Sipping in Style: Taster’s Club’s Top 10 Best Extra Añejo Tequila

When it comes to tequila, not all bottles are created equal. For those who appreciate the complex aromas of oak and vanilla or the rich, lingering finish of a well-aged spirit, extra añejo tequilas are a true delight. At Tasters Club, we understand that our members only want the very best tequila. That's why our team of seasoned experts has sifted through countless bottles to bring you the definitive list of the top 10 best extra añejo tequila brands.

These selections aren't just about taste; they represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and quality, offering a sophisticated sip that promises to elevate any occasion. In this blog, explore the best extra añejo tequila picks, our criteria for selection, and ways to enjoy the extra añejo tequila brands!

Taster’s Club Selection Criteria for the Best Extra Añejo Tequila

At Taster's Club, we are passionate about bringing you the best extra añejo tequila selections. Our expert curators carefully evaluate each bottle, ensuring only the finest tequila makes the cut. Below is a deeper look at what makes the best extra añejo tequila and what we consider when selecting the top-tier selections:

Aging Process & Barrel Type

Compared to the other types of tequila, the hallmark of extra añejo tequila is its age, requiring at least three years in oak barrels. The type of barrel used for aging, whether American oak, French oak, or barrels previously used for bourbon or cognac, greatly influences the flavor profile.

The aging process imparts rich flavors like vanilla, caramel, and toffee, creating a smoother, more refined spirit. The aging environment, such as climate, altitude, and barrel rotation, is also crucial, as these factors can all influence the final product. The best extra añejo tequila bottles that made it into our list demonstrate mastery over these factors, yielding a perfect balance of flavor, aroma, and texture.

Blue Weber Agave Quality

The agave plant is the foundation of any great tequila. For extra añejo tequila, we prioritize tequilas made from mature, high-quality Blue Weber agave, which typically takes seven to ten years to reach full maturity. The sugars in the agave are crucial for fermentation, and we only select the best extra añejo tequilas where the Blue Weber agave is harvested at its peak.

 Additionally, distilleries that are particular about agave handling, from careful harvesting to slow cooking, tend to produce extra añejo tequila brands that stand out for their authenticity and flavor complexity. For instance, distilleries that meticulously remove the bitter piña tips to focus on the sweetest parts of the Blue Weber agave create a superior base for fermentation and distillation.

Distillation Method and Craftsmanship

The distillation process and craftmanship are key factors in creating the best extra añejo tequila. Many of the best expressions rely on traditional methods, like copper pot stills and small-batch distillation, which preserve the natural essence of Blue Weber agave while eliminating unwanted impurities. These time-honored techniques highlight the artistry of distilleries with strong legacies, often rooted in family-owned operations with generations of expertise.

At Taster's Club, we prioritize tequilas from distilleries in Jalisco that uphold these traditions, ensuring each bottle we select reflects superior craftsmanship, smoothness, and complexity. By partnering with tequila brands known for their dedication to quality, we bring you the best extra añejo tequila bottles that embody the perfect blend of skill, heritage, and flavor.

Flavor Complexity and Balance

One of the key factors in choosing the best extra añejo tequila is its flavor profile. The best extra añejo tequila brands display a complex interplay of sweet, spicy, and earthy notes, often showcasing layers of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and dried fruit. Some exceptional extra añejo tequilas also incorporate subtle hints of chocolate, coffee, or nutmeg, creating a rich sensory experience.

We test each tequila to ensure it delivers a complex, multi-layered experience that evolves from the first sip to the finish, with no single flavor overwhelming the others. The texture and mouthfeel are equally important, and we select the best extra añejo tequila that offers a smooth, velvety sensation.

Rarity and Exclusivity

For spirits to be included in our best extra añejo tequila picks, we also look for limited-edition bottlings or small-batch releases that showcase exceptional artistry in tequila-making. These exclusive offerings often incorporate unique techniques, such as extended aging or blending barrels from different regions, creating a one-of-a-kind spirit. By including rare and exclusive bottles, we give our Taster’s Club members access to extraordinary extra añejo tequilas that can’t be found in typical liquor stores.

