San Matias Gran Reserva Review (Is it Good?)

Are you looking to get a San Matias Gran Reserva? San Matias Gran Reserva is a premium tequila produced in Mexico.

The San Matias Distillery, where San Matias Gran Reserva is produced, is a prime example of the importance of tequila in Mexico’s cultural and economic landscape

To Mexicans, Tequila is not just a drink in Mexico but also an important part of the country’s cultural and social fabric.

This San Matias Gran Reserva review looks at everything to know about this tequila and why it is highly valued not only n Mexico but also globally.

Let’s get sipping!

Overall
4.7
  • Value for Price
  • Mixability
  • Sippability

⇒ Fun Facts ⇐

Name:San Matias Gran Reserva
Brand:San Matias
Country:Mexico
Spirit Style:Anejo
Spirit Type:Tequila
ABV:40%

San Matias Gran Reserva Brand History

San Matias Gran Reserva is a premium tequila brand with a rich history of over 135 years. The brand was founded in 1886 by Don Delfino González, who established the San Matias Distillery in Magdalena, a small town west of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico.

The San Matias Distillery has a long tequila-making tradition steeped in family history and tradition. Don Delfino González passed down his knowledge and expertise to his son, who in turn passed it down to his son. Today, the fourth and fifth generations of the González family continue to run the business, ensuring that the tequila-making traditions are preserved and passed on to future generations.

San Matias Gran Reserva is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The distillery has implemented several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and minimize waste. It also supports local farmers and communities by purchasing blue agave from small-scale growers in the Jalisco region to support local farmers and help them generate revenue.

San Matias Gran Reserva Review

San Matias Gran Reserva Review

Category: San Matias Gran Reserva is a type of tequila called extra Añejo tequila. It is categorized as Extra Anejo Tequila because it has been aged for at least three years in oak barrels before being bottled.

Color: San Matias Gran Reserva tequila has a deep amber color from the aging process in oak barrels. The longer the tequila is aged, the darker the color will become, as it absorbs more flavors and colors from the barrel.

Nose: San Matias Gran Reserva tequila has a complex and sophisticated nose with notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice. The rich, intense aroma and warm and inviting character reflect the tequila’s premium quality. As it is an extra Añejo tequila, the nose is more nuanced and developed than younger tequilas, thanks to the extended aging process.

Alcohol Content: The alcohol content of San Matias Gran Reserva tequila is 40%.

Palate: On the palate, San Matias Gran Reserva tequila is rich and complex, with a full-bodied, smooth, and satisfying flavor. The tequila has a balanced sweetness complemented by a subtle spiciness, creating a harmonious, nuanced, layered flavor profile. The extended aging process gives tequila a smooth and silky texture that is a pleasure to savor.

Finish: The finish of San Matias Gran Reserva is long and smooth, with a pleasant warmth that lingers on the palate. The aging process in oak barrels gives the tequila a complex flavor profile, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice balanced by a subtle smokiness thanks to the charred oak barrel it is aged in.

Price: San Matias Gran Reserva is typically sold between $44 – $60, depending on the location and retailer. However, the price may vary depending on the region, taxes, and availability.

San Matias Gran Reserva Ingredients

Although it is expected that one or two more items may have been used in making this drink, the Blue Weber Agave plant is the main ingredient and source of this drink. All in all, the ingredients in this drink include:

Blue Weber Agave: This is the main ingredient in San Matias Gran Reserva tequila and must make up at least 51% of the total fermentable sugars in the final product.

Water: Water is an essential ingredient in tequila production, and it is used in several steps of the process, including the cooking of the agave, fermentation, and dilution of the final product.

Wood: Satequila is aged in oak barrels for at least one year, giving it distinctive flavor and color. The type of wood used in the barrels, as well as the length of aging, can have a significant impact on the final product.

Caramel: A small amount of caramel is often added to Añejo tequilas to give them a richer, darker color. However, this ingredient is typically used in very small quantities.

Citric Acid: Citric acid is sometimes added to tequila to adjust the pH level of the final product. However, this is not a common ingredient and is typically only used in small quantities.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Handcrafted: San Matias Gran Reserva tequila is made using traditional, handcrafted methods, which can result in a more authentic and unique product.

Smoothness: Aged tequilas like San Matias Gran Reserva are typically smoother than younger tequilas, making them easier to sip and enjoy on their own or in cocktails.

Aging Process: Aged for at least three years, San Matias Gran Reserva has a rich and smooth flavor profile highly sought by tequila enthusiasts.

Heritage: San Matias has a long history and is one of the oldest tequila producers in Mexico, giving it a certain level of prestige and authenticity.

Cons

Intensity: Due to its high alcohol content, San Matias Gran Reserva can be quite strong and intense, which may not be to everyone’s taste.

Limited Options: While San Matias Gran Reserva is a high-quality tequila, the brand doesn’t offer as many options in terms of flavor profiles or aging times as some other tequila producers do.

Expectations: With such a high reputation, there can be a lot of expectations placed on San Matias Gran Reserva, and it may not always live up to the hype for every drinker.

