Legends are made, not born, they say. In the case of Gran Centenario’s ‘Leyenda,’ well it was made before that phrase existed.
Before we get into the centuries-old history of this timeless Tequila, let’s talk about the taste.
It’s subtly but noticeably fruity. The raisins it’s made with stand out most, followed by apples and quince flavors, and are perfectly balanced by notes of wood and nutshell.
Despite its exceedingly pleasing and approachable flavor profile, there’s a noticeable bite right at the finish, a succulent, metaphorical scorpion’s tail that levels things out.
This tasty and tasteful blend was created in 1857 by Lazzaro Gallardo who, according to Gran Centenario reps, was the first Tequila Master Distiller in history. We love a pioneer.
The recipe calls for double-distilling followed by four years of aging in American oak barrels, a loving and meticulous process you can taste in each mature sip.
Big points for presentation here, too, as the bottle’s art-deco design complements the complex taste of this premium tequila. It’s available in New York, Miami and (thank god) LA, a boon for big city boozers.
At a recent tasting in LA’s Boyle Heights neighborhood, ‘Leyenda’ stood out against the brand’s other stout offerings – though the vanilla and almond taste of their reposado was unforgettable.
“We have reserves here that are aged for a long time and blended into each bottle,” said a rep for Gran Centario.
All boasted a scientifically precise balance of stout, wood flavors and smoothed sweetness. This a strong recommend for folks who like to take their time and let the spirits work their magic. Get into it.
Also, much love to the bartender who mixed and mastered two delicious cocktails, a sweet and crowd-pleasing reposado-based drink and a punchy and tart anejo-based concoction. Nothing like a well-made tequila buzz to send you off smiling.