What is Añejo Tequila? Your Complete Guide
Written by Emma C | Updated May 2024
Are you curious about Añejo tequila? Whether you're a seasoned spirits enthusiast or just starting your tequila-tasting journey, understanding Añejo can elevate your appreciation for this exquisite drink. Añejo tequila is known for its dark, rich flavors and smooth, amber-hued profile that rivals even the finest whiskies. It's crafted from carefully selected blue agave plants and aged in oak barrels for at least one year, often up to three, infusing it with complex woody notes and a delightful sweetness.
At Taster's Club, we're excited to guide you through the world of Añejo tequila—showcasing what makes it special and helping you taste some of the best bottles available. If you're eager to explore aged tequilas every month, sign up for our Tequila Pro Club. It's your gateway to discovering depth, richness, and flavor complexity with exclusive access to a curated selection of Añejo tequilas. Join us, and savor the sophisticated world of aged tequila.
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Añejo tequila regions
Like other types of tequila, añejos are produced in Mexico’s highland and lowland regions. The richer soil of the highlands can make this region’s agaves sweeter, making for fruitier tequilas. And lowland tequilas taste earthier because of the area’s water. The bottom line is there are a variety of añejo tequila flavors to explore, depending on many things including the region in which they’re made.
History of añejo tequila
The history of añejo tequila is the history of tequila. Back in 1000 B.C., the Olmecs (a civilization in ancient Mexico) started fermenting agave and transforming it into a milky beverage. Eventually, the Aztecs adapted this into “pulque.” When the Spanish invaded the Aztecs, they appropriated pulque and started distilling tequila during a brandy shortage. This tequila is one of North America’s first indigenous distilled spirits. The first mass-production tequila distillery was headed by the Marquis of Altamira, Don Pedro Sánchez de Tagle, and was located in what is now modern-day Jalisco.
In 1758, King Carlos IV of Spain granted the first commercial tequila license to the Cuervo family, specifically to Don Jose Antonio de Cuervo. His family founded the Taberno de Cuervo and began using the agave tequilana (blue agave) species to distill tequila because it retains water. The first Vino Mezcal de Tequila de Jose Cuervo was made in 1795, and, so, the tequila industry was born. The official Cuervo distillery was founded in 1812 and passed down through the Cuervo family.
Quickly following in the footsteps of the Cuervo family, the Sauza family made their own mark in the tequila industry. Don Cenobio Sauza realized that blue agave was the best species of agave plant for tequila production. Then, during the Prohibition period, tequila became the popular drink for desperate Americans needing alcohol.
Mexico, realizing tequila’s potential and importance to their country, hastily took ownership of the name “tequila” and declared it as intellectual property in 1974. Along with this, the law designated specific tequila-making regions in Mexico and prohibited the production of tequila outside of Mexico.
How to drink añejo tequila
Drinking añejo neat
Just like drinking bourbon, you can drink añejo tequila any way you like, but we prefer it neat. It’s always good to know what you’re drinking: Puro tequilas are 100% agave tequilas, while mixto tequilas are 51% agave with 49% sugar. We recommend going for puro tequilas because they are best for sipping and savoring. Ideally, it’s best to use a copita glass (tulip-shaped) that focuses the aromas up to the nose.
When you’re shopping for añejo or any other tequila, look for the NOM, which means Norma Oficial Mexicana. It’s a four-digit number appearing on every bottle of tequila that lets you know which producer a brand comes from. Two brands sharing the same NOM number means they were made in the same place and may share the same process.
Añejo cocktails
What would an article about añejo tequila be without modern twists on classic cocktail recipes? Check out some of our favorites.
Paloma
Ingredients:
- 1 chilled bottle grapefruit soda, such as Squirt
- 1 1/2 to 2 ounces añejo tequila
- 1/4 to 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice, depending on soda sweetness
- 2 tablespoons crunchy salt and 1 lime wedge, for rimming (optional)
- 1 lime wedge, for garnish (optional)
- For the spicy rimming variation:
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 tablespoon Tajín
Steps:
- Add salt to a small plate. (For the spicy variation, mix 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or 1 tablespoon Tajín with the salt.) Rub a lime wedge on the rim of the glass, and dip rim in salt.
- Fill your glass with ice. Add grapefruit soda to fill 1/3 of the way up, and then pour in tequila and lime juice. Top with more grapefruit soda.
- Stir gently, garnish with lime wedge, then serve immediately with extra grapefruit soda on the side. You can even squeeze more lime juice into the cocktail if you'd like.
Añejo old fashioned
Ingredients:
- .25 ounces agave nectar
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
- 3 ounces añejo tequila
- Garnish: cherry
Steps:
- In a mixing glass, lightly muddle the agave nectar, bitters, and orange peel.
- Add the tequila.
- Fill with ice and stir until chilled.
- Strain into a tumbler glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a cherry.
Añejo mash
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz. añejo tequila
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- ¾ oz. agave syrup
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- 4 lemon wedges
- Garnish: fresh mint sprig
Steps:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously.
- Strain into a rocks glass packed with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.
In conclusion, Añejo tequila offers a unique and sophisticated experience that every spirits enthusiast should explore. With its rich flavors and complex profiles, it stands out among the finest drinks. At Taster's Club, we invite you to join our Tequila Pro Club and embark on a monthly journey of tasting exceptional Añejo tequilas. Discover the depth, richness, and flavor complexities of this exquisite drink while enjoying exclusive access to a curated selection. Join us in savoring the world of aged tequila, and raise your glass to unforgettable moments!
Not looking for a commitment but still want to checkout Añejo Tequila? Then checkout our collection in our Bottle Shop!
Looking for the best Curated Tequila of the Month Subscription? Check out Taster’s Club Tequila Clubs for different expressions of tequila from today’s top producers delivered straight to your door.
Taster’s Club is the Premiere online shop for anyone looking for a curated Liquor of the Month Club or a one-off bottle purchase from our Bottle Shop.
