Crafted by Carmen Villarreal of Casa San Matías, the visionary distillery that pioneered the Extra Añejo category, and the newest member of The Assembly
LOUISVILLE, KY (November 3, 2025) – The Last Drop Distillers, curators of the world’s most remarkable spirits, proudly announces its 40th release — and the brand’s first-ever Extra Añejo Tequila. Created by Carmen Villarreal, the pioneering tequilera behind Mexico’s historic Casa San Matías, this release exemplifies both the artistry of Mexican tequila-making and The Last Drop’s commitment to rarity and excellence.
This release marks a milestone moment: the first tequila to join The Last Drop’s prestigious portfolio, expanding its reach beyond whisky, rum, and cognac into the agave world.
An Extraordinary Collaboration Rooted in Heritage and Innovation
Aged for more than twice the minimum required time for an Extra Añejo, this exceptional tequila was crafted from three distinctive casks, including European oak, chosen to impart profound depth and balance. Only 435 bottles exist worldwide, making it one of the rarest tequilas ever released.
“For generations, Mexico’s most skilled tequileros have crafted spirits that capture the soul of the land. Yet, even in my decades at Casa San Matías, opportunities to shape an extra añejo of this rarity – exploring the nuances that come from experimenting with unique casks and innovative aging techniques – are extraordinary,” said Carmen Villarreal, CEO of Casa San Matías. “I am immensely proud of the depth and elegance of this liquid. To see it selected by The Last Drop, and to contribute as a member of The Assembly to its release, is both humbling and inspiring.”
Villarreal’s influence at Casa San Matías, one of Mexico’s oldest family-owned tequila distilleries (founded in 1886), has been transformative. In 1991, her family introduced the world’s first Extra Añejo Tequila, redefining the category long before its official recognition. Since taking the helm in 1997, she has carried forward a vision centered on sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship — values that align perfectly with The Last Drop’s ethos.
A Milestone for The Last Drop and The Assembly
Villarreal joins The Assembly, The Last Drop’s invitation-only panel of renowned spirits experts and master blenders. Together, The Assembly curates extraordinary releases across multiple categories, ensuring that each bottling represents the pinnacle of craft and character.
“Our goal has always been to uncover and share extraordinary spirits that might otherwise never have been tasted, and this release marks a new milestone as we bring tequila into our collection for the first time,” said Rebecca Jago, Director of Brand Experience at The Last Drop Distillers. “With Release No. 40, we are honored to work with Carmen Villarreal, whose artistry and innovation created this extraordinary tequila, and to welcome her into The Assembly, as together we curate our first tequila release and expand our journey to embrace remarkable creations from around the world.”
Tasting Notes: The Last Drop Release No. 40 Extra Añejo Tequila
(46.3% ABV / 92.6 proof)
- Appearance: Golden amber with coppery-pink reflections.
- Nose: Roasted nuts and spiced oak with waves of pineapple and vanilla. Floral notes of orange blossom and jasmine balance richness with elegance.
- Palate: Creamy dulce de leche and cooked agave open to plums, dates, and green jalapeño skin, with warming cinnamon, clove, and toasted oak.
- Finish: A masterful harmony of spiced oak, dried fruits, and the freshness of native agave.
Each 700ml bottle is individually numbered and signed by Carmen Villarreal, presented in a handcrafted wooden case with a 50ml miniature, tasting book, cork stopper, and engraved coasters — hallmarks of The Last Drop’s meticulous attention to detail.
Release No. 40 Extra Añejo Tequila will be available in limited quantities through Sazerac’s global distribution network beginning November 2025, at a suggested retail price of $2,300 (local taxes and fees apply). A limited allocation will also be offered via Legacy de Forge, a global platform powered by Blockbar for collectors seeking direct access to rare bottles (shipping restrictions may apply).
For more information, visit TheLastDropDistillers.com.
ABOUT CARMEN VILLARREAL
As the CEO of Casa San Matías, Carmen Villarreal leads one of Mexico’s oldest family-owned distilleries. Since 1997, she has elevated the brand to global prominence through innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. Under her leadership, Casa San Matías — the producer of Corazón, Pueblo Viejo, and Rey Sol — remains 100% Mexican-owned and dedicated to crafting exceptional tequilas that honor tradition while shaping the future of the industry.
ABOUT THE LAST DROP DISTILLERS
Founded in 2008 by spirits legends Tom Jago and James Espey, The Last Drop Distillers curates the world’s most remarkable and rare spirits. Each release is limited, sourced from extraordinary casks, and bottled with uncompromising attention to quality. To date, The Last Drop has released just 40 editions across Scotch Whisky, Cognac, Bourbon, Rum, Japanese Whisky, Irish Whiskey, Port, and Pineau des Charentes, totaling fewer than 15,600 bottles.
Since 2016, The Last Drop has been part of The Sazerac Company, one of the world’s largest and most respected family-owned spirits producers.
ABOUT SAZERAC
With over 400 years of history, Sazerac is a leading global spirits company, producing more than 500 brands including Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Weller, Fireball, Southern Comfort, The Last Drop, and Sazerac de Forge Cognac. The company operates distilleries worldwide, including Buffalo Trace Distillery (Kentucky), Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac (France), and Lough Gill Distillery (Ireland).
To learn more, visit Sazerac.com.
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