AI AND I REVIEW™ – Tequila: Soledad 8-Year Extra Añejo

🥃 SUMMARY
Soledad 8-Year Extra Añejo is a luxurious tequila aged nearly a decade — well beyond the industry’s 3-year minimum for “Extra Añejo.” Crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave, it offers depth, elegance, and refinement on par with fine cognac or single malt scotch. With notes of oak, toffee, cocoa, and subtle tobacco spice, Soledad 8-Year is designed for sipping, celebration, and pairing with bold flavors.

📣 WHAT SAY YOU, SOLEDAD?
"A rare tequila that captures the soul of Jalisco — eight years in hand-selected ex-bourbon barrels, refined into a smooth and complex expression. Designed for collectors, connoisseurs, and those who seek an elevated tequila experience."

🏷️ WHAT’S ON THE LABEL
Soledad 8-Year Extra Añejo honors Mexican craftsmanship by blending tradition and patience. Aged in American oak barrels for eight years, it reveals deep mahogany color, silky texture, and rich notes of toffee, cocoa, spice, and tobacco.
NON-CHILL FILTERED | 750 ML | 100% BLUE AGAVE

📖 HISTORY / LEGEND
The name Soledad (meaning “solitude”) reflects patience, stillness, and time. Soledad’s official site describes the 8-Year expression as “complex yet exquisitely balanced with flavors of oak, toffee, and cocoa, among hints of tobacco and spice.” soledadtequila.com
 This Extra Añejo occupies rare air: few tequilas rest in barrel for nearly a decade, giving this bottling significant collector appeal.

👀 VISUAL

• Color: Intense amber with deep mahogany edges.
  

• Legs / Viscosity: Thick, slow tears that cling to the glass — a mark of body and extended oak influence.
  

👃 AROMA
A bouquet of roasted agave, rich oak, cocoa powder, and toffee. Hints of leather, tobacco leaf, and cinnamon rise with time in the glass.

👅 TASTING NOTES

• Forward Notes: Toffee sweetness, cocoa nibs, and caramel.
  

• Body: A bold core of oak, roasted agave, tobacco, and warming spice.
  

• Finish: Long and luxurious, with lingering cocoa, vanilla bean, and earthy oak.
  

📊 FACTS

• Type & Proof: Extra Añejo Tequila, ~80 proof (40% ABV)
  

• Agave: 100% Blue Weber, Jalisco Highlands
  

• Process: Slow-cooked, stone/roller-milled, natural fermentation
  

• Aging: 8 years in hand-selected ex-bourbon barrels (American oak)
  

• Style: Collector’s tequila — closer to fine brandy or cognac than typical tequila
  

🏆 COLLECTIBILITY & AWARDS

• Availability: Extremely limited, small-batch release
  

• Awards: Emerging recognition in tequila competitions
  

• Collector Status: High — Extra Añejo tequilas aged 8+ years are rare, securing long-term appeal
  

💰 RETAIL INFORMATION

• MSRP: $250–$300 (750 ml)
  

• Market Range: $280–350 depending on distribution
  

• Price Value Score (PVS): 7.5 / 10 (Luxury tier; high price, but justified by rarity and aging)
  

• Future Price Value (FPV): +20% (Expected appreciation due to rarity & 8-year designation)
  

🤖 AI AND I SUMMARY REVIEW

• AI Score: 92/100 (Outstanding – complex, refined, highly recommended for collectors and sipping enthusiasts)
  

• AI Food Pairing: Barbacoa short ribs with mole negro.
  

• AI Sea Salt Pairing: Flor Blanca Sea Salt (Mexico).
  

• AI Hot Sauce Pairing: Emotional Rescue Extra-Hot Smoked Garlic Chili Sauce
  

• AI Dry Rub Pairing: More Cowbell - A Classic Texas Blend
  

• AI Sea Salt Blend Pairing: Yellowstone Salt Blend
  

• Recommended Pour Style: Neat in a snifter or Riedel tequila glass, rested 10 minutes.
  

🍴 HOW TO COOK THE PAIRING
Main Protein: Barbacoa Short Ribs with Mole Negro

1. Season & Sear: Rub ribs with mole-inspired cocoa-chipotle rub. Sear in cast iron until crust develops.
   

2. Slow Cook: Place in Dutch oven with onions, garlic, ancho chiles, and broth. Braise low and slow (275°F, 4–5 hours).
   

3. Finish: Coat with mole negro sauce (cocoa, chilies, spices) before serving.
    👉 The earthy cocoa, spice, and slow-roasted flavors mirror Soledad’s oak, toffee, and tobacco notes.
   

🎭 AI PERSONALITY SEGMENT
“What would Frida Kahlo say?”
"This tequila is a painting of patience — layered in oak and cocoa, painted with solitude and fire.”

✅ FINAL VERDICT
Soledad 8-Year Extra Añejo is not just tequila; it’s a statement. It demands to be sipped slowly, reflected upon, and paired with bold flavors. Its near-decade aging elevates it into the realm of fine cognac and single malt, appealing to both collectors and connoisseurs.

📦 TIME CAPSULE CLOSING
“This bottle earns its place in the Pelican Time Capsule — a rare Extra Añejo aged eight years, preserved for future generations of agave lovers.”