Pasote Tequila Anejo 750ml

Pasote is made by Felipe Camarena, a genuine agave wizard whose family name carries real weight in the world of tequila — the same Camarena family responsible for El Tesoro, Tapatío, and Ocho, three of the category's most respected names. Wine & Spirits Magazine's own reviewer put it directly: "years ago, I largely abandoned tequila for the more complex, flavorful and soulful terrain of mezcal. Pasote is one of the few tequilas I've tasted that reminds me why the spirit became popular in the first place." Owned by 3 Badge Beverage Corporation, based in Sonoma, California, Pasote is distilled at Camarena's own El Pandillo facility, using fully mature 100% Blue Weber agave harvested from the Los Altos highlands of Jalisco.

Production follows traditional methods throughout: agave piñas cooked in brick ovens, crushed using a mechanical tahona, fermented in stainless steel tanks, and double-distilled in copper pot stills. The Añejo specifically rests in barrels previously used to mature bourbon, aging somewhere between 12 and 18 months depending on the specific batch, developing genuine complexity while remaining entirely additive-free.

The Tasting Panel awarded a remarkable 96 Points. TequilaMatchmaker's community reviews are consistently enthusiastic — one taster found "great notes of vanilla and citrus and pepper," concluding "it may not be a great añejo in terms of barrel notes but it's just a great sipper none the less." Another called it "solid AF... agave punches you on the nose and palate with some butterscotch and nutmeg strolling along. Almond and berries follow through nicely. Fantastic añejo, especially at under 59 bucks. Steal. Gem." A third found it "excellent," noting "it still has a lot of agave (cooked) in the nose and taste," with "floral and citrus notes" alongside genuine barrel character, concluding simply: "go purchase this now." Bin Ends' official tasting notes describe "soft notes of roasted agave, complemented by vanilla, sweet coconut, and subtle hints of oak" on the nose, developing into "a harmonious blend of roasted oranges and cinnamon, with underlying tones of caramel and baking spices" on the palate, closing "decadently rich and velvety smooth" with "a long, warm, toasty, and sweet finish." This is genuinely excellent, well-priced añejo tequila from one of the category's most respected family lineages.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Pasote Tequila Añejo is produced by Felipe Camarena, a member of the celebrated Camarena family of tequila makers — whose broader family lineage is behind El Tesoro, Tapatío, and Ocho — at his own distillery, El Pandillo, in the Los Altos (Highlands) region of Jalisco, Mexico. The brand is owned, produced, and distributed by 3 Badge Beverage Corporation (formerly The Other Guys), based in Sonoma, California.

Made from 100% Blue Weber agave, fully mature and harvested at optimal ripeness, the agave is cooked in traditional brick ovens, crushed using a mechanical tahona, fermented in stainless steel tanks, and double-distilled in copper pot stills. The Añejo ages in barrels previously used to mature bourbon, typically 12 to 18 months, no larger than 600 liters. The tequila is entirely additive-free. Bottled at 40% ABV / 80 proof.

Critics Reviews

The Tasting Panel — 96 Points

Wine & Spirits Magazine (extended independent review, house-style context):
"Years ago, I largely abandoned Tequila for the more complex, flavorful and soulful terrain of mezcal. Pasote is one of the few Tequilas I've tasted that reminds me why the spirit became popular in the first place. Pasote's rich, smooth texture carries an abundance of powerful flavor, from exotic fruit and vegetable notes to peppery highlights and subtle minerality. That Pasote should taste like this perhaps shouldn't surprise: It's made by agave wizard Felipe Camarena, whose family has consistently produced the region's best bottlings, from El Tesoro to Tapatio to Ocho."

TequilaMatchmaker community (extended reviews):
"I love the aroma of this tequila. I actually enjoy this more than the blanco. It has great notes of vanilla and citrus and pepper. It may not be a great anejo in terms of barrel notes but it's just a great sipper none the less." A separate review adds: "Solid AF anejo. Another Pandillo winner. Agave punches you on the nose and palate with some butterscotch and nutmeg strolling along. Almond and berries follow through nicely. Fantastic añejo, especially at under 59 bucks. Steal. Gem." A third notes: "Pasote Blanco is one of my favorite Tequilas ever! This Anejo is excellent! It still has a lot of agave (cooked) in the nose and taste. I still get the floral and citrus notes that I like but some of the barrel taste is there too. The finish is excellent. Go purchase this now."

Bin Ends (extended tasting note):
"Aroma: Soft notes of roasted agave, complemented by vanilla, sweet coconut, and subtle hints of oak. Flavor: A harmonious blend of roasted oranges and cinnamon, with underlying tones of caramel and baking spices. Mouthfeel: Decadently rich and velvety smooth, offering a long, warm, toasty, and sweet finish that highlights the agave's natural sweetness."

Tasting Profile

Nose
Soft roasted agave leads, complemented by vanilla, sweet coconut, and subtle oak, with citrus and a touch of pepper.

Palate
Rich and velvety smooth, with roasted orange and cinnamon carrying the entry, underscored by caramel and baking spice. Butterscotch, nutmeg, almond, and berry notes add further complexity, alongside genuine roasted agave depth.

Finish
Long, warm, and toasty, closing sweet with lingering vanilla and gentle spice — genuinely excellent for the price point.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Grilled meats and carne asada
• Dark chocolate desserts
• Aged cheeses
• Caramel-based desserts

Serving Note

Best enjoyed neat or with a touch of water to fully appreciate its balance of agave character and barrel-driven sweetness.