Chicago, IL - Corazon Tequila is back at it again. They've taken bourbon barrels that have held two of the most highly awarded whiskies in the world – Old Rip Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace, and aged a premium, stand-alone Blanco tequila in them. The result is a limited, high-end collection of tequilas; Expresiones del Corazon.

In 2013, Corazon Tequila experienced much success with its first round of 'Expresiones' which all went on to receive impressive reviews and accolades from industry experts. To name a few, Tasting Panel gave Corazon's Artisanal Edition Blanco, Buffalo Trace Reposado, George T. Stagg Añejo and Old Rip Van Winkle Añejo each a score of 93, and gave Corazon Sazerac Rye Añejo a score of 95. Drink Me scored Corazon's Sazerac Rye Añejo 97 points!

This second release is much more limited than the first, resulting in a narrower offering of Blanco, Buffalo Trace Reposado and Van Winkle Añejo. While other products went through similar experimentation, the Corazon experts reviewed the results and selected just the very best barrels for this second release, passing up the ones that didn't match Corazon Tequila's high standards for quality and taste.

Using 100 percent blue agave from the highlands of Jalisco, the brix for Expresiones del Corazon was measured to determine sugar levels before harvest, rather than a traditional clear cut. Two sets of agave were harvested, one with a lower sugar content and flavored a little drier, and one with a higher sugar content considered a little sweeter for agave, resulting in more floral notes. The result was a harmonization of the two sets of agave in the amazing Blanco, which was then used as the base for the other Expresiones del Corazon.

Notes of sweet, soft, mint and eucalyptus make up the Blanco along with a slight tanginess. Buffalo Trace Reposado's distinguished taste, complete with a touch of spice, caramel and vanilla is reminiscent of the popular bourbon, and for the ultimate Van Winkle fans that can never have enough, no collection can be complete without the Van Winkle Añejo tequila, with creamy notes of oak, almond and vanilla.

For this second release, the Corazon brand, which falls under the Sazerac Company umbrella through its Gemini Spirits & Wine division, again worked with experts from the tequila and bourbon industries. This collaboration allowed the experts to combine their expertise and use trial and error to their advantage to work toward their shared passion of creating the best spirits in the world. Just like how Buffalo Trace Distillery is constantly experimenting to discover greater bourbons, Corazon Tequila fits right in with the company theme of experimentation in search of greater tequila.

Many important variables have come together to create these expressions. From the warm fertile soil of the Los Altos region of Jalisco, only the best agave, selected by Master Distiller Mario Echanove, based on his high standards for maturity, sweetness and flavor were collected from the hillside. The agave is then slow cooked in stone ovens before being distilled in stainless steel pots using fresh spring water from the Jalisco highlands. The tequila then ages at Casa San Matias in Acatic, Los Altos Jalisco.

Experimentation and the pursuit of greater tequila don't stop here. Corazon Tequila is already thinking about future experiments using bourbon barrels that have held a variety of other renowned bourbons. Only time will tell the results of those experiments.

Expresiones del Corazon will be available nationally in October. Quantities are very limited. The suggested retail price for the Blanco is $59.99, Buffalo Trace Reposado is $69.99 and Old Rip Van Winkle Añejo is $79.99. All three expressions in this release are 80 proof.

About Gemini Spirits & Wine

Gemini Spirits & Wine is the fastest growing spirits and specialty brand development company in the United States. Gemini is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sazerac Company and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Gemini operates as an autonomous company, and is focused on building its portfolio of spirits and specialty brands concentrated in targeted categories. For more information, visit geminispiritswine.com.