Best Reposado: Siete Leguas Reposado
Courtesy of Drizly.com
Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Baking spices, Vanilla, Slate, Shale
Like many bartenders, Chasse considers this reposado from Siete Leguas her favorite tequila in general, regardless of the expression. The distillery where it’s made uses a mix of grinding methods: efficient roller mill and traditional tahona, a millstone carved from volcanic rock. The result: “A nice balance between sustainability and the wonderful qualities of earthiness from the more fibrous milling of the tahona, she says.
With its mix of minerality, wood-driven vanilla notes and baking-spice panache, this versatile reposado is perfect to sip on anytime along with many different types of foods, says Chasse. “It just makes my heart happy.
Best Gift: Casa Dragones Aejo Barrel Blend
Courtesy of Casa Dragones
Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Pepper, Nuts, Oak
Our job as bar pros is to be skeptical, but when I took the first sip, I was like, Oh, this is divine, says Chasse. A lot of bottles that people think about for gifting are on the sweeter side, but this one is not super sweet. Instead, the aging program, in both new French and new American oak, lends it complexity and balance.
Chasse finds plenty of peppery spice, nuttiness and a hint of cacao but with a lush mouthfeel that makes Casa Dragones’ tequila feel luxurious. Its sleek, charcoal-colored bottle and turquoise box present the kind of packaging that makes it giftable without wrapping paper.
Best Unique Extra Aejo Tequila: Komos Extra Aejo
ABV: 40% | 100% Agave | Tasting Notes: Butterscotch, Pear, Butter, Dried Fruit
Komos is unique for many reasons. Not only is it a rather new ultra-premium tequila, but it is the first tequila to ever earn a perfect 100 point score from the tasting panel. It is made from blue weber agave harvested from the Jalisco region of Mexico that is then double distilled. It is aged for at least three years in American oak whiskey barrels as well as French white wine barrels. This imbues flavors into the tequila that are not common in many others. The result is an incredibly smooth, luxurious, and flavorful tequila. Opening up the beautiful bottle engraved to show the symbols of the sun, salt and sea, we get aromas of orange blossom, vanilla and oak. On the palate, the tequila offers a lengthy finish with notes of peach, lavender, butter, dried fruit, and roasted nuts. It’s best served neat or on the rocks, or, on special occasions, in your go-to margarita.
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La Adelita Extra Anejo
La Adelita Extra Añejo tequila is from La Adelita Single Estate tequila. This is one of the aged brands from Mexico with great agave-tasting liquors, whether this is a silver tequila, reposado, or Anejo. You get great value for your money with this aged spirit, though the price is not very high.
The color of this aged tequila variant is creamy and silky-looking in a golden amber shade. The flavor is complex where you taste white pepper, floral and fruity with touches of sassafras, apricot, and marzipan.
Whats The Difference Between Anejo And Blanco
Tequilas Classifications Are All Based on How Long It Has Been Aged Joven tequila is blanco tequila that has been either mixed with a little amount of aged tequila or matured for only a few weeks before bottling before being bottled.Reposado is a wine that has been matured for between 60 and 364 days .Anejo has been aged for a minimum of one year, but not more than three years.
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Is Milagro Aejo A Good Tequila
It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on good tequila. Looking for a wonderful spirit that wont break the bank? Look no farther than Milagro Aejo. This triple-distilled tequila is made with 100 percent estate-grown and brick oven-roasted Highlands agave, which is then aged for 14 to 24 months in American oak barrels before being released.
Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia Extra Anejo
The special Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia Extra Anejo tequila is not an ordinary blend. This tequila has a mix of a 30-year-old Extra Anejo tequila from pure agave grown from Hacienda Cuervo.
The blended tequila goes through oak aging for another three years before bottling. You will get a subtle taste of oak, cognac, vanilla, and floral flavors from nose to finish.
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What Does Anejo Tequila Taste Like
Unlike the more popular tequila types, Anejo shines on the taste front. A well-crafted Anejo will be smooth and rich with flavors of caramel, cinnamon, honey, black pepper, and vanilla along with a smokiness. In the mouth, it will taste like a fainter, milder bourbon. But then finishes crisp, without the typical fire belly that tends to accompany most bourbons.
Enemigo 89 Anejo Cristalino
The Enemigo 89 Anejo Cristalino is a step away from the ordinary as a tequila. Aged for over a year in new American oak before filtered through a three-phase carbon-cellulose system, this spirit removes the pigment from the spirit to make it a smooth and silky alcoholic beverage to consume. The name behind this product came from the eighty-nine attempts it made to craft this Anejo tequila into the work of art it has become. On its own, this is a remarkable flavor mix of coconut and almond that deservedly won awards, including double gold medals at the 2019 San Fransisco World Spirits Competition.