Also Read: Shock Top Twisted Pretzel Wheat Review

San Matias Gran Reserva Review

How San Matias Gran Reserva Is Best Served

When presenting San Matias Gran Reserva tequila, it’s important to highlight its unique characteristics and qualities through how you serve the drink for yourself or others. Here are a couple of ways you can serve this tequila:

Neat: When serving San Matias Gran Reserva neat, it is recommended to use a small tequila glass called a Caballito. The tequila can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, depending on personal preference.

Sipping San Matias Gran Reserva neat lets you fully appreciate its complex flavors and aromas, including caramel, vanilla, and oak notes. Sip slowly and let the flavors linger on your palate, for the full experience is recommended.

On the Rocks: San Matias Gran Reserva can be served over ice for a slightly more diluted and refreshing option. To add a classic touch, rim the glass with salt or garnish with a wedge of lime. The ice will dilute the tequila slightly, creating a milder flavor profile that can be enjoyed on a warm day or as a pre-dinner aperitif.

With a Mixer: While San Matias Gran Reserva is delicious, it can also be used as a cocktail base. For a classic Paloma, mix San Matias Gran Reserva with grapefruit juice and a splash of soda. Or, for a Margarita, mix San Matias Gran Reserva with lime juice and agave nectar. The complex flavors of San Matias Gran Reserva will add depth and character to any cocktail.

Perfect Pairings

Pairing San Matias Gran Reserva with food is a great way to enhance both the flavors of the tequila and the dish while combining the numerous flavors from the meal and the tequila. It is worthy of note that when choosing foods to pair with San Matias Gran Reserva, it’s important to consider the complexity and intensity of the flavors in both the food and the tequila.

Here is a list of meals you can pair San Matias Gran Reserva with:

Tacos al Pastor: These traditional Mexican street tacos are made with marinated pork, pineapple, onion, and cilantro. The sweetness of the pineapple and the spiciness of the marinade are a perfect match for the oakiness and caramel notes in San Matias Gran Reserva.

Carne Asada: This classic grilled beef dish is a staple of Mexican cuisine. The smoky, charred flavors of the grilled meat are complemented by the vanilla and oak notes in San Matias Gran Reserva.

Shrimp Ceviche: This refreshing seafood dish is made with fresh shrimp, lime juice, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. The tequila’s citrus notes and smooth finish pair well with the bright flavors of the ceviche.

Mole Poblano: This complex and flavorful sauce is a staple of Mexican cuisine. It has various ingredients, including chili peppers, nuts, seeds, and chocolate. The chocolate’s sweetness and the peppers’ spiciness are a perfect match for the rich, complex flavors of San Matias Gran Reserva.

Popular Related Drinks

When exploring drinks related to San Matias Gran Reserva, it’s important to note that tequila is a unique spirit with a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other spirits. However, some drinks share similar characteristics and flavor notes, making them excellent alternatives or complements to San Matias Gran Reserva. Some of those drinks include:

Don Julio 1942 Anejo Tequila: Don Julio 1942 is a smooth and rich anejo tequila with caramel, vanilla, and oak notes. Like San Matias Gran Reserva, it’s aged in oak barrels and has a similar sweetness and complexity.

Casa Noble Anejo Tequila: Casa Noble Anejo is a full-bodied and complex tequila with notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and cinnamon. It shares many characteristics with San Matias Gran Reserva, including a smooth finish and rich flavor profile.

El Tesoro Anejo Tequila: El Tesoro Anejo is an aged tequila with a rich amber color and a complex flavor profile that includes caramel, vanilla, and spice notes. Like San Matias Gran Reserva, it’s aged for an extended period to develop its unique flavor.

Fortaleza Anejo Tequila: Fortaleza Anejo is a smooth and complex tequila aged 18 months in oak barrels. It has notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak, making it a great alternative to San Matias Gran Reserva for those who appreciate full-bodied and rich tequila.

Frequently Asked Questions – San Matias Gran Reserva

How much alcohol is in San Matias Gran Reserva tequila?

San Matias Gran Reserva Añejo Tequila has an alcohol content (ABV) of 40%.

What are the tasting notes of San Matias Gran Reserva tequila?

San Matias Gran Reserva tequila has notes that include toasted oak, dark chocolate, and vanilla.

Where is San Matias Gran Reserva tequila made?

San Matias Gran Reserva tequila is made in Magdalena, Jalisco, Mexico.

Who is the CEO of San Matias’s distilling company?

Carmen Villarreal is the CEO of San Matias.

Also Read: Skelly Tequila Anejo Review

Cheers!

San Matias Gran Reserva Añejo Tequila is a top-tier tequila with a distinctive character and rich history. Its exquisite blend of flavors and aromas, from vanilla and caramel to toasted oak and agave, make it a favorite among tequila lovers who like something bold, daring, and beautiful on the palate.

So grab a bottle off the shelf whenever you come across this tequila and give your palate the treat it deserves. Salud!