
You can tell from the bottle that Peligroso Anejo Tequila isn’t like other tequilas. The striking solid black bottle with embossed angelic snake is distinctly different. Peligroso is Spanish for ‘dangerous’ and we’re thinking that Peligroso is going for a ‘bad ass’ look with this bottle, and in that space they’ve succeeded.
Peligroso Anejo Tequila (84 proof $57) is extremely pale for an anejo tequila. Tasted blind it could easily be mistaken in color for a reposado. Seeing it in the glass really helps explain why they went with the dark bottle. Don Julio does the same for their reposado and anejo as some people tend to judge aged tequila solely by its color. The nose on the Peligroso is very strong oak which is expressed a little like a dusty box. These oak notes are backed by a slightly vinegary, vegetal note and subtle caramel tones. Also present in the nose is a pepper note that combines with the oak to give the nose a fairly sharp characteristic. The nose on the Peligroso isn’t our favorite – all the elements come together as sharp and uninviting.
The entry of the Peligroso Anejo Tequila is a lot more pleasant than the nose, with a nice combination of oak, spice, pepper and agave. In the mid-palate, the sweeter vanilla, caramel, bourbon notes that you’d expect from an anejo really come through. These nice sweet notes combine with a solid pepper kick and a small amount of heat for a nice finish. The finish leaves the palate slightly cool with a nice ribbon of caramel sweetness that lingers for a very long time.
Peligroso Anejo Tequila didn’t quite win us over at first as we were turned off by its fairly sharp and uninviting nose, but as we sipped it we found the lingering caramel sweetness combined excellently with the woodsy, peppery opening of the next sip. We’re also slightly turned off by Peligroso’s price point. At $57 Peligroso is above Don Julio Anejo, Corrido Tequila Anejo and even Patron Anejo. Peligroso is a good tequila but it doesn’t feel like it’s priced appropriately to the market. Still, if you’re looking for a unique anejo which combines some solid oak notes, a very sweet ribbon of flavor and a nice pepper kick, Peligroso does deliver. Solidly Recommended