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Your Complete Guide To Anejo Tequila
by Ellie Balderson
TLDR
Whether or not you have previously heard of anejo tequila, this article is your one stop shop for everything you need to know about this delicious spirit.
We look at all things about anejo tequila, from why it's great to drink it on the rocks, to the different brands you can try.
Furthermore, we name some of the famous cocktails made with anejo tequila, the ingredients needed and how to make them. In the end, we give more information about this type of mezcal spirit.
Introduction
Tequila is a Mexican spirit made from agave, but there are many different types of tequila.
Anejo tequila is a spirit that you wouldn’t want to miss a taste of. It is the best for sipping as it contains smooth flavors that have aged for quite a long time. It is this aging process that makes anejo tequila unique.
This makes it a particularly interesting spirit to try. Why not try it neat in a beautiful shot glass, or on the rocks in a beautiful hand blown tumbler glass. The best way to enjoy this tequila is with some excellent mexican accessories.
What is Anejo Tequila?
Aging spirits is a way to alter flavour and richness.
The more the time spent in the barrel often translates into a better and tastier drink. Many whiskeys and scotches are old enough to be of drinking age, but tequila is quite different.
Anejo, which translates to "aging", is a tequila aged for one to three years. The most crucial factor in anejo is the agave, which generally serves as the main ingredient in tequila.
The agave is a plant that grows for about seven to ten years which is why a more aged tequila tends to be more costly, and can be more expensive than whiskies of the same age.
Even though anejo tequilas are pricey, they are an excellent place to start for new tequila drinkers. Because añejo tequilas are kept in American oak barrels for about one to two years, this gives them a woody flavor that will comfort whiskey lovers.
Patrón anejo is a combination of two differently produced triple distilled 100% agave tequilas. One is made using a traditional tahona and fermented with agave fibres, while the other made using a modern roller shredder. The blend is then aged in French oak barrels.
However, finding a good anejo depends not only on looking for an aged one. It requires some work.
Production Process of Añejo
A good Anejo gives a subtle sweetness and characteristic features from the casks where it was aged, such as hints of faint woodiness and warming spices.
We'll look at the process of one particular type of anejo tequila: Tequila Don Julio Anejo.
The weber agave is pressed, roasted for about 72 hours in masonry ovens, and fermented to make the tequila. After that, it is double-distilled in small batches using traditional methods.
After distillation, it is aged 18 months in oak ex-bourbon barrels. This gives it a rich flavour that will leave you wanting more.
The luxury tequila producer Deleo does things differently with Anejo. Ultra-premium De-leon Anejo is aged for a year in an American oak barrel before completing its aging in a French oak wine cask.
The time spent in the American oak mellows softens the spirit, while the French oak casks leave the Anejo tequila with a silky and soft profile.
Añejo Tequila On The Rocks
One of the best ways to enjoy this dark Tequila is drinking it on the rocks. This will allow you to fully detect and appreciate all the flavors. The phrase ‘On the rocks” refers to the absence of mixers in the liquor and it is served straight up over ice.
You will undoubtedly fall in love with the smooth caramel and salty citrus characters mixed with a vanilla finish.
You can add a lime or orange slice and a drop of agave if you are new to drinking on the rocks. To fully bring out the flavour sof the tequila, stir the alcohol around the ice cubes to help mellow the liquor.
If you would prefer to add a mixer, you can try other anejo tequila recipes such as tequila soda, Anejo Old fashioned Tequila Cobbler, Tequila Blackberry Smash, or Anejo Sidecar.
How To Best Enjoy Tequila Anejo Straight Up
- Put an ice cube or crushed ice in a rock-sized glass or whiskey glass.
- Pour two oz of anejo tequila over the ice.
- Stir the tequila around the ice.
- Add your optional garnish.
- Optionally, you can also add tiny drops of the agave syrup to add the super subtle sweetness and stir around the glass thoroughly.
Before Drinking
We strongly suggest that you wait for about two minutes before you serve your añejo tequila on the rocks.
As you wait, continue stirring it around the ice. This makes a tremendous difference as it becomes pleasant and colder as the ice slowly melts, opening the exquisite tequila flavors.
You could alternatively use a shot glass or a copita to serve your drink. Sip it In small doses and take the time to savour each flavour.
Anejo Tequila Brands
- Don Julio Anejo
- Casamigos Anejo
- Cazadores Anejo Tequila
- Espolon Tequila Anejo
- Cazadores Tequila Anejo
- Cazadores Tequila Extra Anejo
- Don Julio 70 Crfistilino Tequila
Let's Get Sipping!
Anejo tequila is a good choice for aged whiskey lovers as they will enjoy the richer and deeper flavours involved.
Although it will cost you a little more than you probably spend on tequila blanco, it is for a good reason as it is aged for longer hence the best of liquor’s taste. The taste of the bottle certainly suits the cost of the bottle.
To get the most authentic experience from your anejo tequila tasting, why not get your hands on our impressive barware and glassware. Serve yourself and your friends in style and make it a night to truly remember.
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