Gran Centenario Gallardo
Gran Centenario Tequila is a premium Tequila brand celebrated since its inception for its quality and craftsmanship. The brand, founded in 1857, is known for its smoothness and rich flavors. It’s produced in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, an area renowned for having ideal conditions for growing blue agave. Below is a brief history of the company and tasting notes on its range, including its latest release, Gran Centenario Gallardo Extra Añejo Tequila
Lázaro Gallardo, the brand’s founder, was a pioneering figure in the Tequila industry. Gallardo developed a unique production process called “Selección Suave,” which involves blending aged Tequila with new Tequila to achieve a smoother and more balanced flavor profile. This method set Gran Centenario apart from other Tequilas and helped establish its reputation for excellence. Over the years, the Gallardo family continued to uphold these high standards, ensuring that the tradition and quality of Gran Centenario Tequila remained consistent.
Jose Cuervo acquired Gran Centenario Tequila in 2006. This acquisition allowed Cuervo to expand its portfolio and strengthen its position in the premium Tequila market.
Below are detailed tasting notes on Gran Centenario Gallardo Extra Añejo Tequila, its latest release, and the other Tequilas in the Gran Centenario range.
Gran Centenario, Gallardo Extra Añejo Tequila, 40% ABV, 750 ml
The nose is rich and aromatic, with dominant caramel, vanilla, and cooked agave notes. Hints of dried fruits, such as raisins and apricots, are complemented by a touch of toasted oak and a subtle hint of cinnamon and nutmeg spice.
The Tequila is full-bodied and smooth on the palate, featuring a layered complexity. Flavors of sweet, cooked agave and toffee are prominent, followed by layers of dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and a slight smokiness. There are additional notes of dried fruit, particularly figs, and dates, with a touch of citrus zest adding brightness. The oak aging imparts a balanced spice and a hint of vanilla that rounds out the profile.
The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of caramel, spice, and well-seasoned oak.
Gran Centenario Plata Tequila, 40% ABV, 750 ml
On the nose, the Tequila features prominent aromas of sweet, cooked agave and herbal notes. Hints of citrus zest, mainly lime and grapefruit, are complemented by subtle herbal undertones and a touch of pepper.
The cooked agave flavors are prominent on the palate, accompanied by pronounced caramel/butterscotch notes, floral undertones, and a distinctive wet stone minerality. The citrus zest notes continue to the palate, with lime and grapefruit peel notes mingling with a hint of black pepper and a slight earthiness.
The finish is long, with a lingering caramel sweetness, herbal notes, and spice.
Gran Centenario Reposado Tequila, 40% ABV, 750 ml
The Tequila features caramel, vanilla, and cooked agave notes on the nose. There are hints of dried fruits, particularly apricots, a touch of seasoned oak, mild spice notes of black pepper, and a touch of cinnamon.
The Tequila is smooth and sweet, featuring flavors of caramel/butterscotch, honey, and vanilla, along with notes of cooked agave and subtle herbal notes. Additional notes include dried fruit, seasoned oak, a mild but persistent pepperiness, and gentle hints of cinnamon.
The finish is medium to long, with lingering sweet and spicy notes and hints of herbal undertones.
Some of the Tequila expressions in the Gran Centenario Range
Gran Centenario Añejo Tequila, 40% ABV, 750 ml
The Tequila’s nose is complex and layered, featuring rich dark chocolate, caramel, and vanilla notes. There are also hints of roasted nuts, dried fruits, and a touch of smokiness from the oak barrels.
It’s robust and luxurious on the palate, showcasing flavors of caramel and toffee, dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, and dried figs. The oak aging imparts a balanced spice of cinnamon, along with hints of nutmeg and clove and a slight smokiness.
The finish is long and smooth, with lingering caramel, chocolate, and seasoned oak notes.
Gran Centenario Leyenda, 40% ABV, 750 ml
Leyenda is intense and aromatic on the nose, with dominant caramel, vanilla, and dark chocolate notes. Layers of dried fruits, such as raisins, figs, and dates, are complemented by toasted oak and a hint of spice.
The Tequila is exceptionally smooth and complex on the palate, featuring caramel, toffee, and dark chocolate flavors. Additional notes of dried fruits, roasted nuts, subtle smokiness, and hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove add complexity.
The finish is long, with lingering notes of caramel, chocolate, and a gentle spice.
Gran Centenario Cristalino, 40% ABV, 750 ml
The Cristalino is aromatic and flavorful on the nose, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of oak. Subtle hints of citrus and herbal undertones provide a complex aromatic profile.
Smooth and silky on the palate, it offers upfront flavors of vanilla and caramel, notes of dried fruits, a touch of citrus zest, and a hint of oak. The filtration process gives it a clean, crisp character while retaining the complexity of an aged Tequila.
The finish is long and fruity, with a lingering sweetness and a gentle oak finish.
Gran Centenario is one of the finest Tequila brands on the planet. It was a premium brand before premiumized Tequila existed. If you are unfamiliar with the brand, you should sample it. If you are familiar with it, it’s time to reacquaint yourself with one of Mexico’s historic and finest Tequila brands.
Salud!
