Last Updated on: 5th April 2024, 09:14 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Avion Añejo vs Casamigos Añejo in this in-depth comparison and decide which Tequila is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Avion Añejo vs Casamigos Añejo: Head-to-Head
Avion Añejo: A gateway from bourbon to tequila, offering caramel and vanilla with a hint of agave. Not the pinnacle of Añejos, but a commendable choice for those appreciating bourbon’s warmth and sweetness.
Casamigos Añejo: Delivers a smooth experience with butterscotch and vanilla, lacking in agave depth. A solid option for an easy sip, yet may not satisfy those seeking the robustness of traditional Añejo tequilas.
Verdict: Avion Añejo bridges bourbon and tequila worlds, making it a unique find for whiskey enthusiasts venturing into tequila. Casamigos Añejo, while smooth, caters to a crowd preferring subtlety over complexity. Both offer enjoyable sipping experiences, tailored to different preferences, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Añejo Tequila Picks
Avion Añejo: Bourbon Notes Meet Agave Comfort
- Nose: Caramel, vanilla, agave
- Palate: Cinnamon, vanilla, caramel, agave
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Avion Reposado
Avion Añejo boasts a nose reminiscent of bourbon, with aromas of caramel and vanilla leading the way, followed by a subtle hint of agave. The taste mirrors the aroma, offering a rich blend of caramel and vanilla, joined by touches of cinnamon, agave, and a light oak spice.
While not the most full-bodied tequila, its flavor makes up for it. The true star of the show is the long, pleasantly sweet finish.
Fan of bourbon? Avion Añejo might be your new friend. It delivers familiar bourbon notes with a touch of agave, making it a smooth transition.
While a good Añejo, it’s not the top shelf. Compared to the very best Añejos, Avion falls a bit short. However, it’s an improvement over Avion’s Silver and Reposado offerings.
Enjoy it neat or on the rocks, but go easy on the ice. This Añejo is best savored for its full flavor profile.
Avion Añejo in a nutshell:
- Aged 2 years in ex-bourbon barrels.
- Made at the Productos Finos Distillery alongside other tequilas.
- Founded by Ken Austin and Kenny Dichter, inspired by aviation (hence the name).
- Currently owned by Pernod Ricard, a major drinks company.
Casamigos Añejo: A Smooth Tequila with a Butterscotch Twist
- Nose: Soft caramel, vanilla
- Palate: Vanilla, leathery sweetness, oak, smoke
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Don Julio 1942
Casamigos Añejo is a tequila aged for 14 months in bourbon barrels, resulting in a beautiful amber color and intriguing aromas. These aromas are dominated by sweet notes of vanilla and caramel, but the taste experience is slightly different.
On the palate, Casamigos Añejo offers a smooth and gentle experience with a flavor profile of butterscotch and vanilla, accompanied by a subtle peppery kick. While smooth and easy to drink, it lacks the depth and complexity of some top-shelf añejo tequilas. This means you won’t find the strong agave presence typical of many añejos.
Overall, Casamigos Añejo is a decent choice for those seeking a smooth and simple sipping tequila. However, if you’re looking for a complex and agave-forward añejo experience, you might want to explore other options.
Tips:
- Enjoy Casamigos Añejo neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its flavor profile.
- Save your premium tequilas for sipping and use a more affordable option for mixing cocktails.
Additional details:
- Casamigos Añejo is produced at the brand’s own distillery in Jalisco, Mexico.
- The brand is currently owned by Diageo, a large beverage company based in London.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Avion Añejo | $50 |
| Casamigos Añejo | $55 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Avion Añejo | Casamigos Añejo |
| 100% Agave | Yes | Yes |
| Aging length | 24 months | 14 months |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill |
| Wood tanks fermentation | No | No |
| Steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Cooking method | Stone/Brick Ovens | Stone/Brick Ovens |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Distilled in copper pot | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |