20 Best Anejo Tequila Brands For Sipping (2023 Updated)
Last Updated on December 29, 2022 by Lydia Martin
Different types, brands, and flavors of tequila are ranked depending on their aging time, and the type of agave used. Añejo is an aged tequila known for being a premium sipping tequila.
We’ve created a cheat sheet of the best añejo tequila brands for sipping. Read on.
Top 20 Añejo Tequilas For Sipping
20. Hornitos Añejo Tequila
Average Price: Around $30.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Tequila Sauza, S.A. de C.V.
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Hornitos añejo is aged in white oak barrels for at least one year for a more complex flavor, smoother taste, and distinctive amber color.
We like the intense aroma of hazelnut, vanilla, chocolate, toasted wood, and dried fruit of the tequila [1]. It is an excellent tequila for sipping because of its rich, deep, and complex flavor profile.
19. el Jimador Añejo
Average Price: Around $29.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Tequila Herradura S.A. de C.V.
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: El Jimador añejo is made from the finest blue agave matured in American white oak barrels for at least 12 months.
The premium tequila carries a nice golden color and rich notes of vanilla, brown sugar, herbal note, and lemon citrus but is not as prominent as Blanco tequilas.
It has interesting black pepper, caramel, and chocolate spices that are pleasing to the palate.
18. Tres Generaciones Añejo
Average Price: Around $47.29 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Tequila Sauza, S.A. de C.V.
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Tres Generaciones añejo has a rich taste made from blue weber agave enhanced by resting for one year in American oak barrels. We like the delicate amber hue, unique smooth, subtle flavors, and smoky finish of the tequila.
17. Herradura Añejo
Average Price: Around $52.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Brown Forman Tequila Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V.
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Herradura añejo is aged to perfection using modern and traditional techniques. Unlike other tequilas, Herradura añejo is aged 25 months in American oak barrels.
The result is remarkably smooth tequila that melts on your tongue, leaving notes of toasted oak, dried fruit, and cooked agave.
16. 1800 Añejo
Average Price: Around $43.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: La Rojeña Distillery
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: If you love to drink añejo tequila neat, you will surely appreciate the spicy amber spirit and well-rounded finish of 1800.
We like the oaky vanilla aroma and rich tasting notes of the tequila, as well as the caramel, vanilla, and nice finish of the spirit.
15. Riazul Tequila Añejo
Average Price: Around $61.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Compañia Tequilera de Arandas, S.A. de C.V.
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Riazul añejo is rested in French oak barrels for two years and was previously used to cure X.O. Cognac after distillation twice. It has a rich agave flavor and is driven by delicate flavors of dried fruits, baking spices, and honey.
14. Cincoro Tequila Añejo
Average Price: Around $139.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Destiladora del Valle de Tequila
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Cincoro añejo has remarkable tasting notes and aroma from the distillery’s aging process. It is aged in used Tennessee whiskey oak barrels for 24-28 months, longer than the minimum requirement for añejo.
On the palate, it has a remarkably sweet baked agave, light butterscotch with lingering notes of chocolate.
13. Fortaleza Añejo
Average Price: Around $93.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Tequila Los Abuelos, SA de CV
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Fortaleza añejo is one of the agave spirits that undergoes the traditional production process from grain to bottles. It is rich and complex with notes of peach, pineapple, nutmeg, raisin, and orange blossom.
We like the oily and thick texture of this tequila bottle that coats your mouth along with some notes of hazelnut, butterscotch, and caramel but not as prominent as Extra Añejo.
12. Olmeca Altos Añejo Tequila
Average Price: Around $38.49 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Pernod Ricard Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Olmeca Altos extra-aged tequila is aged for at least 12 months in American oak barrels (used bourbon [2] barrels) for a more complex profile and unique tequila taste.
If you are a tequila lover who’s down for interesting notes and a little spicy finish of the tequila, Olmeca is a must-try!
11. Patrón Añejo
Average Price: Around $60.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Patrón Spirits Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Patrón añejo is aged for over 12 months in oak barrels for a fine balance and warm amber appearance. The Patrón tequila is handcrafted with estate-grown blue agave from Jalisco highlands.
This bottle is carefully aged in Hungarian oak, French oak, and ex-bourbon barrels. The aging of the spirit provides its rich tasting notes that bourbon lovers like us may find interesting.
10. Milagro Añejo
Average Price: Around $42.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Tequilera Milagro, S.A. de C.V.
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Like other premium tequilas, the aging process of Milagro añejo tequila happens in new American oak barrels for 12 to 14 months.
This añejo tequila has great tasting notes that are refined, smooth, and still agave-forward.
It is made from 100% blue agave and is one of the best tequilas because of its rich agave, butterscotch, and stone fruit taste.
9. Don Sergio Añejo Tequila
Average Price: Around $29.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Destiladora del Valle de Tequila (Casa Maestri)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Don Sergio añejo tequila is made from 100% blue agave from Jalisco highlands. Unlike other tequilas, it undergoes oak aging for three years using American oak barrels.
Don Sergio is another good bargain tequila with rich oak and cinnamon flavor. The roasted agave, baking spices, warm oak, and black pepper come through but do not last long.
8. Espolon Añejo
Average Price: Around $35.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Campari Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Espolon añejo is a tribute to Mexican culture. It is named after the iconic rooster – a historic symbol of national pride, strength, and nobility.
Espolon añejo tequila is aged in American white oak barrels for 12 months and then finished in ex-bourbon barrels to absorb the complex flavors of the whiskey.