Value

While extra añejo tequilas are often a premium investment, we focus on finding options that deliver exceptional quality for their price point. Whether it’s a budget-friendly bottle that over-delivers on flavor or a luxury release that justifies its cost with unparalleled craftsmanship, we ensure every selection offers true value. This balance of quality and affordability allows Taster’s Club members to enjoy world-class tequila without breaking the bank.

How to Choose Your Own Best Extra Añejo Tequila

Choosing the best extra añejo tequila can be a delightful yet daunting task, especially with so many options available. Here are some tips to help you make the best selection for your taste preferences and tequila-drinking occasions:

Understand Your Flavor Preferences

Extra añejo tequilas are known for their deep, rich flavors. However, each bottle offers a unique experience. Some of the best extra añejo tequila selections lean more towards the woody, spicy notes of oak, while others emphasize sweet, caramel-like flavors with hints of vanilla and dried fruit. Consider whether you prefer a more traditional, agave-forward taste or a tequila that focuses on barrel influence and sweetness. If you’re new to extra añejo tequila, try a range of options in our Bottle Shop to discover what suits your palate best.

Consider the Aging Length

Not all extra añejo tequila brands are aged for the same length of time. While the minimum aging requirement is three years, many top extra añejo tequilas are aged for much longer—sometimes up to five, eight, or even ten years. Longer-aged tequilas typically have more complex flavors and a smoother mouthfeel, but they can also be pricier. If you’re just starting out, you might want to opt for a bottle that has been aged between three to five years for a more accessible flavor profile.

Research the Distillery

The distillery’s reputation plays a big part in the final product. Look into the distilleries that produce the best extra añejo tequila. A four-digit “NOM” (Norma Oficiales Mexicana) number indicates the distillery where the tequila was produced. This can help you identify which brand is known for its craftsmanship and commitment to quality. Plus, distilleries with a long history of producing exceptional tequila are often a safe bet.

Look for Limited-Edition or Special Releases

If you're looking for something truly unique, consider going for a limited-edition or small-batch extra añejo tequila. These releases often showcase the distillery’s creativity and innovation, giving you a rare and exciting tequila-tasting experience. However, keep in mind that these can sometimes be more expensive, so be prepared to invest in something truly special.

Think About the Drinking Occasion

When selecting the best extra añejo tequila, consider how you'll be enjoying it. For sipping neat or on the rocks, opt for a bottle with a rich, complex flavor profile like Alquimia Reserva De Oro, with its spicy caramel and toasted almond notes, or Tequila Ocho Extra Añejo, which offers a perfect balance of cooked agave and vanilla.

If you want to make tequila cocktails, such as a high-end Margarita or Tequila Old Fashioned, look for an extra añejo tequila brand with bold flavors that can still shine in a mixed drink, like Tears of Llorona or Corralejo Tequila 1821 Extra Añejo, both of which bring depth without overpowering the other ingredients. Knowing your intended experience will guide your selection, ensuring you get the best flavor for the occasion.

Budget Considerations

Extra añejo tequila is typically more expensive than younger tequilas, but you don’t always need to splurge on the most expensive bottles to enjoy great quality. If you're working within a budget, look for brands that offer high-quality tequila under $50 to $100. These bottles may not have the ultra-long aging of top-tier bottles, but they will still offer an incredible tasting experience that doesn't break the bank.

Uncover the Best Extra AñejoTequila Picks with Taster’s Club!

If you're a tequila enthusiast or looking to discover new, premium spirits, there's no better way to explore the world of tequila than through a membership that brings the finest bottles right to your doorstep! Here at Taster’s Club, we offer two unforgettable tequila experiences: the Tequila of the Month Club, where you'll enjoy expertly selected blancos, reposados, and añejos, or the Tequila Club Pro of the Month, which is a more exclusive membership featuring hand-picked aged expressions like reposados and extra añejos, each offering a unique and complex flavor profile at its finest.

