Skip to main content

Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia

When most people think of Jose Cuervo, they think of Cuervo Gold, the mid-range tequila that we used down shot after shot of in college, the one that we would mix together with that lime green margarita salt, and pour into a glass with a salted rim. But behind the Cuervo Gold that we all know very well is Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia. Since 1795, the Jose Cuervo family has been practicing an annual ritual. They invite a select group of friends and relatives over and pull out their finest tequila from the cellar and share it with them. Two centuries later, they decided to share it with the world and put it on the market.

The master distillers achieve this fine extra-anejo tequila by taking the agave when it’s at its peak, stripping it of its bitter, outer layer. What’s left is its heart, or piña. Then, it’s made into tequila and aged in French and American oak barrels for about three years. After batches of up to 30 years old are blended with the final batch. Only 17,000 batches are released each year.

Recommended Videos

Unlike the regular tequilas you’re used to, Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia consists of a dark amber hue akin to scotch or cognac. Rich oak, toasted almonds, vanilla and cinnamon are just some of the characteristics of its flavor profile. And don’t think you’re going to add some lime juice and triple sec and turn it into a margarita. It’s meant to be savored all by itself, sipped neat or on the rocks.

A special tequila has to be sold in a special packaging, and each year Jose Cuervo chooses a Mexican artist to design its wooden box. This year, they tapped Enrique Rosas, who made a psychedelic pattern. So if you’re looking for a special Father’s Day gift for a tequila enthusiast, this is it.

For more information, visit cuervo.com.

Ann Binlot
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ann Binlot is a New York-based freelance writer who contributes to publications like The Economist, Wallpaper*, Monocle…
Columbia River Gorge travel guide: Where to eat, what to do, and where to stay
So much to dine on and do in this PNW wonderland
Columbia River Gorge.

It's pretty amazing that you can be entering the Columbia River Gorge from downtown Portland, Oregon in just about 30 minutes. The scenic expanse feels worlds away—a wonderland of waterfalls, towering cliffs, evergreens, and a massive river in between. Here exists the ideal balancing act between premiere outdoor adventure opportunities and exceptional food and drink.

Spring and summer are the best times to visit this stunning landscape. During the former season, you get every imaginable shade of green, with wildflowers to boot. During the latter season, warm days beg for a plunge into one of the countless creeks and rivers, followed by a refreshing beer and a sound meal.

Read more
This award-winning chef says the secret to better BBQ is relaxing more
How to level up your grill this season
Grilling

Chef Charlie McKenna has a long history in the world of BBQ,  learning very early on about the art of authentic Southern BBQ from his Grandma Lillie. Chef McKenna has won two Memphis in May victories and a variety of other awards on the competitive BBQ circuit, teaching him a thing or two about the art of grilling. Just in time for grilling season, Chef McKenna shares his best tips and tricks you can implement right from home -- from the best BBQ sauces to the underrated tips every backyard barbecue should know. Here's what he shared.
Tips for backyard grillers

As a chef, Charlie McKenna is under a lot of pressure when competing in BBQ competitions. However, his best tip for backyard grillers is to relax and focus on having fun in the process of grilling and smoking. " Too often, people get wrapped up in trying to make everything perfect and forget to enjoy the process. We’re not curing cancer — we’re cooking food for our friends and family to enjoy. When you're having a good time, that energy translates into the food. You’ll experiment more, learn more, and ultimately serve better barbecue. If it ever feels stressful, take a step back, crack a cold one, and remember why you started grilling in the first place," he shares.

Read more
New Riff is launching a pair of ten-year-old whiskeys
New Riff is launching two decade-old whiskeys
New Riff

If you believe a decade is the sweet spot for aging in whiskey, you're in luck. The distillers at Newport, Kentucky's New Riff just announced the release of not one, but two ten-year-old whiskeys—a bourbon whiskey as well as a rye whiskey.
First Decade Whiskeys

They're called the First Decade Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and First Decade Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, and they are the first ten-year-old whiskeys produced by the popular distillery. They're the newest additions to the distillery's High Note limited-edition lineup for spring 2025 and will be available only through the New Riff Whiskey Club.

Read more