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Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Top Extra Anejo Tequila, According To The Beverage Testing Inst.
Extra Añejo Tequila with lime and salt. Four Extra Añejo Tequilas and three Cristalino Tequilas were awarded Gold Medals at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) Tequila Judging. Tears of Llorona Small Batch Extra Añejo Tequila was the top-ranked Extra Añejo and the only Platinum medal winner among Tequilas. 1800 Cristalino Tequila Añejo was the top-ranked Cristalino Tequila. Below is a brief background on each of the gold medalists, along with the official BevTest tasting notes on the Tequilas. Score: 96 - Platinum Medal–Superlative Crafted by Master Distiller Germán González, Tears of Llorona is a luxury, small-batch Extra Añejo Tequila matured in Sherry, Scotch, and brandy barrels. It's widely praised for its rare complexity and depth and has been a perennial winner in international spirit competitions. The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of 'root beer, coffee grounds, and tobacco, followed by flavors of oak, peach- fig cobbler, and anise. Vibrant, decadent, and wildly nuanced, and still easily identifiable as agave-forward Tequila.' Score: 94 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Crafted by Casa Cuervo, Milenio is aged in French oak Cognac barrels. This elegant extra añejo is designed for special occasions and delivers layered, dessert-like richness. The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of 'dark caramelized nuts, chocolate coconut bar, and vanilla frosting, followed by flavors of chocolate orange peels, delicate spices, and creme brulee with powdered sugar. A tasty and very well-balanced Extra Añejo that is sure to please.' Score: 93 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Alquimia Reserva de Don Adolfo VI is an estate-grown organic Extra Añejo Tequila. It offers richness, balance, and subtle influences of tropical and orchard fruits. The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of 'cinnamon, grass, and balsa wood accompanied by flavors of salted caramel, baked orchard fruit, and pineapple skin. Rich and inviting with lovely, dried citrus that balances the rich flavors that are beautifully balanced for Tequila Old Fashioneds or after-dinner sipping.' Score: 93 - Gold Medal–Exceptional This cask strength Extra Añejo from Alquimia is bold and intense. It's bottled at full barrel proof and aimed at seasoned Tequila drinkers looking for robust flavor and structure. The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of 'warm maple syrup, Demerara with chopped nuts, and baker's chocolate, followed by flavors of dark chocolate, cigar ash, and sandalwood. A bold and intense Extra Añejo sipper.' 1800 Tequila Holiday Dinner With Designer & Curator Greg Yuna(Photo byfor 1800 Tequila) Score: 93 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Produced by Casa Cuervo, 1800 Cristalino is a charcoal-filtered Añejo Tequila that removes color while retaining complex flavors. It combines the aging process of an Extra Añejo with crisp modern appeal. The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of 'coconut dulce de leche, heated stones, and fresh ream of paper with flavors of chipotle, parmesan, and cream cheese. The complexity of an Extra Anejo in a crisp, tailored white Armani suit, stylish and grounded in high-quality agave.' Score: 92 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Patrón's Cristalino blends aged complexity with polished smoothness. It undergoes charcoal filtration to remove color while preserving flavors from ex-bourbon barrels. The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of 'white pepper, caramel, and agave fibers accompanied by flavors of preserved lemon, vanilla salt, and crème anglaise. Impeccably balanced and clean with notes of cultured salted butter, extra virgin olive oil, vanilla, and fresh biscuits.' Score: 91 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Agavales Cristalino is a filtered Reposado that offers a bright, tropical profile with the roundness of brief oak aging and the clarity of a Blanco. The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of 'spring, coconut water, and roasted coconut flakes on frosted white cake with flavors of spicy banana bread pudding, pepper, and white chocolate. A supple, vibrantly flavorful Cristalino with excellent versatility.' These seven Tequilas showcase a range of aroma and flavor profiles. The Extra Añejo expressions offer a classic aged Tequila profile that retains its agave core, surrounded by the added complexity and flavors provided by extended oak aging. The Cristalinos, on the other hand, while retaining the agave and oak influence, also offer a cleaner, fresher style that blends a layered, nuanced complexity with a lighter, crisper style. If you like brown spirits, all of these Extra Añejo Tequilas deserve a place on your shelf. If you're looking for a lighter style that still retains the complexity afforded by oak aging, consider exploring the Cristalino expressions. Either way, you won't go wrong with any of these Tequila bottles.
