Main Qualities Seasoned Tequila Experts Look for in Best Extra Añejo Tequilas Volans Tequila Follow Feb 6 · 4 min read

Introduction

For those who have an interest in trying out different tequila variants, Extra Añejo tequilas are always the epitome of quality in a sea of tequila variants. These are usually expensive than Blanco and reposado tequilas, and not every bar or alcohol shops store stocks of these premium tequilas. But tequilas are tequilas, and many consume them for their jerky and strong taste, intending to finish it off with shots. Why spend extra for a bottle of ultra-premium extra Añejo tequila?

Tequila: A Misunderstood Drink

Not all tequila drinkers have had a chance to move on beyond basic Blanco or mix to tequilas; in fact, tequila has always had a reputation for being a hard-hitting drink. Rumors from those who take multiple shots of clear tequila convey that a couple of shots are enough to erase your memory of that night, with the person waking up the next day with a heavy headache and hangover. Sure, some will argue that it is simply not true, but tequila’s legacy among casual alcohol drinkers who consume alcohol only in parties or celebrations with friends is that as a black-out drunk. That is why their premium brethren such as Añejo tequilas or extra Añejo tequilas rarely get a mention among them. Tequila’s reputation as a smooth, flavored drink is something that not many people know or realize, for they haven’t divulged into the luxurious side of tequila yet.

The Appeal of Extra Añejo Tequila

This brings us to the very subject of discussion: the extra Añejo tequila. One of the major aspects that differ extra Añejo tequilas from cheap mix to tequilas is that the former is aged for at least 3 years. The aging process usually takes place in oak barrels, and these wooden barrels lend a unique flavor to plain tequila, converting them into a smooth and mature drink that is a far cry from the raw and untamed taste of mix to tequilas. Sure, they are quite expensive, starting from $100 and may reach as high as $1000 or even more, depending on the quality of the tequila and the duration of aging. Of course, one cannot buy a 50-year-old tequila, as this category is relatively new and was only legally established in 2006 as ‘extra Añejo tequila’ that must be aged for at least 3 years. So, the main appeal of extra Añejo tequilas lies in their premium and smooth taste that brings them in the realm of ultra-premium alcohol such as champagne or scotch.

What Makes a Bottle of Extra Añejo Tequila Desirable?

Just because a bottle has the label of ‘extra Añejo tequila’ doesn’t mean that it has to be definitely good. There are brands that taste okay, then there are brands that taste luxurious. It is important to be able to tell the major differences between different brands of extra Añejo tequila on the market. One thing is for sure; the price of a bottle of tequila does not necessarily dictate its taste. In the tequila industry, a $150 bottle may taste a lot better than a $500 bottle; it is just a matter of individual preferences. Hence, there are many points that dictate the quality and worthiness of a bottle of tequila:

Color : The color of the liquid is a main differentiating factor that can be used to visually analyze the quality and taste. When tequilas are placed in oak barrels to age, the interior of barrels is what gives them the taste and most importantly, the color. So, we can determine that the darker the color is, the more the drink is aged. Even the amount of agave used can also determine its color. The preferable color would be somewhere in medium, wood-colored brown that will offer the best mix of taste.

: The color of the liquid is a main differentiating factor that can be used to visually analyze the quality and taste. When tequilas are placed in oak barrels to age, the interior of barrels is what gives them the taste and most importantly, the color. So, we can determine that the darker the color is, the more the drink is aged. Even the amount of agave used can also determine its color. The preferable color would be somewhere in medium, wood-colored brown that will offer the best mix of taste. Aroma: Most alcohols smell like spirits, but extra Añejo tequilas that are prepared well have a distinct aroma that’ll hit the nose before the glass reaches the mouth. The smell of aged oak, sugars and spirit will yield a good and thorough combination and will increase the overall appeal of the drink.

Taste: It is important that the drink taste like premium tequila: smooth and gentle. No one wants a premium extra Añejo tequila that hits them like a bag of bricks on their very first sip. Everyone has their own taste preferences, but as a general rule of thumb, it must have a distinct taste of oak and must be smooth enough to be consumed in sips.

Value for Money: Now this is something that many people discard when they buy ultra-premium extra Añejo tequilas. It is important that the buyer gets equal or more value from the alcohol as they paid for. Everyone wants their $100 bottles to taste like an expensive drink and not like a $30 drink.

Relishing the Experience

Once a person has tasted a good quality bottle of extra Añejo tequila, there is no going back. If you want to relish the experience of extra Añejo tequilas, you can buy them online to consume at home in peace, for a bar or club with all the chaos going on around is not the perfect place to experience it.