Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Many celebrities have been getting into the tequila game recently, but tequila aficionados look at these products negatively.
Fortunately, celebrity-owned tequilas were still a new concept when George Clooney launched Casamigos.
In this Casamigos Añejo review, we’ll see why this tequila brand made Clooney the highest-paid actor in 2018, even without a film appearance.
Table of Contents
ToggleIs Casamigos Añejo Tequila Worth It?
Yes, a bottle of Casamigos Anejo Tequila is worth buying despite being priced at around $65 in Drizly. It is a flavorful and complex aged tequila that falls into the sweeter side.
“Even though Brits aren’t known as tequila drinkers, a lot of whisky drinkers and vodka drinkers have switched to drinking Casamigos.”
– Rande Gerber, Co-founder of Casamigos Tequila
You can have his excellent tequila on the rocks or cocktails. But it is best to sip it neat to enjoy the high price of the liquor.
Quick Facts
NOM | 1609 |
Distillery | Diageo México Operaciones, SA De CV |
Classification & Region | Añejo Tequila/Jalisco, Mexico |
Alcohol Proof | 80 proof |
Mash Bill | 100% Blue Weber Agaves |
Age Statement | 14 months |
Still Type | Stainless steel pot still |
Color | Rich caramel |
Rating | 4-star rating |
Average Price | Around $65 (Drizly) |
What’s Casamigos Añejo Tequila?
In 2013, George Clooney and his two friends launched the Casamigos Tequila [1]. For the next four years, this tequila brand rapidly grew in sales until Diageo acquired the company in 2017 for around $1 billion.
What started as an accident and hobby set the trend of celebrity-owned tequilas in motion.
Casamigos Añejo has a unique flavor resulting from the painstakingly extra-slow fermentation process.
The agave piñas are also roasted in a slow cooking process using traditional brick ovens.
Casamigos Añejo Tequila Tasting Notes
Nose
Casamigos Añejo has a sweet tequila aroma that is not harsh on the senses. It smells more like a young whiskey as we continue smelling the liquor.
The vanilla and caramel notes are strong, with cinnamon and black pepper hints.
The smell of used bourbon oak barrels is also evident but not overwhelming, and the aromas are well-balanced.
Palate
This tequila has a gentle and smooth mouthfeel without the alcohol sting you often have with other distilled spirits. The taste is rich in butterscotch, but the vanilla is less intense on the palate than on the nose.
The white pepper spice note builds up midpalate but won’t get too spicy. We also notice subtle hints of chocolate and wood.
Finish
The drink develops a distinct caramel taste over time, finishing with a good hit of menthol notes and peppery spices.
It is a short to medium finish and is pleasantly warm with touches of smoke and slight bitterness.
Our Thoughts
First Sip
The first sip gives us a surprisingly smooth mouthfeel and vanilla sweetness.
Of course, our team has already tasted this tequila before this review, but it always impresses us with its smoothness compared to other tequilas in the market.
It has that short finish with almost no lingering burn, making this tequila a good choice for newbies.
Second Chance
After a few minutes of exposing Casamigos Añejo to air gives us the impression of a lightly aged whiskey.
This tequila has aged longer than Casamigos Blanco and Reposado, giving it enough time to develop complexity with used bourbon oak barrels.
It might also be why the agave flavor is not that prominent in this tequila.
Why We Like It
- It is a nice sipper because of its smoothness and little burn on the palate.
- This tequila is a good choice for people who are used to drinking whiskey as it resembles it more than a standard tequila.
- Our team regards it as the best tequila among the Casamigos expressions because it has more depth and complexity.
Drawbacks
- The finish is a little dry, and the tequila lacks lemon citrus and herbal flavors. Although it is not a bad thing, it is still a little different than most tequilas.
- The tequila is overpriced, with better and cheaper alternatives.
How It’s Served
Cocktails
Most añejo tequilas are meant for many classic cocktails because they balance out the taste of other ingredients.
For instance, its soft caramel and vanilla notes bend the bright and citrus-forward flavor of a cocktail drink like a margarita, turning it into more like a whiskey sour.
Shots
As mentioned, Casamigos Añejo resembles a lightly aged whiskey with barrel oak flavors and more depth than other tequila types.
And just like a typical whiskey, adding ice cubes to your glass shots would tone down the strong tastes of the spirit.
With ice, the tequila’s herbaceous flavor and lemon citrus note blend in with the caramel and vanilla flavors.
Sipped Neat
Our team still considered sipping the Casamigos Añejo neat as the best way to consume it.
It is an expensive bottle of tequila that we prefer to drink neat and enjoy its flavors without any mixers or having it toned down.
It is a sweeter tequila than most brands in the market.
