After 35 years travelling the world as an executive in the spirits industry, Pepe Zevada retired to Austin, Texas. However, it did not take him long to get back in the game and he quickly launched Z Tequila. His Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo tequilas have received awards and critical acclaim and are well-loved throughout Texas.

Now, Pepe is rounding out his portfolio with the release of an extra añejo tequila. Extra Añejo is a relatively new category of tequila, introduced in 2006. In order to qualify for the title, tequila must be aged for a minimum of three years. The Zevada Family Gran Reserva Extra Añejo is aged for four. It is made from 100% mature lowland agave that is cooked and distilled using traditional old-world methods. The tequila then rests in new American White Oak barrels, which are lightly toasted, not charred. The result is an exquisite and distinctive spirit with a maple nose, flavor notes of caramel and toasted nuts followed by agave, and a smooth, bourbon-like finish.

Retailing at right around $70, the value is as remarkable as the quality, because Pepe believes that luxury shouldn’t be so hard to come by.

What’s the best way to enjoy Gran Reserva? Pepe recommends sipping it from a snifter, or in a rocks glass with a little ice and an orange twist. He also suggests buying a bottle right away, as only 500 cases have been produced.