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For those who have only tried bright blancos and honeyed reposados, añejo tequilas can be a revelation. Aged between one and three years, añejos are particularly rich and complex. Time in the barrel yields plenty of vanilla, dried fruit and spice flavors, all meant to slow down and savor. Think of these as sipping tequilas.
And that’s just the starting point. Producers also are experimenting with aging Tequila in casks that previously held other liquids—some for the full duration of the aging process, others for briefer times as a novel finish. Wine lovers in particular will want to look to producers like Don Fulano, working with French wine casks, while bourbon-philes may be interested in the ongoing experimental line from Sazerac’s Corazón Expresiones series, which rests its añejo in rare Stagg and Weller bourbon barrels, among others. While these barrels contribute their own unique character, the nuances of agave still shine through—the sign of an añejo done right.
Think of these as sipping tequilas.
For those seeking something a bit more extreme, there’s always extra añejo, aged three years or longer. Often these are available in limited quantities and aimed at the luxury market. The extra time on oak can develop deep toffee and cocoa notes, akin to some Cognacs or longer-aged whiskeys.
Of note, these reviews also include a selection of cristalinos, an emerging category in the Tequila space. Cristalino, which means crystalline in Spanish, is oak-aged Tequila that’s filtered with charcoal for clarity. In keeping with the añejo theme, we’ve focused on añejo cristalinos, though reposado cristalinos exist too.
Designed to be smooth and easy-sipping, many have a light sweetness, accompanied by subtle honey, almond or coconut tones. Just like their tawny-hued traditional brethren, cristalino añejos are ideal to sip and savor.
Bribón Tequila Añejo; $30. Buy on Drizly. Light, fresh aromas suggest honeysuckle and a hint of pear… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Casa Komos Añejo Cristalino Tequila; $120. Buy on Drizly. This Tequila was aged in French oak white wine barrels, filtered for clarity, then aerated in clay amphorae… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Corazón Expresiones George T. Stagg Añejo Tequila; $80. Buy on Total Wine & More. This Tequila was aged 22 months in barrels that previously held George T. Stagg bourbon, yielding a pale straw hue and coconut and almond aromas… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Don Fulano Añejo Tequila; $80. Buy on Drizly. Aged in a mix of casks that previously held Burgundy, Bordeaux and Loire wines, this complex Tequila is one to savor… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
El Diamante Del Cielo Tequila Añejo; $60. Buy on Wine-Searcher. Aged for up to four years in small oak barrels, this Tequila offers confectionary aromas and flavors… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
El Tequileño Añejo Gran Reserva Tequila, $90. Buy on Drizly. This Tequila has a golden and bright appearance and buttery, toasty aromas… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Familia Camarena Añejo Tequila, $30. Buy on Drizly. Look for a bright, golden appearance and light aromas that mix coconut and fresh jalapeño… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Pasote Extra Añejo Tequila, $190. Buy on Drizly. Lively, bright tropical fruit and honey aromas entice… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Patrón Sherry Cask Aged Añejo Tequila, $80. Buy on Drizly. This is a limited-production Tequila matured for more than two years in oloroso Sherry barrels… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Partida Roble Fino Añejo Tequila; $125. Buy on Total Wine & More. This is finished for five months in casks that previously held single malt whisky, and Sherry before that… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Severo Añejo Cristalino Tequila, $80. Buy on Total Wine & More. Some cristalinos seem designed to strip out Tequila character; this one honors its roots… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Tepozán Añejo Tequila, $65. Buy on Drizly. The bold aroma mixes jalapeño and agave nectar, plus a grassy hint… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Teremana Añejo Tequila, $40. Buy on ReserveBar. The newest expression from the brand backed by Dwayne Johnson offers zesty jalapeño and vanilla aromas… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Tequila Enemigo 00 Extra Añejo, $170. Buy on Drizly. This burnished gold Tequila opens with allspice and cinnamon aromas… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Tequila Ocho Añejo, $70. Buy on Drizly. A notably light and vegetal take on añejo. Look for a pale straw hue and mild, peppery aromas, plus a flinty hint… SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW
Last Updated: July 12, 2023
