This fall Jose Cuervo will release a limited edition 250 Aniversario Tequila retailing for $2,250. The special bottling commemorates the historic birth of tequila production and the establishment of 10 generations of Cuervo family tradition: on November 2, 1758 King Carlos of Spain granted Don Jose Antonio de Cuervo the first plot of land on which to cultivate agave. In anticipation of the 250th anniversary, expert Jose Cuervo jimadores planted blue agave on the same land granted in 1758 and used these estate-grown plants exclusively in the production of Jose Cuervo 250 Aniversario. This precision was utilized to ensure every decanter maintains a direct link to this historic event and pays tribute to the centuries of labor and family passion that led to the creation of an industry.

Jose Cuervo 250 Aniversario is a 100 percent blue agave Extra Añejo Tequila blended from the most select tequilas in the family's reserve and aged in a unique double-cask method. The best of these Extra Añejos, aged in toasted new American Oak barrels for a minimum of three years, were selected by the master distiller and blended together to achieve a superior tequila. The distinctive blend was then finished for 10 months in Sherry casks originating from Spain. The decanter was inspired by the original glass bottle first used by Jose Cuervo to ship Tequila to towns throughout Mexico. Each comes packaged in elegant oak gift box and will have its sequential number etched into the glass, certifying the product's rarity and authenticity.

The number 13 can swing both ways when it comes to being lucky or unlucky, but Jose Cuervo seems confident that for them the pendulum is firmly on the "good luck" side for their 13th edition of Reserva de la Familia. The Reserva de la Familia line is considered to be a collectible masterpiece by connoisseurs around the world, and the 2008 edition is no exception. Made from 100% pure blue agave that's hand-selected and grown in some of the best volcanic soils, the vintage reserve comes in a handcrafted wooden box featuring a different Mexican artist every year -- this year Fernanda Brunet was chosen.

The 2008 Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia will be available in the U.S. starting in March for approximately $100/
bottle.

A few weeks ago I mentioned the new Voodoo Tiki line of tequilas. Now the big name in tequila, Jose Cuervo, has announced their entry into the flavored tequila business. They are launching three new tequilas:  Citrico, Oranjo and Tropiña. Citrico is citrusy, Oranjo has an orange flavor and Tropiña uses pineapple and other tropical fruit flavors. Th new tequilas will be introduced during the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour and sampling events will take place in cities this summer. The 750 ml bottle will retail for $16.99 to $18.99. The new flavors are expected to appeal to younger drinkers (21 to 30) who are already accustomed to drinking flavored vodkas. I enjoy some of the flavored vodkas but tequila, like gin, has such as strong base flavor that I am not certain how much adding additional flavors will add to the enjoyment. At least the flavors Cuervo chose seem like they would harmonize with the essential agave flavor unlike some of  Voodoo Tiki's more outlandish flavor options.
[via Promo Magazine]

The latest addition to the Jose Cuervo line of tequilas is Jose Cuervo Black Medallion, a super-premium Tequila that will be available in stores this month. Cuervo Black is an añejo tequila aged in charred oak barrels. The new brand is designed to appeal to Cuervo drinkers as they, and their palates, age and mature. Cuervo Black is aged at least 12 months and the charring process on the barrels is designed to remove impurities and give the tequila a deeper oaky flavor. The new tequila sells for around $20.