Añejo

Definition:

Añejo (pronounced ahn-YAY-ho) is Spanish for “aged,” but in the tequila world, it’s more like “tequila that went off to college, studied abroad, and came back smoother and wiser.” Typically aged one to three years in oak barrels, this spirit picks up rich notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, making it the elder sibling who tells Blanco and Reposado to stop horsing around.

Why it Matters:

Añejo tequila is where patience pays off. While Blanco is all about raw agave firepower and Reposado is the laid-back middle child, Añejo is the refined, slightly dramatic older cousin who shows up to family gatherings in a tailored suit. Its time in oak barrels mellows out the agave bite and adds layers of complexity that make it perfect for sipping neat. Think of it as tequila’s version of a fine whiskey. Bartenders love it because it can elevate a cocktail from “Friday night happy hour” to “Saturday night velvet rope.”