You can drink this spirit on the rocks or as a cocktail, but you should try it neat. It has an appealing aroma and taste with a bit of mint and oak.
The ethanol is not too harsh on the palate, and it is surely a bang for your buck for its tasting notes!
7. Don Julio 1942
Average Price: Around $189.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Diageo México Operaciones, S.A. De C.V.
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Don Julio 1942 is an iconic tequila brand that is a top choice of connoisseurs worldwide. Don Julio 1942 tequila is made from pure blue agave, aged for a minimum of 30 months in oak barrels.
The agave is present in Don Julio 1942, but it is more present on the palate than on the nose, with subtle sweetness, warm oak, caramel, vanilla, and white pepper. Don Julio 1942 is an award-winning tequila because of its classic and luxurious taste.
6. El Tesoro Añejo
Average Price: Around $60.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Tequila Tapatio, S.A. de C.V. (La Alteña)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: El Tesoro añejo is aged in used bourbon barrels for 24 to 36 months, and the aging process helps produce a stronger influence of oak but maintains the complexion of agave.
El Tesoro has a pleasing golden color and floral aroma with an oaky character. Also, we like the tequila’s white pepper and light vanilla finish. It has won a double gold medal from an award-giving body in the Spirits world.
5. Gran Patrón Burdeos Añejo
Average Price: Around $499.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Patrón Spirits Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Gran Patrón Burdeos añejo is a luxury tequila made from the finest blue agave grown in the Highlands of Jalisco.
It is rested in used American and new French oak barrels and then finished in Bordeaux wine barrels for dark amber color and velvety taste.
4. Don Fulano Añejo
Average Price: Around $83.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Tequileña, S.A. de C.V.
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Don Fulano añejo tequila is a blend of very old tequilas matured in French limousine and used in oak casks of wines. It has a complex and deep flavor profile with spice elements like allspice and cardamom.
We appreciate the right touch of sweetness, caramelized nuts, and honey with a long finish. The sweetness and wood notes do not dominate the spirit’s floral and intense personality.
Moreover, it has a slightly dry and notable finish that you can enjoy and drink neat.
3. Casa Noble Añejo Tequila
Average Price: Around $57.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: La Cofradia, S.A. de C.V.
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Casa Noble añejo is aged for two years in French oak barrels for a complex aroma and rich roasted agave taste. On the nose, it has rich aromas of dried fruits, toasted wood, sweet cooked agave, and vanilla.
Like Don Julio, Casa Noble has won different gold medals for its smoothness and complexity. Every bottle of Casa Noble is good value for money and enjoyable to sip neat because of its amazing flavor and finish.
2. Cazadores Tequila Añejo
Average Price: Around $39.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Bacardi y Compañia, S.A. de C.V.
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Cazadores is rested in barrels for at least a year to create great flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, smoked wood, nuts, and peppery. The smooth finish of the tequila is perfect for sipping neat than their reposado tequila.
Consuming Cazadores is like sipping dark chocolate because it is infused with notes of cacao, dry fruits, and tobacco. The rich flavors and golden appearance of the Cazadores are pleasing to the eyes and palate.
1. Casamigos Añejo
Average Price: Around $62.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Distillery: Diageo México Operaciones, S.A. De C.V.
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Casamigos añejo is known as a party tequila, but it is one of the best tequilas for sipping. Each bottle of Casamigos [3] is made from an Azul agave aged 7-9 years using a traditional brick oven for cooking the agave.
The tequila has a rich caramel color reflecting the nose feel of the spirit.
We like its persistent aroma and flavors. Every bottle of Casamigos has a nice flavor mixed with spice, butterscotch, cinnamon, and agave that creates a sweet finish but not too much.
FAQs
Is añejo the best tequila type for sipping?
Yes, añejo is the best tequila type for sipping because it has a signature texture and richness you cannot find in extra añejo tequila or reposado.
It has a rich balance of flavors you can enjoy more when drinking neat than mixing it in cocktails.
What is the best sipping añejo tequila under $50?
Cazadores añejo is one of the best añejo tequilas for sipping under $50. For roughly $39.99 per 750ml bottle, you can taste different layers of flavor, such as spiced apple pie, vanilla, and chocolate.
It is also a versatile tequila; you can consume it on the rocks and as a cocktail. But what’s the overall best sipping tequila below $50?
Final Verdict
There is a wide array of añejo tequila for sipping on the market today because of its smoothness and great flavor profile [4]. Añejo tequila goes through more meticulous production than other types of tequila, and the result is notable and delectable.
Añejo tequila is considered one of the best premium tequila for sipping. The spirits on the list are premier brands that will surely impress without breaking the bank.
From Casamigos to Don Julio, every bottle is surely worth every dollar because of its fine and luxurious taste.
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/tequila-distilled-liquor
- https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/04/5-rules-that-make-it-bourbon.html
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/billspringer/2018/12/14/casamigos-george-clooney-rande-gerber-and-mike-meldmans-work-retreats-are-cooler-than-yours/
- https://www.bonappetit.com/story/types-of-tequila#
Lisa is a freelance lifestyle writer specializing in nightlife, leisure, and celebration. She has been in the field for eight years and has written articles featured in various local blogs and lifestyle magazines.
For Lisa, there’s nothing better than an ice-cold drink after a rough day (she’s not fussy). But she also likes to get a bit fancy every now and then. She believes you can never go wrong with a Moscow Mule or a classic Daiquiri anywhere you go. Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