These memberships also make for an exceptional gift for any tequila enthusiast, providing a thoughtful and exciting way to introduce someone to premium tequila experiences. No matter which you choose, these clubs promise to elevate your tequila experience!

FAQs About the Best Extra Añejo Tequila

As you explore the top 10 best extra añejo tequila brands, it's common to have questions about these exceptional spirits. Below, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions to help you better understand the nuances of these selections and enhance your extra añejo tequila experience:

What is tequila?

Tequila is a distilled alcoholic spirit and mezcal from the Mexico-native Blue Weber agave plant. When the plant matures, which usually takes over seven years, agave farmers (jimadors) harvest it and send its hearts to distilleries, creating tequila. The Mexican law states that tequila must be produced specifically in the Mexican regions of Jalisco, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas.

How is tequila made?

To make tequila, ingredients are gathered to create either "Puro” tequilas, which are wholly made from 100% Blue Weber agave, or “mixto” tequilas, which are made with at least 51% agave (and the rest being sugars). From there, the tequila wash is mixed and fermented for about 5-7 days, then strained to remove solid material (as this can affect purity).

Once that's done, the wash goes through two distillations. The first is without separating the heads, hearts, and tails, and the other distillate is separated. If the spirit is to be aged, this comes next – for instance, extra añejos are aged for at least three years.

What is tequila's history?

During the time of about 1,000 B.C., the Olmecs drank pulque, a milky fermented drink originating from the agave plant's sap. Later on, the Aztecs adapted it for themselves during the Spanish invasion of the 1400s when the Spanish appropriated the drink. Agave and mud were used to distill spirits until the 1600s, at which time the first mass distillery was built (by Marquis de Altamira; this was in Tequila, Jalisco). Then, in 1758, the Cuervo family got into tequila making, as did the Sauza family in 1873. These makers are both still prominent in the industry today.

What makes extra añejo tequila different from other types?

Extra añejo tequila is aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels, giving it a rich, deep flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spices. This extended aging process results in a smoother, more complex drink compared to a reposado tequila or añejo tequila.

What’s the best way to store extra añejo tequila?.

To maintain the integrity of the flavors, store your extra añejo tequila in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Unlike wine, tequila doesn’t age after bottling, so as long as it’s sealed, it’ll stay fresh for years.

How do I know if I'm getting the best extra añejo tequila?

Taster's Club works directly with brands known for their craftsmanship and consistency. Our experts hand-select the best bottles, so you can trust that every extra añejo tequila you receive is a stellar example of what the category has to offer.

Can the best extra añejo tequila in this list be used in cocktails?

While extra añejo is often best enjoyed neat to savor its complex flavors, it can absolutely elevate classic cocktails. For example, Tequila Ocho Extra Añejo can be the star of a sophisticated Tequila Old Fashioned, while the rich, spicy notes of Alquimia Reserva De Oro Extra Añejo are perfect for a Tequila Manhattan. The rich, nuanced flavors of Extra Añejo tequilas like these create unforgettable, sophisticated drinks.

Is extra añejo tequila worth the price?

Absolutely! The extended aging process, carefully selected agave, and skilled craftsmanship involved in producing extra añejo tequila contribute to its premium quality. While it may come at a higher cost, the rich, nuanced flavors and smooth finish make it a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate a refined tequila experience. Whether you're a collector or simply a tequila lover, Taster's Club ensures each bottle delivers excellent value and a memorable tasting journey.

Can I gift a Tequila Club subscription?

Absolutely! Taster's Club offers tequila gift subscriptions, which are perfect for tequila lovers who want to experience new and exciting options. You can choose a gift plan and have it delivered directly to the recipient.