Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Lydia Martin
When an añejo is aged longer, it becomes a more exceptional spirit. It has a strong scent that introduces quality and a palate that tells a story of how it was made. It also offers a finish that lingers even after it has been swallowed.
Here are the best Extra Añejo tequilas you can try for your afternoon relaxation sessions.
Top 15 Extra Añejo Tequilas For Your Home Bar
1. Avion Reserva 44
Avion Reserva 44 is a product of Pernod Ricard USA. These bottles are slow-roasted for 72 hours before being processed in their proprietary ultra-slow filtration system. This extra-añejo tequila is also known for its balanced taste and smooth finish. This aged tequila uses single-sourced agaves from Jesus Maria, Mexico.
Avion Reserva 44 is best sipped neat or on the rocks because of its complex flavors. You will taste sweet notes of honey, caramel, and vanilla with a full taste of oak and agave that intensifies in the mouth.
2. Casa Noble Single Barrel
Casa Noble Single Barrel is a product of Maestro Tequilero Jose “Pepe” Hermosillo. His methods include using their proprietary corkscrew milling in extracting the juice from roasted agave and utilizing native airborne yeast to ferment the juice.
Casa Noble is triple-distilled. Unlike other brands, Casa Noble uses new, lightly toasted French barrels for the aging process. These bottles are certified organic by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).
3. Cincoro Extra Anejo
Cincoro Extra Añejo Tequila is one of the celebrity-endorsed tequilas. This brand is co-owned by basketball legend Michael Jordan and other sports personalities like Jeanie Buss, Wes Edens, and Wyc Grousbeck.
The last co-owner of this brand is the entrepreneur, Emilia Fazzalari. They contracted Destiladora del Valle de Tequila to create their variety of tequilas. Cincoro Extra Añejo is aged from one to three years with flavors or rich agave taste and oak.
This variant is one of the most expensive and best tequilas on the market.
4. Codigo 1530 Origen Extra Anejo
Codigo 1530 Origen Extra Añejo is a spirit aged for 72 months inside French oak cognac barrels. This tequila is one of the most refined tequilas on the market.
It has subtle flavors of Blue Agave, vanilla, spices, and sweet oak. These flavors are achieved by following traditional methods as a strict code, thus the name Codigo 1530. They stand by the code of only producing high-end tequila based on Mexican culture.
5. 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 [1] 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.
6. 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.
7. El Tesoro Extra Anejo
El Tesoro is the favorite of many Mexicans who love traditional-tasting tequilas. They utilize the Tahona method in extracting the agave juice with all their variants. However, El Tesoro Extra Añejo is aged differently, lasting four to five years.
The longer aging ensures that the flavors acquired from ex-bourbon barrels are full. This Extra Anejo tequila has chocolate, toasted almonds, and coffee flavors blended with cooked agave. It is incredibly smooth too.
8. Gran Patron Piedra
Gran Patron Piedra is one of the most sought-after Extra Anejo tequila. Patron is considered a total package since they have a good reputation for quality, taste, and representation. Gran Patron Piedra had 36 years in oak barrels.
These are stored inside used American white oak barrels, French oak barrels, and new American oak barrels. This brand is always a part of Extra Anejo tequila reviews because of its complexity and refined smoothness with a long solid finish.
9. Herradura Seleccion Suprema
Herradura Seleccion Suprema does have a supreme taste, considering the number of awards it collected. Their citations include their award from Ultimate Spirits Challenge as “Best Tequila in the World” in 2014.
It has a balanced agave, oak, and caramel flavor with a finish of sweet vanilla bean extract, caramel, and baking spices on the palate. To the nose, this Extra Anejo tequila is bursting with sweet oaky flavors which go all the way to the mouth.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Lobos 1707 Tequila Extra Anejo
Lobos 1707 Extra Añejo is another celebrity-endorsed brand. Basketball superstar Lebron James is an investor of Lobos 1707 tequila. The NBA player appreciated the quality of these agave spirits the first time he tasted them.
The Extra Añejo has traditional tequila flavors where the smell of agave is very rich, accompanied by notes of citrus, tobacco, and sherry. Three years in oak barrels toned down the harshness and turned it into mellow alcohol that glides down the throat.
13. QUI Rare Extra Anejo
QUI Rare Extra Anejo tequila is rare, considering the time spent aging on this variant. Twelve years inside Tennessee whiskey and French Bordeaux barrels make this tequila one of the best. It does not have a dark color despite the long aging process.
