The Top 10 Tequila Añejo
The Top 10 Tequila Añejo
The 10 Best Tequila Añejo to Try This Year from Taster’s Club
Written by Taster's Club Internal Team | Update March 2025
Whether you're a tequila connoisseur or just beginning your agave adventure, añejo tequilas are where quality and character meet in the tequila-aging world.
This type of tequila is aged in oak barrels for one to three years, building their flavors with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice, while maintaining the heart of the agave plant. To help you explore the depth and sophistication of añejo tequila, our experts at Taster’s Club have curated a list of 10 exceptional bottles.
Each has its own story, unique production process, and irresistible tasting notes.
The Best Añejo Tequilas to Try This Year
Here’s our carefully curated list of outstanding añejo tequilas, each chosen for its unique story, flavor profile, and craft.
1. ArteNOM Seleccion 1146 Añejo
This añejo undergoes a two-stage aging process using highland agaves. First, it's aged in used Cabernet Franc wine barrels from France for 14 months, before transitioning into toasted American white oak barrels (previously used for Canadian whiskey or Tennessee rye) for an additional 14 months.
Tasting Notes: On the nose, there’s aromas of toasted oak, vanilla, spices, and a subtle hint of dried fruit. The palate offers an even balance of agave sweetness and bourbon-like caramel notes, with a touch of dried cherries. It finishes long with lingering oak and spice.
Region: Jalisco / Los Valles | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml
Purchase ArteNOM Seleccion 1146 Añejo
2. Herradura Tequila Añejo
Herradura has been renowned for blending tradition and innovation with over 150 years of history. Herradura Añejo is aged for 25 months in American white oak barrels, significantly longer than the industry standard. This extended aging process enhances its depth with rich flavors that tequila enthusiasts appreciate.
Tasting Notes: This añejo delivers a nose of cooked agave, dried fruit, and toasted oak. On the palate, it is silky and balanced, offering flavors of caramel, and vanilla. The finish is smooth with lingering notes of vanilla and oak.
Region: Jalisco / Los Valles | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml
Purchase Herradura Tequila Añejo
3. Alma del Jaguar Tequila Añejo
Alma del Jaguar Tequila Añejo undergoes a meticulous distillation process in small copper stills to preserve its purity and depth of flavor. The tequila is then aged for 18 months in American oak barrels, where it develops a rich and smooth profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak.
Tasting Notes: This tequila opens with aromas of cooked agave, vanilla, and a hint of citrus. On the palate, you'll enjoy a light blend of caramel, tropical fruits, and subtle spices. The finish is silky leaving a gentle touch of oak.
Region: Jalisco / Los Altos Southern | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml
Purchase Alma del Jaguar Tequila Añejo
4. Cava de Oro Tequila Añejo
A true favorite among tequila aficionados is Cava de Oro Añejo. This exceptional añejo is aged to perfection for a minimum of 12 months in either French or American oak barrels. The process gives this bottle a rich flavor profile featuring notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak.
Tasting Notes: This tequila invites you in with enticing aromas of caramel, vanilla, and roasted agave. On the palate, it delivers smooth flavors of oak, dried fruit, and honey. The finish is long with notes of spice and a touch of sweetness.
Region: Jalisco / Los Valles | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml
Purchase Cava de Oro Tequila Añejo
5. Tequila Ocho Añejo
Tequila Ocho is renowned for its commitment to showcasing the unique characteristics where its agaves are grown. This añejo is aged for over a year in American oak barrels, developing layers of complexity while staying true to its agave-forward essence. The result is a tequila that beautifully offers the natural flavors of the agave, true to its origin.
Tasting Notes: This tequila begins with a citrusy nose with hints of agave and light oak. On the palate you'll find smooth layers of vanilla, honey, and roasted agave. The finish is equally balanced, with a gentle touch of spice and sweet oak to round it out.
Region: Jalisco / Los Altos Southern | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml
Purchase Tequila Ocho Añejo
6. Don Julio 1942
Don Julio 1942 is an iconic tequila and celebrated in exclusive cocktail bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. This tequila is produced in small batches and aged for a minimum of two and a half years. Its approach pays homage to the year 1942, when Don Julio González began his groundbreaking tequila making journey.
Tasting Notes: This tequila presents a light amber appearance with sweet floral and agave notes complemented by a hint of oak on the nose. On the palate, you'll find complex layers of vanilla, caramel, and tropical fruit, creating a rich and flavorful experience. The finish is smooth, warm, and elegantly balanced.
Region: Jalisco / Ciénega | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml
Purchase Don Julio 1942
7. El Tequileño Tequila Añejo Gran Reserva
El Tequileño has a long-standing tradition of excellence since it was founded in 1959. Their process begins with using naturally rich volcanic spring water from the nearby Tequila Volcano. From there, it’s carefully aged for 24 months in American oak barrels. This long aging allows the tequila to develop a deep complexity.
Tasting Notes: This spirit invites you in with a nose of toasted almond, honey, and a touch of mild citrus. On the palate, you'll experience rich flavors of butterscotch, roasted nuts, and agave, creating a beautifully layered profile. Enjoy a long finish with subtle hints of oak and caramel.
Region: Jalisco / Los Valles | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml
Purchase El Tequileño Tequila Añejo Gran Reserva
8. El Destilador Tequila Limited Edition Añejo
El Destilador Limited Edition Añejo is a premium tequila made from 100% blue Weber agave and slow-cooked in traditional brick ovens. From there, it’s meticulously distilled then aged for several years in hand-selected oak barrels. The limited edition release showcases the dedication to quality and tradition that defines El Destilador.