Casamigos Añejo Tequila Rating
The founders of Casamigos aimed to create the smoothest and most natural-tasting tequila that drinkers would not need salt or lime to cover up [2].
Therefore, our team has given the Casamigos Añejo a 4-star or above-average rating.
It is smooth and great for special occasions, but slightly expensive. So is Casamigos really worth it?
To Get Or Forget?
Our team’s verdict is to get the Casamigos Añejo for special gatherings and occasions.
Getting this tequila to mix in cocktails during an ordinary party would be a waste of money.
For bottle alternatives, you can also try these tequila brands from Mexico:
- Don Julio 1942 Añejo (40%ABV)
- Arette Artesanal Suave Añejo (38% ABV)
- LALO Blanco Tequila (40% ABV)
- Cimarron Blanco Tequila (40% ABV)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Casamigos Tequila Anejo good?
Casamigos Tequila Anejo is highly regarded among tequila enthusiasts for its quality and flavor profile. Produced by Casamigos, a brand co-founded by actor George Clooney and businessman Rande Gerber, Casamigos Tequila Anejo is known for its smoothness, complexity, and well-balanced taste.
This aged tequila undergoes a meticulous production process, including slow fermentation and careful aging in charred American oak barrels, which imparts rich flavors and aromas to the spirit.
Casamigos Anejo offers notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, with a hint of spice and a velvety texture on the palate.
It’s often praised for its versatility, whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Overall, Casamigos Tequila Anejo is considered a premium tequila that delivers a rewarding drinking experience for aficionados and casual drinkers alike.
How long is Casamigos Anejo aged?
Casamigos Tequila Anejo is aged for a minimum of 14 months in charred American oak barrels. This aging process allows the tequila to develop its distinctive flavors and characteristics, including notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, while also imparting a smooth and mellow texture.
The extended aging period contributes to the complexity and depth of flavor found in Casamigos Anejo, making it a highly sought-after tequila among connoisseurs.
Is Casamigos añejo sweet?
Casamigos Tequila Anejo offers a balanced flavor profile that combines sweetness with other nuanced characteristics. While it does have some sweetness, derived from the caramel and vanilla notes imparted by the aging process in charred American oak barrels, it is not overwhelmingly sweet.
Instead, the sweetness is complemented by hints of spice, oak, and other flavor elements, creating a well-rounded and harmonious taste experience.
Overall, Casamigos Anejo strikes a fine balance between sweetness and complexity, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a premium aged tequila with depth and character.
Why is Casamigos not a good tequila?
Assessing whether Casamigos is a “good” tequila is subjective and varies from person to person. Some potential reasons someone might not consider Casamigos as favorable could include personal taste preferences, expectations, or experiences with other tequila brands. Some tequila enthusiasts may prefer other brands or styles of tequila based on factors such as flavor profile, production methods, or price point.
However, it’s important to recognize that Casamigos has garnered significant popularity and positive reviews since its introduction, suggesting that many people do appreciate its quality and taste.
Is Casamigos a high-end tequila?
Casamigos Tequila is often considered a premium or high-end brand within the tequila category. Co-founded by George Clooney, Rande Gerber, and Mike Meldman, Casamigos has positioned itself as a luxury tequila brand known for its smoothness, quality, and attention to detail in production.
The brand offers a range of tequilas, including Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo, each crafted with care and precision. While opinions on what constitutes a “high-end” tequila may vary, Casamigos is generally perceived as a premium brand by many consumers and has received acclaim within the spirits industry.
Is Casamigos better than Patron?
Determining whether Casamigos is better than Patron (or vice versa) is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences. Both brands have their own distinct characteristics, production methods, and flavor profiles, appealing to different consumers.
Casamigos Tequila is known for its smoothness and subtle flavors, with some sweetness and notes of caramel and vanilla, particularly in its aged expressions like Añejo. It has gained popularity for its approachable taste and versatility in cocktails.
Patron Tequila, on the other hand, is also a well-established brand known for its premium quality and smoothness. It offers a range of expressions, including Silver, Reposado, and Añejo, each with its own flavor profile and characteristics. Patron is often praised for its craftsmanship and complexity, appealing to tequila aficionados seeking a refined and nuanced drinking experience.
Does Anejo expire?
Anejo tequila, like other spirits, does not expire in the same way that perishable foods do. When stored properly, tequila can last indefinitely without spoiling or going bad.
However, over time, the flavor profile of anejo tequila may change or degrade due to factors such as oxidation and evaporation. Exposure to sunlight, heat, or fluctuations in temperature can also affect the quality of the tequila over an extended period.
To ensure that anejo tequila maintains its quality, it’s essential to store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Sealing the bottle tightly after each use can help minimize oxidation and preserve the flavors.