The smoothness of this drink is different. It glides through. The palate is pronounced yet subtle. Being aged over a decade allowed it to develop a well-blended scent of caramel, vanilla, wood, and tobacco. You can taste savory smooth oak and buttery agave from tongue to finish.
14. Tapatio Excelencia
Tapatio Excelencia is from La Alteña Distillery, personally-owned by Master Distiller Carlos Camarena. This brand uses agave grown from Mexico’s highlands and uses ex-Bourbon casks when aging tequila.
What sets this Extra Añejo tequila apart is the unusual spiciness of their agave spirits with a blend of dark chocolate, creamy molasses, and oak. This tequila also has flavors of dried fruits, roasted nuts, and vanilla, with hints of black pepper and white pepper.
15. Tears of Llorona Extra Anejo
Tears of Llorona Extra Anejo is a luxury brand from Master Tequilero, German Gonzalez. The unique trait of this tequila is its one-of-a-kind taste since it was aged in sherry, scotch, and cognac barrels. Bourbon drinkers will be familiar with some of the tastes.
However, the blend of dried fruit, caramel flan, and dark chocolate is not a common flavor found in everyday tequila. It also has a higher alcohol content than other aged añejos, at 86-proof.
Extra Añejo Price & Age Comparison
| Bottle | Age (In Months) | Size | Alcohol By Volume | Average Price |
| Avion Reserva 44 | 44 months | 750ml | 40% | $137 |
| Casa Noble Single Barrel | 60 months | 750ml | 40% | $127 |
| Cincoro Extra Anejo | 40-44 months | 750ml | 40% | $1,508 |
| Codigo 1530 Origen Extra Anejo | 72 months | 750ml | 40% | $309 |
| Don Julio Ultima Reserva | 36 months | 750ml | 40% | $787 |
| Don Ramon Limited Edition Extra Anejo | 36 months | 750ml | 40% | $596 |
| El Tesoro Extra Anejo | 45-60 months | 750ml | 40% | $127 |
| Gran Patron Piedra | 36 months | 750ml | 40% | $376 |
| Herradura Seleccion Suprema | 49 months | 750ml | 40% | $369 |
| Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia Extra Anejo | 36 months | 750ml | 40% | $175 |
| La Adelita Extra Anejo | 48 months | 750ml | 40% | $111 |
| Lobos 1707 Tequila Extra Anejo | 36 months | 750ml | 40% | $157 |
| QUI Rare Extra Anejo | 144 months | 750ml | 40% | $599 |
| Tapatio Excelencia | 36 months | 750ml | 40% | $146 |
| Tears of Llorona Extra Anejo | 60 months | 750ml | 43% | $203 |
Why Don Julio 1942 Isn’t Included On The List
Don Julio 1942 is not included on the list because it was only aged for two and a half years. Extra Añejo tequila is aged for at least three years or 36 months.
Don Julio 1942 tequila is a very savory añejo tequila with a sweet vanilla and agave taste that can compete with other Extra Añejo brands in the market.
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How To Drink Extra Añejo
Extra Añejo tequila can be drunk neat. Its smooth and flavorful taste is best enjoyed when sipped. It allows you to experience the plethora of flavors from the nose down the throat.
It is also a tasty drink on the rocks. It is not advisable to use this variant in a mixed drink as you will waste its savory taste, which was acquired over years of aging.
Learn how to drink Anejo tequila here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Extra Añejo good for margaritas?
No, Extra Añejo is not good for margaritas or cocktails because of its refined and mellowed taste. This variant will not work well with citrus or other sweet and fruity flavors as these are best enjoyed straight.
Why are Extra Anejo tequilas dark?
Extra Añejo tequila is dark because of the time it spent inside barrels. Some are used American oak, while others are French barrels used in their maximum capacity. The color stain inside these barrels influences the color of the tequila and its flavor.
What is the best extra Añejo tequila?
Determining the “best” extra Añejo tequila is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences. Several brands are well-regarded for their high-quality extra Añejo expressions. Some notable examples include Clase Azul Ultra, Don Julio 1942, and Tears of Llorona. These tequilas are often praised for their complexity, smoothness, and distinctive aging characteristics. Exploring different brands and expressions allows individuals to find the extra Añejo tequila that suits their preferences.
Is extra Añejo better?
