In 1858, Lazaro Gallardo, a tavern owner and tequila producer, invented a unique tequila-making process called Selección Suave, or Smooth Selection. This unique process blended newly rested tequilas with the smoothest, aged tequila reserves creating the highest quality and best tasting tequila available.
In the late 1800s, Lazaro Gallardo named his tequila, Gran Centenario to commemorate the beginning of a new century and began selling it as his tavern. In 1920, Lazaro's son, Luciano decided to bottle Gran Centenario. Inspired by the Art Deco style of architecture, he designed a bottle similar to the one in use today. The makers of Gran Centenario still use the Selección Suave when crafting this deluxe tequila.
Gran Centenario Plata
Clear with a straw cast. Subtle, olive, meringue, cider vinegar aromas. A gentle supple entry leads to a dry medium-bodied palate with light toast, agave juice, herbaceous sandalwood, and cinnamon. Finishes with a perfumed, peppery, somewhat drying, grilled fruit fade. Refined and very close to reposado in nature
Gran Centenario Reposado
Brilliant medium golden hue. Tropical fruit, meringue and clover honey nose. A soft supple entry leads to an dry, glycerous medium body with fruity roasted agave, honey, and spice notes. Finishes with a lengthy and elegant fade of caramel roasted nuts and spice. Smooth, elegant, and well-structured.
Gran Centenario Rosangel
Hibiscus infused, port wood-aged reposado tequila. "At first the tequila is slightly floral on the nose with the hibiscus shining through, as well as traditional vegetal and almost peppery notes found in 100% blue agave reposados. Except this one is a bit different once it hits the lips. The time seen in oak barrels that had once housed port, helps soften the spirit and make it very accesible to the tequila uninitiated. Without being sweet, the hibiscus and port wood aging play very well together striking a sultry and delicate balance."
Crikey - this is great!
Gran Centenario Añejo
The current release, I believe (although ours has a black label not the green as shown on the strip round the bottom of the bottle). This is a good añejo with the strong vegetal and pepper agave flavours that you'd expect. There are clear vanilla notes from time spent in oak and a nice healthy burn at the end.
Gran Centenario Gran Reserva
Extra Añejo - stored for 5 years in new French oak barrels amber gold in colour, with vanilla, cinnamon and licorice on the nose. There are light wood notes on the palate, very mild and soft, exotic dried fruits, sweet aftertaste and slightly sparkling.
Often regarded as one of the best tequilas in the world. Unique in taste, memorable, and the design of the bottle is an absolute work of art.
Gran Centenario Layenda
Gran Centenario Leyenda is among the first Tequilas to ever be awarded the classification "Extra Añejo." Combining only 100% blue agave with an average aging process of 4 years in French Limousin oak barrels, Leyenda has remained the best-kept secret in the highlands of Jalisco. the Seleccíon Suave process marries the spirit with Tequila reserves that are aged up to fifteen years for richness and complexity, unveiling a light and sweet woodiness, accentuated by aromatic flavors of oak, maple, roasted almond and cloves. Gran Centenario Leyenda's dark amber color glimmers with highlights of bright copper. With a long warm cinnamon hinted finish, it is perfectly suited for an after dinner snifter or the most refined cocktail.