Distilled by Corporación Ansan [NOM 1360] in El Arenal, Jalisco for Malinalli Tequila LLC. After harvesting, the estate-grown blue agaves are taken to the distillery where they are placed in an autoclave and steam baked for a minimum of 12 hours. They are then shredded and rolled to extract their sugar-rich juice, which is transferred to large vats and allowed to slowly ferment. The process takes for 5 to 7 days and is precipitated by a proprietary strain of anaerobic yeast. The fermented wash—which is referred to as aguamiel—is double distilled in a traditional pot still. Malinalli Extra Añejo is matured in French Limousin oak barrels for not less than 4 years and bottled at 40% alcohol (80 proof). The tequila has a burnished copper hue, a sleek medium-weight body and a beckoning bouquet of cinnamon, honey, vanilla, caramel and black cherries. Its delectable aromatics continue to build with time, so be patient. The entry onto the palate is gentle and smooth. It quickly expands filling the mouth with a treasure trove of bakery fresh flavors, including mocha, nutmeg, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, vegetal and ripe red fruit. The flavor persists well into the extended finish. Malinalli is named after one of the legendary women in Mexican history. As a young girl, Malinalli was sold into servitude in the port city of Maya. When the Spanish Conquistadors invaded, she became translator for Cortés in a gesture that would change the outcome of the journey and the fate of the continent. Malinalli soon became the voice of Cortés, the voice of her people and an enduring symbol of Mexico. Malinalli Blanco profile. Rested for 30 days in stainless steel, the Nose shows sweet agave, pepper, slight spice, mint and maybe a pinch of licorice aromas. The herbal aroma is there, and has a hint of smoke in the back. It\'s slightly buttery, with some fruit, and a bit of yeast. The aroma is just wonderful. This is a delicious, clean, great tasting blanco, The Taste is medium oil, some smoke/tobacco notes, a nice heat, especially at first, smooth and silky, with a definite herbal edge, crisp and bold. There was a slight fruity taste and the mouth feel is amazing. The finish was smooth and silky, with some pepper and spice, a nice agave and smoky exit.