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Best For Gifting: Don Julio 1942
This luxurious tequila was originally created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Don Julios first distillery. The spirit ages for two years in oak barrels and is packaged in its signature elongated bottle, which is inspired by the shape of the agave leaf. Textured notes of vanilla, toasted almonds, milk chocolate and cinnamon spice dominate the tequilas rich, round and utterly delicious palate. This bottle is nothing short of special.
Best Sipping Extra Aejo Tequila: Amor Mio Extra Aejo
ABV: 40% | 100% Agave | Tasting Notes: Caramel, Butterscotch, Tropical Fruit, Oak, Pepper
Seeing the beautiful ceramic bottle that this tequila comes in transports you straight to Jalisco. It shines light on why so many people in the broader region refer to tequila as “amor mio” or their love. This 100% blue agave tequila is aged for 48 months is French oak barrels. The extensive age statement craft a tequila that is extremely light on the palate, packaged with aroma and flavor. On the nose, we get prominent notes of vanilla and roasted nuts. On the palate, the delicate legs of the tequila linger giving off vanilla, dark chocolate, and pure cooked agave with some roasted nuts. Sip this tequila straight with your favorite chocolate, crepe, or cigar
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Is Extra Anejo Worth
Extra aejo tequila is the crown gem of tequila expressions, and it ought to be treated with the same respect and regard as a superb Cognac or highly sought-after Scotch. And, like a quality Cognac or whiskey, its created richness is designed to be experienced over time by sipping it slowly and deliberately.
Codigo 1530 Origen Extra Aejo
- Nose: Earthy, caramel, vanilla.
- Palate: Coffee, oak, agave, caramel, oak and vanilla.
The nose has an interesting earthy aroma that reminds of clay followed by caramel and vanilla.
On the palate, the first sip tastes like a espresso coffee, followed by a rich note of oak, along caramel and vanilla.
The finish is not that long, with moe of that coffee taste, caramel, oak and very little warmth making it an easy sipper.
Codigo 1530 is a looooong aged extra añejo as it remained for 6 years in Napa Cabernet French White Oak barrels making it unique.
This tequila is something you could see me drinking more often if not were for the lofty price tag.
Codigo 1530 is also known as George Straits tequila!
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What Is Anejo Tequila Best For
Aejo tequila, on the other hand, is defined as having been matured in oak barrels for at least a year and up to three years, resulting in a rounder texture and sweeter tastes. Even though its not the type of tequila youll want to shoot or blend into a margarita, its excellent as a substitute for bourbon in cocktails or for sipping straight.
What Types Of Tequila Can I Buy
There are three main types of tequila blanco, reposado, and anejo, although youll find joven cristalino and extra anejo tequila online as well.
Theres also Mezcal, a liquor akin to tequila with many different type of agave, including the wild agave pinas that grows on the mountain side.
Blanco tequila is unaged tequila that tastes more of the agave plant and citrus than the aged tequila versions. While its generally the cheaper priced option, there are versatile versions available for those who like a clean winded agave flavor.
Reposado and anejo tequilas are recommended for the experienced tequila enthusiast thats looking for a specific taste. They are darker in color, generally aged in an American oak barrel, and gain a heavy but smoother flavor from their lengthier distillation process.
The longer tequila is aged, the more flavor and aroma it takes on from the ex-bourbon barrels or French oak casks used to store it. Often, you find that whiskey drinkers trying tequila for something different will respond well to the richness and complexity of their taste.
Best Buy
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Which Is The Best Extra Aejo Under $100 Dollars
Casa Noble Single Barrel Extra Añejo is the best-value extra añejo not only for its incredible taste, it also provides great value as it is free of additives or artificial sweetners to make the tequila more appealing.
Casa Noble receives an additional point for using exclusively certified organic blue agave grown in their own estate.
How To Store Anejo Tequila
Once you have opened a bottle of Anejo it is important to understand how to store it to best preserve its robustness and flavor. A good Anejo should be bottled with a removable cork. Simply recork your bottle and store it in a safe location that maintains room temperature. There is no need to find a dark place or use space in a wine cooler.
The use of a decanter is perfectly suitable as well, assuming that the decanter does form a good seal to preserve the aromas and flavors.
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Best Under $: 1800 Aejo
At under $50 a bottle,1800 Añejo seriously overdelivers for the price. This rich and round tequila ages in American oak for 12 months, with a portion additionally aged for two years. Its lifted aromatics lead to a textured palate loaded with flavors of caramel, citrus rind, yellow fruits and sweet spice. Sip, mix or do both.
Good to Know:
An añejo, after resting in the barrels for over one year, should have a story to tell and not just be a vanilla tequila, says Robin Clough, CEO and founder of Tequila Enemigo. It should open up in the glass, evolve, showcase multiple notes including a beautiful agave note coming through throughout.
The extra añejo tequila category is relatively new to the spirits scene, as it was only established in 2006. This category designates tequilas that are aged for three years or more, though many distilleries will surpass that. Grand Mayan’s Ultra Aged Añejo ages for five years in oak and is packaged in traditional hand-painted bottles from the region. Sweet and smooth flavors of dried fruits, roasted nuts and caramel dominate the spirit’s velvety smooth palate. This bottle is certain to impress the tequila lover in your life.
