Flavortown just got a whole lot tastier—and boozier. This week, Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagar have officially launched their latest expression of tequila, a brand new añejo, within their Santo Spirits lineup. Produced from 100% Blue Weber Agave, this additive-free tequila is produced by third-generation distiller Juan Eduardo Nuñez and Karina Rojo at the Jalisco-based El Viejito Distillery and spends approximately 24 months aging in used American whiskey casks.
The small-batch añejo joins Santo’s already impressive lineup of certified additive-free tequilas, which includes a blanco, 110-proof blanco, reposado, and mezquila (a tequila/mezcal blend). Crafted using time-honored, traditional methods, the tequila is made from low pressure ,slow-cooked agave in stone ovens.
Santo Spirits Lineup
Last month, I was lucky enough to attend a media preview event—hosted by Guy Fieri himself—in NYC’s meatpacking district. As someone who is generally iffy about celebrity brands, particularly within the alcohol sphere, I was admittedly skeptical; however, upon first taste of the blanco, all of my preconceived notions were immediately flipped on their head.
When it came to taste the añejo, I was immediately struck by the spirit’s extremely pale hue. While many mass-produced añejos boast a deep, caramel color—which often comes from additives—this pale-hued añejo was almost translucent. However, what the añejo lacked in color (which of course was not problematic in any way), it definitely made up for in aroma, flavor, and quality.
Vicki Denig (right) with Stephanie Denig (left) and Guy Fieri of Santo Spirits
On the nose, aromas of citrus, tropical fruits, and sweet spice led to a satiny, easy-drinking palate laden with fruit-tinged flavors of pepper, agave, and hints of vanilla. Whether served neat or over a large cube of ice, this is an ideal sipping spirit perfect for enjoying year round. Santo añejo tequila will be sold in 750-ml bottles and will retail for about $75 a bottle. Pre-orders are now available on www.reservebar.com or www.shopsantospirit.com
Santo Spirits was founded in 2019 by longtime friends Sammy Hagar and Guy Fieri. Hagar’s first premium tequila brand graced the US market back in 1996, rendering him a 25+ year veteran in the high-end tequila sector.