Ancho Reyes Barrica Mexican Chile Liqueur (75cl, 40%)

Ancho Reyes Barrica is a barrel-aged ancho chile liqueur based on sun-dried ancho chiles from Puebla, Mexico. The same macerated ancho spirit rests for two years in American white oak barrels, some previously used for bourbon. The base is a neutral cane spirit from Veracruz, with chiles macerated for about six months before barrelling. The result is a liqueur with smoky ancho depth, baking spice, caramel, dark fruit, vanilla and toasted oak. It is bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The nose leads with smoky ancho chile, caramelised sugar, vanilla, dried fruit, cinnamon and cocoa, with a whisper of oak. The palate is bold and velvety, with sweet vanilla and caramel, then ancho heat, smoky spice, dark chocolate, toffee, baking spices, toasted oak and leather. The finish is medium-long, with gentle lingering chile heat over wood and spice.