Don Julio Ultima Reserva
Don Julio tequila has plenty of Extra Añejo varieties, but the Ultima Reserva is probably the most fitting entry for this list. They used the Solera aging method, which combines tequila variants.
This tequila is aged inside ex-bourbon barrels and transferred on seasoned Madeira wine casks during its last months. Bourbon lovers will appreciate the taste of toasted almonds and sweet agave in this Extra Añejo tequila.
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Codigo 1530 Origen Extra Aejo Tequila
This stellar extra añejo is one of the oldest and most exquisite bottlings available on the market. After distillation, the tequila is aged for an unprecedented six years in ex-Cabernet Sauvignon French oak casks used in the Napa Valley. With flavors more commonly found in finer Cognacs and the lushest bourbons, this tequila is incredibly complex. There are supple berry notes from the wine that was once in the casks, including its tannic dryness. The spirit also has flavors of fresh fig, cassis, roasted agave, vanilla and cinnamon.
What Tequila Is The Smoothest
What is the smoothest tequila you can find? Many people believe that Ocho Aejo Tequila is the smoothest tequila available. This estate-grown spirit brand also holds the distinction of being the first ever Tequila vintage. The Aejo is rich and vegetal, with notes of vanilla and caramel, and it has been matured in ex-American whiskey barrels for a year to achieve its flavor profile.
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What Is The Number One Tequila
How Do You Pick A Good Tequila
good TequilachooseAll calorie amounts below are for 1.5 fl oz shots.
- Don Julio Blanco – 96 calories, 40% ABV.
- Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver Tequila – 96 cal, 40% ABV.
- Espolòn Blanco Tequila – 97 cal, 40% ABV.
- Avion Silver – 97 cal, 40% ABV.
- Patrón Silver Tequila – 98 cal, 40% ABV.
- Milagro Tequila – 100 cal, 40% ABV.
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Meet Your New Favorite Sipping Spirit
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Best for Bourbon Lovers: Espolòn Añejo at Drizly
“Finished in Wild Turkey bourbon barrels, this delightful tequila has great value.”
When most people think of tequila, they probably dont think of an aged spirit with notes of vanilla and baking spices. But, añejo tequila is, by definition, aged at least a year and up to three in oak barrels, bringing out a rounder texture and sweeter flavors. Its not the tequila youll want to shoot or mix into a , but its great as a replacement for bourbon in cocktails or for sipping straight. Its special tequila, made to be aged.
From popular brands to few under-the-radar bottles, here are the best añejo tequilas.
Best Under $: El Tequileo Reposado
Courtesy of Total Wine
Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Agave, Baking spice, Vanilla, Pineapple
You can still taste the lovely green and cooked agave amid the baking spice notes and vanilla that come out of the barrel-aging process, says Jamie Gordon, managing partner at Albuquerque, New Mexicos Artichoke Cafe, of this iconic reposado. I get a little pineapple, too, which is one of those flavors youre always happy to find in a spirit.
Gordon also likes El Tequileños story. Founded in 1959 by Don Jorge Salles Cuervo, the brand is now under the watchful eye of third-generation master distiller, Jorge Antonio Salles. It’s the exclusive tequila produced at Jaliscos La Guarreña distillery. It has a history of place, says Gordon, and, most importantly, it’s delicious.
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Best Under $: Cazadores Tequila Aejo
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Great for mixing or sipping
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Sustainably made, zero waste
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May be difficult to find in stores
Cazadores Añejo is made with 100 percent blue agave, which is fermented twice and distilled twice before spending at least a year in new, small American white oak barrels. New oak barrels have more flavor to impart, and this highland tequila boasts layers of itthink spiced apple pie, pecans, vanilla bean, a salted chocolate almond bar. It would pair nicely with dessert, but it’s also wonderful sipped neat.
Cazadores means hunters in Spanish, a reference to founder Don Jose Maria Bañueloss obsession with protecting the quality and uniqueness of his tequila. It is said he even went so far as to hide his tequila recipe in the walls of his house. Cazadores has fine-tuned its process to be both sustainable and zero-waste , meaning you can feel even better about sipping this delicious tequila.
Aged: At least one year in new, small, American white oak barrels | TastingNotes: Spiced apple pie, pecans, vanilla bean
Don Ramon Limited Edition Extra Anejo
Don Ramon Limited Edition Extra Anejo tequila is from Casa Don Ramon, which started operation in 1996. This particular bottle is a limited edition release, with only 5,000 in production.
These agave spirits are aged for three years inside used rum barrels. This method of aging tequila allowed the spirit to develop a smooth texture with a complex flavor. The Swarovski crystals-embellished bottles are specially-created to contain this Extra Añejo.
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