What is the history of añejo tequila?
Anejo tequila is tequila aged at least one year and less than three years in oak barrels of up to 600 liters, under rules overseen by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila. Extra anejo, aged three years or more, became an official category only in 2006.
Free download
Home Bar Storage Chart (PDF): How long liqueurs, spirits, wine and mixers last, opened and unopened. 25 rows, each with its source.
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.Also free:
Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF)Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF)Coffee, Tea and Hot Drinks Storage Chart (PDF)Drink Strength, Calories and Units Cheat Sheet (PDF)Want the full pack? About 10 printable sheets: a larger chart for each drink type, a “has it gone off?” checklist, date labels, a party planner and an inventory sheet.
In this article
What does anejo mean in tequila?
Anejo is Spanish for aged. In tequila it is an official category: tequila aged at least one year but less than three years in oak barrels holding no more than 600 liters, with rules set and overseen by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT).
How anejo differs from other tequilas
| Category | Aging |
|---|---|
| Blanco | Unaged or briefly rested |
| Reposado | Aged in oak for less time than anejo |
| Anejo | At least 1 year, less than 3 years |
| Extra anejo | 3 years or more |
A short history of the category
The extra anejo class was added as an official category in 2006, creating a legal level for tequila aged beyond three years. Detailed histories of early anejo vary by source, so this page sticks to what the rules say.
How anejo tastes
Used bourbon barrels are the most common choice for anejo and add caramel and sweetness. Wood also brings honey, floral, vanilla and spice notes. Some producers use other casks, such as sherry or French white Burgundy casks, so the flavor varies. Compared with reposado, anejo is typically more wood-influenced.
How to drink anejo
- Sip neat at room temperature in a small glass.
- A single large ice cube is fine if you want it cooler.
- Save it for sipping; blanco or reposado are the usual choices for margaritas.
What to check on the label
- 100 percent agave versus mixed tequila.
- The category word: reposado, anejo or extra anejo.
- The producer’s own tasting notes, since style differs widely.
General information. ABV varies by brand, so check the label. Drink responsibly.
People also ask
How long is anejo tequila aged?
At least one year and less than three years in oak barrels.
Is anejo the same as extra anejo?
No. Extra anejo is aged three years or more and became an official category in 2006.
Is anejo better for sipping or cocktails?
Anejo is typically sipped for its wood-driven notes such as caramel, honey and vanilla.
Sources
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections
What would help you most next?
One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.
Thank you. The free charts above are yours to keep.
