Los Cantiles 1905 Bacanora Anejo

Verdict

Most aged bacanora we've tasted sacrifices the agave on the altar of the barrel; Los Cantiles 1905 keeps the desert signature in the conversation. The 46-50% proof range is the non-negotiable here – at these numbers the wood supplements the agave rather than replacing it. Think of it next to Cielo Rojo or Rancho Tepúa: Sonoran bacanora that's being made to be drunk, not to be compared to tequila.

Tasting notes

Nose: Oak, then warm caramel, dried stone fruit, a flash of salt

Palate: The añejo treatment adds roundness without muting the pacifica's desert character. At 46-50% the proof carries the wood rather than hiding behind it – Sonoran bacanora respecting itself

Finish: Warm, oak-inflected – long

The bottom line

Good aged bacanora. Rare and worth the hunt