Anejo Tequila and the Art of Aging

Traditionally made from blue agave plants, tequila has a distinct flavour profile of agave, citrus, and spice. While Blanco tequila is mellow and smooth, there are some varieties of tequila that are not for the faint of heart. However, the reason for the international tequila boom is that mixologists and craft cocktail lovers began realizing that tequila in all of its varieties is just as complex, smooth, flavour-forward, and steeped in tradition as scotch, bourbon, gin, or even wine. It is often said that a fine wine only gets better with age. Well, the same is true for tequila.

Aged tequila goes by different names depending on the length of time in which it is aged, but the results of aging cannot be denied. As tequila ages, typically in American Oak barrels, the flavours of tequila begin to mellow and soften, while new flavours that were waiting just below the surface begin to emerge. Hints of warming baking spices begin to materialize, sweet caramel and smoked almonds begin to show their profiles, and hints of citrus and tart apple even make an appearance. Aging tequila has changed the game.

Reposado

Reposado, or “rested” in Spanish, tequila must be aged for 2 to 12 months in oak barrels in order to acquire the designation of reposado. During those months, the tequila goes through a transformation in flavours which include oak from the barrels themselves leading to a flavour profile that includes vanilla and caramel. A great example of a rested tequila is Don Julio’s Reposado Tequila featuring hints of honey and coffee. This aged tequila is made exclusively from Blue Weber Agave and is complex with a rich smooth finish. Enjoy over ice or in a modern spin on a classic Paloma to share with close friends!

Añejo

Añejo tequila, or “old” or “vintage” tequila, follows a similar process to that of producing reposado tequila by aging in oak barrels. However, in order to earn the designation of añejo, the tequila must age in the barrel for 1 to 3 years. The longer the tequila stays in contact with the oak, the more the tequila will take on flavours and colour from the oak itself in addition to the increased complexity of flavour and structure, as well as a smoother sip from start to finish. Patron Añejo after spending requisite time aging in French, Hungarian, and American oak barrels possesses a golden amber colour and boasts flavour notes which include warming vanilla, sweet honey and raisins, smoked caramel, and liquorice. Its golden amber colour has been a staple of aged tequila since its inception, that is until now.

The distillers at Don Julio have combine tradition with modern practices to deliver the world’s first Añejo Claro Tequila. Don Julio 70 is the culmination of 70 years of knowledge, expertise and innovation that brings the smoothness of a Blanco tequila and the complexity of an Añejo tequila together for a totally unique tequila experience. This añejo cristolino, or aged crystal, tequila contains all of the complexity and depth of flavor as other aged tequila, with a crystal clear colour. Don Julio 70 contains a flavor profile that includes citrus, fresh herbs, vanilla, chocolate, and butterscotch.

Extra Añejo

As you may have guessed, extra añejo tequila is tequila that has been aged longer than the maximum required 3 years to be considered añejo. The aging and fermenting of the agave plant can be traced as far back as the Olmecs in 1000 B.C. However, it wasn’t until the mid to late 1700s when Don Jose Antonio de Cuervo began the first tequila distillery and produced the first aged tequilas. Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia Extra Añejo was originally saved to share with friends and family on special occasions. Now it is carefully crafted and shared around the world to celebrate everyone’s special occasions! This specialty tequila is begun by selecting only the highest quality 10-12-year-old blue agave and finished by a lengthy aging process in oak barrels. With smooth and subtle flavours of olives, cinnamon, sweet apple, caramel, and almonds, this extra añejo finishes smooth and should be served over ice. Perfect for your next celebration!