Last Updated on April 4, 2024 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 anejo tequila for sipping. Read on.
Top 20 Anejo 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.
Read: What Color of Tequila is the Smoothest?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Anejo a good sipping tequila?
Anejo tequila is often considered an excellent choice for sipping due to its smoothness, complexity, and depth of flavor. Anejo tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of one year but less than three years, resulting in a spirit with rich caramel, vanilla, and spice notes imparted from the wood.
This aging process allows the flavors to develop and mellow, creating a sipping experience that is both enjoyable and nuanced.
Which type of tequila is best for sipping?
While personal preferences play a significant role in determining the best tequila for sipping, many enthusiasts and connoisseurs gravitate towards Anejo and Extra Anejo tequilas for their sipping experience. These aged tequilas typically offer a smooth and complex flavor profile with notes of oak, caramel, and vanilla, making them ideal for savoring on their own.
Additionally, some Reposado tequilas, which are aged for a minimum of two months but less than a year, can also be suitable for sipping, especially if they have been aged in high-quality barrels and exhibit depth and complexity.
Can you sip Anejo tequila?
Yes, Anejo tequila is specifically crafted to be enjoyed as a sipping spirit. Its smooth and complex flavor profile, which develops during aging in oak barrels, makes it an ideal choice for savoring neat or on the rocks. When sipped slowly, Anejo tequila reveals layers of flavor, including notes of caramel, vanilla, spice, and oak, providing a rich and nuanced drinking experience.
While Anejo tequila can certainly be enjoyed in cocktails, such as Old Fashioneds or Margaritas, many enthusiasts prefer to sip it slowly to fully appreciate its complexity and depth of flavor. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a cocktail, Anejo tequila offers a sophisticated and rewarding sipping experience for those who appreciate premium spirits.
Is Patron Anejo a sipping tequila?
Yes, Patron Anejo is often considered a sipping tequila. Anejo tequilas, including Patron Anejo, are aged in oak barrels for a minimum of one year but less than three years, resulting in a smooth and complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
Patron Anejo’s aging process gives it a depth of flavor that makes it enjoyable to sip on its own, either neat or on the rocks. Many tequila enthusiasts appreciate Patron Anejo for its smoothness and rich taste, making it a popular choice for sipping.
Is Anejo better than Reposado?
Whether Anejo tequila is better than Reposado tequila depends on personal preferences and taste preferences. Both Anejo and Reposado tequilas have their own unique characteristics and qualities that appeal to different palates.
Anejo tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of one year but less than three years, resulting in a spirit with a rich and complex flavor profile. Anejo tequilas typically exhibit notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice, along with a smooth and velvety mouthfeel. The aging process allows the flavors to mellow and develop, creating a sophisticated sipping experience.
Reposado tequila, on the other hand, is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months but less than a year. This shorter aging period gives Reposado tequila a lighter and fresher flavor profile compared to Anejo. Reposado tequilas often retain the agave-forward characteristics of blanco tequila while also incorporating subtle notes of oak and spice from the aging process.
What is the smoothest tequila for shots?
The smoothest tequila for shots can vary depending on individual taste preferences and the specific characteristics of each tequila. However, some tequilas are renowned for their smoothness and are popular choices for shots.
One tequila often praised for its smoothness is Don Julio 1942. This ultra-premium Anejo tequila is aged for at least two and a half years in American oak barrels, resulting in a velvety smooth texture and rich flavor profile. Don Julio 1942 is known for its notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, making it a luxurious choice for sipping or shooting.
Another smooth tequila option for shots is Casa Noble Crystal. This premium blanco tequila is triple-distilled for smoothness and purity, with crisp and clean flavors of agave, citrus, and herbs. Casa Noble Crystal’s smooth and approachable taste makes it a versatile choice for shots or cocktails.
Final Verdict: Best Anejo Tequila For Sipping
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:
- Tequila distilled liquor
- 5 rules that make it bourbon
- Casamigos’ George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman’s Work Retreats Are Cooler Than Yours
- 5 Types of Tequila and How to Enjoy Each One to Its Fullest
