Tequila brands abound, with different sources of agave, varying production methods and, perhaps most importantly, different ages. There's unaged blanco, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo tequila on offer. But we're focusing on añejo tequila here, the second-oldest category. It's not in the category of cheap tequila but rather sipping tequila.
Tequila añejo is a complex and versatile style that can be enjoyed on its own, sipped neat, or in a cocktail. We put together a list of the best añejo tequilas to drink across a variety of preferences and situations.
The bottle that earns our Best Overall distinction is Tapatio Añejo. It’s one of the most well-crafted tequilas you can find with a long family history behind it, plus it’s made using traditional production methods, according to experts. This añejo tequila might not be a budget buy, but the quality justifies the added cost.
Speaking of price, the following bottles are not in the price range of $20 to $30, and that's because añejo tequila is typically aged between one and three years. Some of the liquid is lost due to evaporation during the aging process, making it pricier for distilleries to produce and yielding a heftier price tag. Generally speaking, the older an añejo tequila is, the more expensive it'll be.
I've written about spirits for numerous publications for nearly a decade. Throughout that time, I've sampled thousands of bottles in every category of spirits, visited distilleries across the world to see how the juice is made, and honed my palate and nose. I also judge two spirits competitions, John Barleycorn Awards and the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, for which I blind taste hundreds of spirits to determine what stands out based on flavor, mouthfeel, color, and aroma.
To make this list of the best añejo tequila, I sampled most of these products and talked to industry experts, who have long track records in the drinks industry, and unique interests and experiences with tequila. Some widely available tequila brands did not make our list, like Kirkland Tequila Añejo, which you can find at Costco. Kirkland has been made at several different distilleries over the years. This is an affordable añejo tequila, but many people find the flavor to be too sweet and a bit additive-heavy, so consider any of the other options on this list instead. If you're new to this variety, scroll down to our primer on añejo tequilas to learn a bit more.
What Is Añejo Tequila?
Tequila is divided into different age categories as recognized by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT), the governing body that oversees tequila production in Mexico. Blanco is unaged, although it can be aged for up to two months; reposado is aged between two months and a year; añejo is aged between one and three years; and anything older than that is called extra añejo. That time in barrels gives añejo tequila its color and flavor, although it should be noted that tequila brands can legally use up to one percent additives they don’t have to disclose.
How to Drink Añejo Tequila
Añejo tequila is a great sipping option because it picks up notes from the barrel as it ages—like vanilla, oak, caramel, and brown sugar—that complement the earthy character of the agave. Of course añejo tequila is also a great option to use in cocktails, particularly if you’re looking to swap out whiskey and make a tequila old fashioned, Manhattan, or Boulevardier. Try it neat first to discover the flavor, then consider adding some ice or mixing up a drink.
How Long Is Añejo Tequila Aged?
As mentioned, añejo tequila is aged between one and three years, although most brands stay below two years.
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