Avion Cristalino Anejo

Avión Cristalino Añejo is a tequila from the Los Altos highlands of Jalisco, bottled at 40% ABV. The style starts as an añejo, a tequila aged in oak, then is filtered to remove the color, so the liquid looks like a blanco but is meant to keep the character of the aged spirit. Producers of cristalinos typically use charcoal filtration for this. Because the barrel influence is retained, expect the profile to sit between the two styles: the weight and roundness of an añejo with some of the brightness of a blanco. Avión's own description points to toasted agave and delicate herbal notes. In practice, expect cooked agave sweetness to lead, with the gentle vanilla, caramel and light baking spice that oak usually adds in the background. Filtration generally trims the heavier wood tannins, so the finish tends to be cleaner and less drying than an unfiltered añejo. Highland agave is often described as slightly fruitier and floral compared with lowland tequilas, which may show up as a soft herbal lift, though the specific profile is best judged by tasting. This bottle suits sipping best. Pour it neat at room temperature, or slightly cool it with a single large ice cube if you prefer a gentler, slower-opening drink. Serving it fully chilled can mute the agave and oak notes, so we'd avoid freezing it. A tulip-shaped tequila glass, a copita or a small snifter concentrates the aromas better than a wide tumbler. A rocks glass works well if you are adding ice. For mixing, keep the drink simple so the aged character stays audible. An Old Fashioned built with agave syrup and a few dashes of aromatic or chocolate bitters is a natural fit, as is a Tequila Manhattan with sweet vermouth. A Paloma or a bright margarita would work too, but they will not make full use of the oak and agave depth, so a blanco is usually the more economical choice for those. At the table, pair it with grilled meats, aged cheeses such as Manchego, dark chocolate, or fruit desserts like grilled pineapple, where the caramel and toasted agave notes have something to match.