Gran Centenario Anejo Cristalino Tequila
Gran Centenario Añejo Cristalino Tequila is an 80-proof (40% ABV), 750mL cristalino built from a blend of añejo and extra añejo tequilas matured in American oak, then finished for several months in Calvados (apple-brandy) casks — a first for the brand — and filtered to crystal clarity through a Mexican-silver process that strips color without stripping flavor. Made from 100% blue Weber agave via the house's proprietary Selección Suave method (newly rested tequilas blended with older aged reserves), it comes from NOM 1122, the Ex-Hacienda Los Camichines distillery in Jalisco. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Blend: añejo + extra añejo, matured in American oak; finished in Calvados casks
- Process: Selección Suave — newly rested tequilas blended with older reserves; Mexican-silver filtration to clarity
- Origin: NOM 1122, Ex-Hacienda Los Camichines, Jalisco, Mexico — 100% blue Weber agave
- House: founded 1857 by Lázaro Gallardo; Mexico's #1 tequila per the brand
An Añejo's Soul in a Blanco's Clarity
Cristalino is tequila's answer to a paradox: all the depth of barrel aging with the brilliant clarity of an unaged spirit. Gran Centenario takes it further than most — the base is not just añejo but a blend of añejo and extra añejo, rested in American oak, then given a finishing stint in Calvados casks that layers fresh-apple notes over the agave. The Mexican-silver filtration removes color while leaving the barrel character intact. The result drinks like the best of both worlds: the roundness and toffee of age, the brightness and precision of a blanco. For tequila drinkers who want luxury without heaviness, this is the house's flagship statement.
Tasting Notes
Crystal-clear in the glass with aromas of sweet agave, fresh apple, and vanilla bean. The palate is silky and refined — toffee, baked apple, and soft oak over warm agave — finishing clean and lingering with vanilla and a whisper of spice.
How to Enjoy
Sip neat from a reposado glass or over a single large cube to appreciate the filtration's clarity. It elevates a cristalino margarita or a tequila Old Fashioned. Pair with seared scallops, vanilla desserts, or apple tart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cristalino tequila?
An aged tequila (añejo or extra añejo) filtered to remove its color while keeping the barrel-aged flavor — clear like a blanco, complex like an añejo.
What does the Calvados cask finish add?
Several months in French apple-brandy casks give the tequila fresh-apple and orchard-fruit notes — a first for Gran Centenario.
What is Selección Suave?
The house's proprietary method of blending newly rested tequilas with older aged reserves for smoothness.
What is the NOM?
1122 — the Ex-Hacienda Los Camichines distillery in Jalisco, Mexico.
Discover more Gran Centenario tequilas in our tequila collection. Cristalinos are the fastest-growing luxury tequila style — order online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.