TOP SHELF TEQUILA BRANDS LIST FULL

Dunne advises looking for Añejos that have rich, natural colors, as well as those that show notes of roasted agave and black pepper, as well as natural barrel spices such as caramel, chocolate, vanilla, and oak.

TOP SHELF TEQUILA BRANDS LIST FULL

“There are so many tequilas floating around these days that are pumped full of additives, so I try to stay away from any Añejo that are overly sweet and taste like artificial vanilla or cotton candy,” he says. When seeking out a good Añejo tequila, Dunn recommends looking for one with bold and unique characteristics. Our pick for Best Overall, Olmeca Altos' Añejo expression ( view on Drizly), and the Best Under $30 pick, Milagro Añejo ( view on Drizly), are great choices that won't break the bank.

There are so many thoughtfully-produced añejo tequilas available in a variety of price points. Tequila has been more popular than ever and the añejo category has grown not only in quantity but quality as well. Read Next: The Best Tequilas for Margaritas Dunne notes that he also enjoys using Añejo tequilas in stirred, spirit-forward cocktails, particularly in Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and respective variations of the two. “It’s just an all-around quality brand,” he says, noting that he tends to look for a rich, amber color and super smooth flavor profile that “allows one to enjoy the aging process” when choosing a bottle with which to craft cocktails. Johnny Swet, owner of JIMMY, reveals that Herradura Añejo is his go-to choice for using in Añejo Old-Fashioned. The spirit ages for 25 months-which is 13 months more than the regulated standard-in American white oak barrels, which leads to a medium to full-bodied sipper loaded with warm flavors of citrus, cedar spice, vanilla, dried fruits and wood. What’s not to love about Herradura? This golden-hued tequila was first produced by Casa Herradura in 1962 and has since skyrocketed to industry fame. That's why the intricate barrel notes found in Olmeca Altos' Añejo Tequila help to make it our top pick.Ĭraving a tequila to sip or a cocktail with some complexity? Here are some of the best añejo tequilas available today.ĪBV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Citrus, Cedar spice, Dried fruits, Wood 'There is a balance to the wood and toast for me that makes all things sing.” “An añejo, for me, needs to have spice, mouthfeel and layers of character you can only get with time and age in a barrel,' he says. Steve Reynolds, co-founder of Penta Tequila, agrees. Pande finds that añejo tequilas tend to be smoother than their counterparts, thanks to their one to three years of barrel aging.

'Añejo translates to aged or matured tequila, and aging is done in oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months, which imparts a lot of flavors to the spirit,” says Suyash Pande, head bartender at New York’s Baar Baar. Añejo tequilas spend one to three years in oak, which gives them their signature richness and texture. They clock in at 40% ABV and are found in all different price categories, from $20(ish) all the way into the multiple hundreds. Añejo tequilas are great for sipping solo or mixing into cocktails.

Top shelf tequila brands list