Tasting Notes: This spirit boasts an attractive nose with aromas of maple, vanilla, and toasted oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with notes of dark chocolate, roasted agave, and a hint of spice. The finish is satisfying and leaves a hint of smoke.
Region: Jalisco, Central | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml
Purchase El Destilador Tequila Limited Edition Añejo
9. Casa Noble Añejo
What sets Casa Noble’s añejo apart is its aging process. The tequila spends a full two years resting in new French oak barrels. This patience for creation allows the tequila to develop a rich complexity, with layers of caramel, vanilla and toasted oak. Ultimately, creating a distinct sophistication and depth.
Tasting Notes: This tequila offers a nose with notes of roasted agave, toasted oak, and caramelized nuts. The palate delivers a blend of vanilla, dark chocolate, and light spice. It finishes long and warm with lingering hints of oak and sweet spice.
Region: Jalisco / Los Valles | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml
Purchase Casa Noble Añejo
10. Don Fulano Añejo
Don Fulano Añejo is a testament to delivering an amazing experience, aged a minimum of 30 months in French Limousin oak that previously held wines. It’s deep and complex with dried fruits and spice elements like cardamom and allspice. This provides an elegant touch of sweetness that comes from slowly cooked mature agave.
Tasting Notes: This añejo invites you in with aromas of dried fruit and rich caramel. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious blend of honey, cooked agave, and roasted almond. The finish is a refreshing hint of menthol to complete the experience.
Region: Jalisco / Los Valles | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml
Purchase Don Fulano AñejoOur Selection Criteria for the Best Añejo Tequila
Taster's Club is committed to selecting the finest añejo tequilas, focusing on quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship. Here's a closer look at our selection process:
100% Blue Agave
The best añejo tequilas are crafted from 100% blue agave, a plant known for its natural sweetness and complex flavor. Using pure blue agave creates authenticity and premium quality. It’s a major part that sets these tequilas from those that include additional sugars or additives. This purity is essential for creating spirits that meet the highest standards.
Artisanal Production Methods
The craftsmanship involved in crafting añejo tequila plays a key role in its quality. Traditional methods, such as using the tahona process (crushing agave hearts with a stone wheel), enhance the flavor through the extraction of the agave’s natural oils and sugars. Small-batch distillation ensures strict attention to detail which results in an exceptional product that reflects the skill of the distiller.
Flavor Profiles
Añejo tequilas are known for their rich, complex flavor profiles, thanks to their extended aging process. You’ll find tasting notes such as caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit, complemented by hints of oak, chocolate, and spice. These flavors develop as the tequila matures in barrels, creating a smooth, layered drinking experience perfect for sipping.
Aging Process
By definition, añejo tequilas are aged for 1 to 3 years in oak barrels, allowing them to develop a deep, golden hue and a refined flavor profile. The aging process softens the spirit while infusing it with the rich, warm notes of oak, vanilla, and spice. This extended aging sets añejo tequilas apart and highlights the artistry of tequila production.
How to Find The Perfect Tequila
Finding the right tequila that perfectly matches your palate should be a fun adventure. One of the best ways to do this is through joining the Tequila Club from Taster's Club.
This subscription service offers members the opportunity to discover an incredible variety of tequilas, from smooth and elegant blancos to complex, aged añejos and reposados.
Each month, club members receive a thoughtfully curated bottle of premium tequila, paired with detailed tasting notes and fascinating insights into the distillery's heritage and production methods.
Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your tequila exploration, Taster’s Club subscriptions let you experience different styles and tastes at your own pace.
Elevate Your Tequila Journey
If you’re ready to elevate your tasting experience, head over to Taster’s Club to discover our curated Tequila selections. Explore the finest tequila spirits and bring a slice of Jalico to your glass today!
Or check out our other Tequila resources:
- Top 10 Tequila Blancos to Try
- Top 10 Tequila Reposado
- Top 10 Best Cristalino Tequila
- Guide to Tequila Glasses
- Types of Tequila: A Complete Guide
- The Best Tequila Under $50
Commonly Asked Questions
Which Tequila Is Better, Añejo or Reposado?
Deciding between añejo and reposado tequila depends on taste and the occasion. Reposado is typically aged 2 months to 1 year in oak barrels to offer a balanced flavor with fresh agave notes and hints of oak, perfect for cocktails or those who enjoy a slightly sweet profile.
Añejo is typically aged 1 to 3 years and delivers a richer, more complex experience with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. Often ideal for sipping neat or on the rocks.
Whether buying for yourself or as a gift, reposado’s vibrant character or añejo’s depth ensures a flavourful tequila experience.
What Is Añejo Tequila Best For?
Añejo tequila is perfect for sipping, offering rich flavors like caramel, vanilla, and spice that reflect its careful aging process. It’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate tequila’s depth and complexity. Making it perfect for personal sipping or as a thoughtful gift.
What Are Some Budget-Friendly Añejo Tequila Options?
Looking for quality tequila under $50? While añejo tequilas are often associated with premium price tags due to their aging process, there are still several standout options.
Espolòn Añejo offers a rich and smoky character with notes of caramel and vanilla. Perfect for sipping at a reasonable price.
Another noteworthy choice is Olmeca Altos Añejo, a tequila known for its smooth taste and balance of sweet and earthy flavors.
How Do I Choose a Tequila as a Gift?
If the recipient is just starting to explore tequila, look for a tequila that is smooth and highlights the quality craftsmanship without the complexity. Typically, a blanco tequila is a great starting point as it offers crisp, fresh flavors that showcase the natural agave profile.
When gifting a seasoned tequila connoisseur, aim to find something unique or higher-end that aligns with their sophisticated palate. Reposado, Añejo, or Extra Añejo tequilas typically appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate the depth and complexity that comes from aging in barrels.
