There are a lot of luxury tequilas out there, some of which are more focused on the bottle itself and less on what’s actually inside the glass. That does not seem to be the case with with House of Rare Tequila, however, which just released the new Rarecask Genesis PX, an expensive extra añejo that was finished for three months in PX sherry casks. We got an early taste, and it is indeed a very good tequila—and one that comes with a relatively humble presentation.

House of Rare was founded by Miguel Ortiz, who the brand says was inspired by his love of scotch whisky and interest in the private barrel business. That led to him creating a private barrel aging program in which he would procure casks of tequila from different distilleries, much in the same way that an independent bottler of scotch whisky might do (but on a much smaller scale), and bottle them in limited numbers. The Rarecask program was established in 2022 and has included 20 editions to date from brands like Cascahuin, Atanasio, Arette, and one mezcal brand, Real Matatl. The spirits from these producers have been finished in various cask types, including French oak, umeshu, calvados, cognac, and scotch casks from the Islay and Highland regions.

The new release, which is the first to be commercially released, is the aforementioned Rarecask Genesis PX. This tequila was distilled at the Arette distillery, which also produces tequila released under that eponymous brand name. According to House of Rare, it was aged for three years in ex-bourbon barrels and then at least three months in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks (it’s being released in three lots, so the finishing time may vary depending on which lot). “With Rarecask, we saw an opportunity to expand the boundaries of tequila by applying the depth and discipline of aging techniques typically reserved for scotch,” said Ortiz in a statement. “The use of PX casks is a purposeful choice—one that transforms the tequila, layering in distinctive richness, texture and complexity.”

We were able to sample Genesis PX (46 percent ABV), and despite that long maturation it remains light in color and character. There are notes of dried fruit, spice, cherry, and fig on the palate, but the core grassy agave character still shines through, with some vanilla and cocoa on the finish. The other expressions that will now be available from House of Rare include Founder’s Cut, House Reposado, and House Blanco, all of which are being produced at the brand’s newly acquired Herencia De Agaves (NOM 1648). Genesis PX is available for preorder for $230 now from the House of Rare website.