Whether extra Añejo tequila is “better” depends on individual preferences. Extra Añejo tequila is aged for an extended period, typically more than three years, in oak barrels. This prolonged aging imparts rich and complex flavors, often including notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. If you appreciate the depth and sophistication that aging brings to tequila, then extra Añejo may be a preferred choice. However, some may prefer the brighter and fresher profile of younger tequilas like blanco or reposado. It ultimately comes down to personal taste and the characteristics one values in a tequila.
What is extra Añejo tequila?
Extra Añejo tequila is a category of tequila that denotes an extended aging period. According to Mexican regulations, extra Añejo tequila must be aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. This extended aging imparts a darker color and complex flavors, with notes of wood, vanilla, and spice. Extra Añejo is known for its smooth and refined characteristics, making it a sipping tequila enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
What is the number 1 ranked tequila?
The notion of the “number 1 ranked tequila” can vary as it is subjective and can be influenced by different factors, including personal preferences, awards, and expert reviews. Various tequila brands receive accolades for their expressions. Some well-regarded brands include Patron, Clase Azul, Don Julio, and Casa Dragones. Rankings may change over time, and it’s recommended to explore different tequilas to find the one that aligns with individual tastes.
Why is extra Anejo so expensive?
Extra Añejo tequila tends to be more expensive due to the extended aging process and the evaporation loss that occurs during barrel aging. The extended time spent in oak barrels allows the tequila to develop complex flavors and aromas. Additionally, the aging process contributes to a smoother and more refined spirit. The cost of production, including the quality of barrels used and storage conditions, further adds to the price. Furthermore, the demand for extra Añejo tequilas has increased as consumers recognize and appreciate the craftsmanship and unique characteristics associated with these premium, aged expressions.
Why is extra Anejo more expensive?
Extra Añejo tequila is generally more expensive for several reasons. The extended aging period, often exceeding three years, results in greater evaporation losses during barrel aging. This extended maturation imparts complex flavors, depth, and a smoother profile to the tequila. The cost of quality oak barrels, storage facilities, and the craftsmanship involved in overseeing the lengthy aging process contribute to the higher production costs. Additionally, the demand for extra Añejo tequilas has risen, and their limited availability further influences pricing, making them a premium and sought-after category.
Is Extra Anejo tequila worth it?
Whether Extra Añejo tequila is worth it depends on individual preferences and budget. Extra Añejo tequilas are known for their refined and complex flavor profiles, making them ideal for sipping and savoring. If you appreciate the nuances of well-aged spirits, the investment in an Extra Añejo tequila may be worth the experience. However, for those who prefer younger, fresher tequilas or are budget-conscious, exploring other expressions like blanco, reposado, or añejo might be a more suitable choice.
How long is extra Añejo tequila aged?
Extra Añejo tequila must be aged for a minimum of three years, according to Mexican regulations. This extended aging period distinguishes it from other tequila categories, such as blanco, reposado, and añejo, which have shorter maturation times. Some Extra Añejo tequilas are aged even longer, sometimes up to 10 years or more, depending on the brand and desired flavor profile.
Is Añejo better than Reposado?
Whether Añejo is better than Reposado depends on personal taste preferences. Añejo tequila is aged longer than Reposado, usually between one to three years, resulting in a darker color and more pronounced oak influence. This longer aging imparts additional complexity and smoother characteristics. Reposado, aged for a shorter period, retains more of the agave’s freshness and has a lighter color. Some may prefer the vibrant and agave-forward profile of Reposado, while others may appreciate the richness and depth found in Añejo.
Which one is better Don Julio Reposado or Añejo?
The choice between Don Julio Reposado and Añejo depends on individual preferences. Don Julio Reposado is aged for around eight months, offering a balance of agave sweetness and subtle oak notes. On the other hand, Don Julio Añejo is aged for a longer period, usually around 18 months, resulting in a richer and more complex flavor profile with increased oak influence. Both expressions are well-regarded, and the decision comes down to whether you prefer a slightly lighter and fresher profile (Reposado) or a more developed and nuanced character (Añejo). Trying both allows you to determine which aligns better with your taste preferences.
Finding the Best Extra Anejo Tequilas
Tequila should be enjoyed straight, the traditional way. This is what Mexicans say when it comes to their national drink. Each brand has a defining taste but remains true to what a real tequila should be, with a full agave taste.
These spirits are smooth and sophisticated, just as an aged tequila should be. So if you want to sit and sip tequila on the balcony and relax, take your pick and have a relaxing time.
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