Forbes
6 days ago
- General
- Forbes
The Top Anejo Tequila, According To The Beverage Testing Institute
Three shot glasses of Añejo tequila. Seven Añejo Tequilas were awarded Gold Medals at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) Tequila Judging. 1800 Guachimonton Añejo Tequila was the top-rated Añejo Tequila. Below is a brief background on each of the gold medalists, along with the official BevTest tasting notes on the Top Anejo Tequilas. Score: 94 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Made at Casa Cuervo, this limited expression under the 1800 line is named after the ancient Guachimonton circular pyramids of Jalisco. It showcases heritage and modern technique in a unique aged profile. The Official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of 'spiced orange, sandalwood, and orange oils followed by flavors of Grand Marnier, menthol, and anise. A distinctively minty and cooling Añejo Tequila that captivates the mind and palate.' Score: 92 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Crafted at Destilería Cascahuín, this Tequila honors the Flores family's artisanal roots. Known for bold flavors and clean, natural distillation, it blends spice and sweetness with barrel richness. The Official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of 'roasted serranos, turtle truffles, and chocolate-covered bacon followed by overtones of pipe tobacco, nougat, and orange blossom honey. This lightly spicy anejo has decadent notes of chocolate and bacon that tango with notes of dried mango, spice cake, and pipe tobacco.' Score: 92 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Southbound Añejo emphasizes American oak aging and a smooth, spiced profile. It's aged for more than a year in Tennessee whiskey barrels. It appeals to new tequila drinkers and bourbon fans with its layered dessert-like aromas. The Official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of 'vanilla spice cake, honey, and allspice, accompanied by flavors of cinnamon oil, almond joy, and spiced pecans. Anejo for sipping neat or on one big rock to let its layers of maple-caramel-spice show off.' Score: 92 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Founded by George Clooney and partners and now owned by Diageo, the Casamigos brand is known for its smooth, approachable style. This Añejo delivers dessert-like flavors with a velvety, easy-drinking profile. The Official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of 'vanilla pastry, dark chocolate, and red jammy fruits, followed by flavors of chocolate banana pancakes, green banana, and caramel. This añejo tequila is a chocolate, caramel popcorn treat with a full-bodied, buttery finish.' A shot glass of Añejo Tequila, served with salt and lime. Score: 92 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Aged in French and American oak, 1800 Añejo is a staple in Casa Cuervo's premium range. It offers balanced oak and spice notes, ideal for whiskey drinkers seeking a rich Tequila experience. The Official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of 'toasty coconut, banana cream pies with a touch of molasses, and spicy tropical fruit compote followed by flavors of spice cake, mixed peppercorns, and vanilla cola. A delicious and satisfying añejo with lovely layers of fruit and spice; try in your favorite whiskey cocktails.' Score: 92 - Gold Medal–Exceptional Produced by Carlos Camarena at Tequilera Los Alambiques in Arandas, in the Jalisco Highlands, Tequila Ocho is renowned for its single-estate releases and pure agave expression. The Official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of 'agave, olive brine, and chalk, followed by flavors of Italian spices, ginger, and mace. Pair this tasty Añejo with a creamy dessert for a spicy, nutty delight.' Score: 90 - Gold Medal–Exceptional From the largest and oldest tequila producer, the Tradicional Añejo is aged in both American and French oak. It bridges the styles of tequila and whiskey with rich caramel, smoke, and spiced flavors. The Official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of 'salted caramel, grilled pineapple, and toasted marshmallows, followed by smoked tea, candied chipotle, and pralines. Anejo Tequila to convert Scotch, Aged Rum, and Rye lovers over to Tequila - smoked walnuts, Bourbon vanilla, and pralines all day for an international style brown spirit.' These seven Añejo Tequilas are excellent and will appeal to Tequila aficionados as well as brown spirit lovers of whiskey and rum. They are all outstanding, showcasing traditional agave aroma and flavor profiles, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice from the oak. Whether as a base for a cocktail or straight up, these Añejo Tequilas are an outstanding addition to your Tequila collection.
