In the ever-evolving world of tequila, I feel that Extra Añejo is a category that stands a cut above the rest, reserved for those with a penchant for the ultimate sipping tequila available.
Extra Añejo tequilas are aged for a minimum of three years, usually in oak barrels, absorbing the rich woody flavours and aromas whilst maturing to perfection.
Although traditional tequila Blanco is perfect for shots with salt & lime, aged tequila varieties, such as Añejo and Extra Añejo, offer an entirely new tequila-tasting experience.
Best Extra Añejo Tequilas
The best Extra Anejo tequilas showcase how caramel, oak, and vanilla flavours can take Mexico’s agave to new levels of refinement.
1. Don Julio Ultima Reserva Extra Añejo
Overview
- Distiller: Don Julio
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Mexico
- Colour: Pale Honey
Review
Don Julio is a name that resonates with tequila aficionados. This Extra Añejo offering is aged to perfection, offering a symphony of flavours with every sip.
On The Nose
Rich oak with hints of caramel.
On The Palate
A velvety texture with notes of dark chocolate, apricot, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon, with a sweet honeyed-agave finish that lingers nicely.
Best Served
Enjoy this beauty as nature intended, neat. Or if you are feeling really fancy, try it in an expensive Old Fashioned.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Gran Patrón Piedra Extra Añejo
Overview
- Distiller: Patrón
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Mexico
- Colour: Mahogany
Review
Gran Patrón Piedra Extra Añejo is luxury in a bottle. Aged for over 3 years in old oak barrels using the tahona process, it’s an aromatic Patrón tequila that demands respect and admiration.
On The Nose
Bursts of fresh agave, fruits and cinnamon.
On The Palate
Complex flavours of dried fruits, nuts, vanilla, and a hint of smokiness. It’s a tequila that reveals a silky smooth oak finish and a touch of mushroom.
Best Served
My preference is on the rocks with a twist of orange. Or try it in a refined Margarita.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Tapatio Excelencia Gran Reserva Extra Añejo
Overview
- Country: Mexico
- Type: Extra Añejo
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 40%
- Brand: Tapatio
Review
Tapatio is a hidden gem in the tequila world, carefully refining its craft since 1937. Tapatio Excelencia Gran Reserva Extra Añejo is both robust and refined, a true sipping tequila masterpiece.
On The Nose
Floral notes, deep agave, with a touch of spice.
On The Palate
A satisfying blend of spices, dried fruits, and the lingering sweetness of caramel mid-palate, finishing with seductive woods and herbs.
Best Served
Like every Extra Añejo, straight up is best to truly appreciate its depth. Or in a tongue-tastic Tequila Sunrise.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Sierra Milenario Extra Añejo
Overview
- Country: Mexico
- Type: Extra Añejo
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 41.5%
- Brand: Sierra Milenario
Review
Born in the high-altitude highlands of Jalisco, Sierra Milenario Extra Añejo is aged for 4 years in French oak barrels to ensure a bold and beautiful tequila.
On The Nose
Agave, tropical fruits, cocoa, vanilla with a hint of spice.
On The Palate
Rich agave, caramel, and oak flavours, with peppered vanilla mid-palate. The finish is smooth yet slightly bitter due to delicious dark chocolate and spices.
Best Served
This sipping tequila is best served with a single ice cube. Or try it in a sophisticated Paloma.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Cazadores Extra Añejo Tequila
Overview
- Distiller: Cazadores
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Mexico
- Colour: Amber
Review
Cazadores tequila is packed with history. This Cazadores Extra Añejo is a journey of discovery, aged for 3 years in American oak barrels to impart sensational smoothness.
On The Nose
Fresh agave with a touch of vanilla cinnamon.
On The Palate
A fresh agave opening leads to warming vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon mid-palate. The finish is long with plenty of oak smoothness and cheeky spice.
Best Served
I recommend you enjoy this tequila chilled to bring out its nuances. Or in a classic Tequila Sour if sipping is not your thing.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
6. 1800 Tequila Milenio Extra Añejo
Overview
- Distiller: 1800
- ABV: 38% (76 Proof)
- Country: Mexico
- Colour: Amber
Review
Tequila Milenio is a tribute by the 1800 Tequila distillery to Weber blue agave. This Extra Añejo is aged for 3 years and then finished in French Oak Cognac barrels for additional depth.
On The Nose
Vanilla, oak, and a hint of smoke.
On The Palate
A melody of oak, vanilla, and a touch of fruitiness upfront. The tequila reveals cinnamon and pepper mid-palate with a lingering finish of mint chocolate.
Best Served
You need this Extra Añejo in your life; enjoy neat to savour its aroma and flavour. Or in a refreshing Tequila Collins to take the path less travelled.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
7. Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo
Overview
- Distiller: Jose Cuervo
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Mexico
- Colour: Rich brown
Review
Jose Cuervo is a name that needs no introduction. This Reserva de la Familia is the crown jewel of their collection, a tequila using 10 & 12-year-old agaves then aged for over 3 years in oak barrels.
On The Nose
Rich caramel with a hint of spice.
On The Palate
Complex flavours of rich agave, dried fruits, and nuts, with a touch of caramel mid-palate. The finish brings you dark chocolate, honey and spice.
Best Served
I’d keep it simple and enjoy it neat, with a twist of orange to complement its rich flavours. Cocktail-wise… in a luxurious Tequila Martini!
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Andrew’s Top Pick
Sierra Milenario Extra Añejo
My top pick Extra Añejo tequila is Sierra Milenario Extra Añejo due to its initial upfront agave that is slowly soothed by caramel and oak and that slight bitter chocolate kick.
Aged Tequila Cocktail Ideas
| Cocktail Name | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Extra Añejo Old Fashioned | 2 oz Extra Añejo tequila, 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, orange twist for garnish |
| Añejo Old Margarita | 2 oz Extra Añejo tequila, 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz Cointreau, salt rim and lime wedge for garnish |
| Tequila Manhattan | 2 oz Extra Añejo tequila, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, cherry for garnish |
| Tamarind Tequila Sour | 2 oz Extra Añejo tequila, 1 oz tamarind concentrate, 1 oz lime juice, 0.5 oz agave nectar |
| Paloma with an Extra Añejo Twist | 2 oz Extra Añejo tequila, 3 oz grapefruit soda, 0.5 oz lime juice, pinch of salt |
| Spicy Extra Añejo Daiquiri | 2 oz Extra Añejo tequila, 1 oz lime juice, 0.75 oz simple syrup, 2-3 slices of jalapeño |
Conclusion
Due to their barrel ageing, the best Extra Añejo tequilas offer a dance of flavours, from the deep caramel undertones to the subtle hints of oak and vanilla, reflecting years of patient maturation.
So, whether you’re a seasoned tequila connoisseur or a curious newcomer, remember that with every glass of Extra Añejo, you’re savouring a piece of Mexico’s rich heritage.
Also Read: 8 Best Don Julio Tequilas: Blanco To Ultima Reserva
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on several fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, drink types, cocktail recipes and more.
