Fuenteseca Reserva 18 Year Old Extra Anejo Tequila 2003
Fuenteseca Reserva 18 Year Old Extra Añejo Tequila 2003 is eighteen years in the making — 750mL at 44% ABV, distilled in 2003 at La Tequileña (NOM 1146): a blend of 75% copper column-distilled and 25% double copper pot-distilled tequila, aged 6 years in ex-Canadian rye whisky casks then 12 more in European oak ex-California red wine barrels and Canadian oak — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 44% vol (88 proof) — importer figure for the 2003-distilled lot
- Size: 750mL (gift-box presentation)
- Age: 18 years — distilled 2003 ("2003" is the distillation year)
- Distillery: NOM 1146 — La Tequileña, Tequila, Jalisco (Maestro Destilador Enrique Fonseca); additive free
- Distillation: 75% copper two-column + 25% double copper pot (alembic)
- Aging: 6 years in 180L ex-Canadian rye whisky casks at 4,600 ft in Atotonilco el Alto, then re-barreled — 54% into European oak ex-California red wine barrels, 47% into Canadian white oak — for 12 more years in cooler El Chapingo
- Importer: Skurnik Wines & Spirits
Two Climates, Three Cask Programs
The 18 Year is the Fuenteseca line's study in contrast: column-distilled brightness married to pot-distilled depth, then aged in two climates — six years in rye-whisky casks at 4,600 feet in Atotonilco el Alto, then twelve more in the cooler air of El Chapingo, split between European wine barrels and Canadian oak. The "2003" on the label is the distillation year, and like its 21-year sibling this is a distinct lot from the older 1995-distilled 18-year some retailers describe. See more from Fuenteseca, or explore the store's extra añejo tequila and tequila shelves.
Tasting Notes
Nose of deep dried fruit, toasted oak, vanilla custard, dark chocolate, a whisper of tobacco, and roasted agave earthiness; palate of dried cherry, butterscotch, cinnamon spice, aged leather, and subtle mineral character.
How to Enjoy
Neat at room temperature in a copita. Eighteen years of oak deserves the full, undiluted pour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "2003" mean on the label?
The distillation year — distilled in 2003, aged 18 years.
How is the 18 Year different from the 21 Year?
The 18 blends column and pot distillation (75/25) versus the 21's 100% column; 18 years in rye and wine-barrel oak versus 21 years starting in red-wine French oak.
Is Fuenteseca additive free?
Yes — La Tequileña's program is additive free.
What is the ABV of the 2003 lot?
44% ABV per the importer (older 1995-distilled lots show 43.5%).
A masterclass in long-aged tequila: order Fuenteseca Reserva 18 Year 2003 online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.