While anejo tequila does not have a strict expiration date, it’s best enjoyed within a reasonable timeframe to appreciate its intended flavors and characteristics.
Is Anejo aged more than Reposado?
Yes, anejo tequila is aged for a longer period than reposado tequila. In the tequila aging process, reposado is aged for a minimum of two months but less than one year in oak barrels, while anejo is aged for a minimum of one year but less than three years.
This longer aging period allows anejo tequila to develop deeper and more complex flavors, as well as a smoother texture, compared to reposado.
What’s the difference between reposado and Anejo?
The main differences between reposado and anejo tequila lie in their aging processes and flavor profiles:
Aging: Reposado tequila is aged for a minimum of two months but less than one year in oak barrels, while anejo tequila is aged for a minimum of one year but less than three years. Anejo undergoes a longer aging process, resulting in a more mellow and complex flavor profile compared to reposado.
Flavor Profile: Reposado tequila retains some of the agave flavors from the distillation process while also acquiring characteristics from the oak barrels, such as notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. Anejo tequila, with its longer aging period, develops deeper flavors of wood, spice, and dried fruit, along with a smoother texture and a more refined finish.
Color: Reposado tequila typically has a light to medium golden hue, resulting from its brief aging period in oak barrels. In contrast, anejo tequila tends to have a darker amber color, reflecting the longer time spent aging in the barrels and the extraction of more compounds from the wood.
Overall, reposado tequila is known for its balance of agave flavors and oak influence, making it suitable for sipping or mixing in cocktails. Anejo tequila, on the other hand, offers a more mature and complex flavor profile, often enjoyed for sipping neat or on the rocks to appreciate its nuanced characteristics.
What to mix with Casamigos Anejo?
Casamigos Anejo, with its rich and complex flavor profile, pairs well with a variety of mixers to create delicious cocktails. Here are some popular options:
Citrus Juices: Mix Casamigos Anejo with freshly squeezed citrus juices like lime or orange to complement its caramel and vanilla notes while adding a bright, refreshing twist.
Ginger Beer: Combine Casamigos Anejo with ginger beer for a spicy and refreshing cocktail. The combination of the tequila’s richness with the bold flavors of ginger beer creates a delicious and complex drink.
Coffee Liqueur: Mix Casamigos Anejo with coffee liqueur for a sophisticated and indulgent cocktail. The smoothness of the tequila pairs beautifully with the rich, roasted flavors of the coffee liqueur.
Sweet Vermouth: Create a twist on the classic Manhattan by mixing Casamigos Anejo with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters. The caramel and vanilla notes of the tequila complement the sweetness of the vermouth, resulting in a smooth and balanced cocktail.
Bitters: Add a few dashes of bitters to Casamigos Anejo for a simple yet flavorful cocktail. The bitters enhance the complexity of the tequila while adding depth and character to the drink.
Experimenting with different mixers allows you to create unique and delicious cocktails that showcase the depth and versatility of Casamigos Anejo.
What does Casamigos Anejo taste like?
Casamigos Anejo is known for its smoothness, complexity, and well-balanced flavor profile. This aged tequila offers notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, with hints of spice and a velvety texture on the palate.
The aging process in charred American oak barrels imparts rich flavors and aromas to the tequila, resulting in a depth of flavor that is both nuanced and satisfying.
Casamigos Anejo is often described as having a warm and inviting character, with a smooth and lingering finish that leaves a lasting impression.
Overall, it’s a tequila that appeals to aficionados and casual drinkers alike, offering a rewarding drinking experience with each sip.
Which is the best Casamigos?
The “best” Casamigos tequila ultimately depends on individual taste preferences and what you’re looking for in a tequila. Casamigos offers a range of tequilas, including Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profile.
Some people may prefer the smoothness and versatility of Casamigos Blanco, while others may enjoy the complexity and depth of Casamigos Anejo.
Casamigos Anejo is often praised for its rich flavor profile, smooth texture, and well-balanced taste, making it a popular choice among tequila enthusiasts.
However, whether it’s the “best” Casamigos tequila is subjective and may vary depending on individual preferences. It’s worth exploring the different varieties of Casamigos to discover which one resonates most with your palate and preferences.
Final Verdict: Casamigos Anejo Review
There is no doubt that Casamigos Tequila is a good sipper, which is precisely what the founders are aiming for.
In just four years, this liquor started as a hobby between friends to become a billion-dollar tequila brand.
The brand has three expressions, but the Anejo Tequila is the only one that has aged for more than a year, making it resemble the taste of whiskey.
It is smooth and has a unique sweetness, but slightly expensive for a cocktail, so we prefer only to have this tequila for special gatherings.
References:
- The $1 billion sale of George Clooney’s tequila company
- RS Recommends: The 19 Tequila Brands We’re Drinking Right Now