing the agave flavors to shine through. It can also be enjoyed neat, especially by those who appreciate the unadulterated taste of tequila.
San Matias Legado Reposado
The Reposado offers a more nuanced flavor profile, thanks to its aging in oak barrels. It displays a golden hue and an aroma of vanilla, caramel, and spice, complementing the underlying agave notes. The taste is smooth and balanced, with a pleasant warmth and a long, satisfying finish.
The Reposado is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails that benefit from its oak-influenced flavors. It pairs well with savory dishes and desserts.
San Matias Legado Añejo
The Añejo is the most complex and sophisticated expression in the Legado line. It boasts a rich amber color and a captivating aroma of caramel, chocolate, dried fruit, and oak. The taste is velvety smooth, with layers of flavor that unfold with each sip. The finish is long and warming, leaving a lasting impression.
The Añejo is best enjoyed neat or with a single ice cube, allowing its intricate flavors to be fully appreciated. It is a perfect after-dinner drink or a special occasion spirit.
The Value Proposition: Is San Matias Legado Worth the Price?
When considering whether a tequila is “good,” price plays a significant role. San Matias Legado is positioned as a premium tequila, and its price reflects this.
The value proposition of San Matias Legado lies in its exceptional quality, traditional production methods, and distinct flavor profile. It offers a premium tequila experience at a price point that is accessible to many tequila enthusiasts.
Compared to other premium tequilas in the market, San Matias Legado offers excellent value for its quality. It is a well-crafted spirit that delivers a satisfying and memorable drinking experience.
San Matias Legado Compared to Other Tequilas
To better understand San Matias Legado’s place in the tequila landscape, it’s helpful to compare it to other popular brands.
Compared to Patron: Patron often focuses on a very smooth profile, sometimes sacrificing some of the raw agave character. San Matias Legado, while smooth, generally retains a stronger agave presence, especially in the Blanco and Reposado expressions. Some find Patron overly “polished,” whereas San Matias strikes a balance.
Compared to Don Julio: Don Julio, particularly its 1942 Añejo, is a very well-known luxury brand. San Matias Legado offers a similar level of quality but often at a slightly lower price point. Both brands emphasize quality agave and careful production. The flavor profiles differ; Don Julio often has more pronounced caramel notes, while San Matias can exhibit more spicy and herbal notes.
Compared to Fortaleza: Fortaleza is known for its extremely traditional methods, including tahona crushing. San Matias Legado uses a combination of roller mills and tahona. Fortaleza often boasts a very earthy, mineral-driven flavor profile. San Matias, while still showcasing agave, can be slightly more approachable and balanced.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
To fully appreciate San Matias Legado, consider these serving suggestions and food pairings.
- Blanco: Serve chilled in a snifter or tequila glass. Pair with ceviche, grilled seafood, or spicy Mexican dishes.
- Reposado: Serve neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like a Margarita or Paloma. Pair with grilled meats, tacos al pastor, or aged cheeses.
- Añejo: Serve neat in a snifter or brandy glass. Pair with dark chocolate, dried fruits, or rich desserts.
Experimenting with different pairings can enhance the enjoyment of San Matias Legado and reveal new dimensions of its flavor.
Potential Drawbacks
While San Matias Legado is generally well-regarded, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider.
- Availability: Depending on your location, San Matias Legado may not be readily available in all liquor stores.
- Price: Although it offers good value for its quality, it is still a premium tequila and may not be within everyone’s budget.
- Flavor Profile Preferences: While many appreciate its balanced flavor, some may prefer tequilas with a more pronounced agave or oak influence.
Final Verdict: Is San Matias Legado a “Good” Tequila?
Based on its history, production process, flavor profile, and value proposition, San Matias Legado is undoubtedly a good tequila. It represents a commitment to quality and tradition, offering a balanced and complex drinking experience.
Whether it’s the crisp Blanco, the nuanced Reposado, or the sophisticated Añejo, San Matias Legado offers something for every tequila enthusiast. While personal preferences may vary, its consistent quality and craftsmanship make it a worthwhile addition to any tequila collection. Therefore, the answer is a resounding yes, San Matias Legado is a good tequila, well worth exploring for its quality and unique character.
What is San Matias Legado Tequila and what makes it unique?
San Matias Legado is a premium, aged tequila produced by Destilería San Matías de Jalisco, a distillery with a long and storied history in tequila making. It is crafted from 100% blue agave, sourced from the highlands of Jalisco, and aged in French oak barrels to impart a distinct flavor profile.
What sets it apart is its meticulous production process, emphasizing traditional techniques alongside modern innovations. The aging process, carefully monitored by master distillers, contributes to a complex and refined tequila, intended for sipping and savoring rather than mixing.
What are the different expressions of San Matias Legado Tequila available?
San Matias Legado typically offers three core expressions: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. The Blanco, unaged, showcases the pure agave flavor. The Reposado is aged for a shorter period, lending it a subtle oak influence.
The Añejo undergoes a longer aging process, resulting in a richer, more complex flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. Availability may vary depending on location, and limited-edition releases sometimes appear.
What is the flavor profile like for San Matias Legado Tequila?
The flavor profile of San Matias Legado depends on the expression. The Blanco offers a bright, clean taste with prominent agave notes, hints of citrus, and a peppery finish. It is generally perceived as crisp and refreshing.
The Reposado presents a balanced combination of agave and oak, with subtle vanilla and caramel undertones. The Añejo delivers a richer, more complex experience, with flavors of dried fruit, spice, and a smooth, lingering finish. The oak aging adds a dimension of sweetness and warmth.
How does San Matias Legado Tequila compare to other premium tequilas in terms of price and quality?
San Matias Legado generally falls within the premium tequila category, placing it in a higher price range compared to entry-level brands but often more accessible than ultra-premium expressions. It represents a good value proposition considering its quality.
Compared to other premium tequilas, San Matias Legado holds its own in terms of craftsmanship and flavor complexity. While personal preference plays a significant role, it consistently receives positive reviews for its smooth profile and well-balanced character. Its consistent quality, rooted in traditional methods, makes it a strong contender in the premium segment.
What are some recommended ways to enjoy San Matias Legado Tequila?
San Matias Legado, particularly the Reposado and Añejo expressions, is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its complex flavor profile. Sipping it slowly allows the aromas and flavors to develop on the palate.
The Blanco expression, while excellent neat, can also be used in premium cocktails where the quality of the tequila shines through, such as a Margarita or Paloma. However, it is generally recommended to avoid masking its delicate flavors with overly sweet or strong mixers.
What are some potential drawbacks or criticisms of San Matias Legado Tequila?
Some critics may find the flavor profile of certain San Matias Legado expressions, particularly the Añejo, to be slightly too sweet or oaky for their liking. This is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences.
Another potential drawback is its availability, which may be limited in certain markets. This can make it difficult for consumers to consistently access and enjoy the brand.
Where can I purchase San Matias Legado Tequila?
San Matias Legado Tequila can typically be found at well-stocked liquor stores that carry a selection of premium tequilas. Look for it in the tequila section alongside other high-end brands.
Many online retailers that specialize in spirits also offer San Matias Legado, allowing for convenient purchase and delivery where legal. It is always recommended to check local regulations regarding alcohol purchases and shipments.