Last Updated on: 4th April 2024, 11:34 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 Don Julio Añejo vs Siete Leguas Añejo in this head-to-head 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
Don Julio Añejo vs Siete Leguas Añejo: Head-to-Head
Don Julio Añejo Tequila: Warm with rich cinnamon and vanilla flavors, this Añejo offers a complex sipping experience that appeals to both tequila aficionados and whiskey drinkers.
Siete Leguas Añejo Tequila: A perfect blend of agave and bourbon-like flavors, offering a smooth and velvety sipping experience that bridges the gap between bourbon and tequila.
Verdict: Don Julio Añejo and Siete Leguas Añejo provide premium, complex experiences for those seeking depth in their tequila. Each brings unique characteristics to the table, appealing to a broad spectrum of palates, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Añejo Tequila Top Recommendations
Don Julio Añejo Tequila: A Warm and Cinnamon-Infused Sipping Experience
- Nose: Oak, vanilla, caramel, orange
- Palate: Cinnamon, oak, vanilla, smoke
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat, rocks
- Similar to: Tres Generaciones Añejo
Don Julio Añejo Tequila offers a distinct taste profile ideal for sipping. Aged in bourbon barrels for 18 months, it takes on a deep amber color and oak and caramel flavors.
The aroma presents a bourbon-like quality with hints of vanilla, oak, caramel, and a touch of orange. The first sip is warm and features a distinct cinnamon note that lingers. Vanilla and oak flavors, reminiscent of bourbon, are complemented by sweet butterscotch and smoky oaky undertones.
The finish is long, warm, and dominated by cinnamon with supporting oak notes.
Why it’s worth considering:
- Balanced sweetness and smoke: This Añejo offers a balanced combination of sweetness and a subtle smoky character, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate both.
- Agave presence: Despite the barrel influence, the agave flavor remains present, creating a rich and complex experience.
- Whiskey drinker’s introduction: The familiar bourbon-like notes make it a good starting point for whiskey enthusiasts exploring agave spirits.
Ultimately, Don Julio Añejo is a premium tequila geared towards those who enjoy:
- Rich cinnamon flavor
- Light smokiness
- Pleasant warmth
- Balanced sweetness and complexity
- Introduction to agave spirits for whiskey drinkers
Siete Leguas Añejo Tequila: A Bridge Between Bourbon and Agave
- Nose: Vanilla, caramel, oak
- Palate: Agave, maple syrup, chocolate, vanilla oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Patron Añejo
Siete Leguas Añejo Tequila offers a unique taste profile that bridges the gap between bourbon and agave spirits.
The nose presents a bourbon-like aroma with a touch of agave and rich notes of caramel and vanilla. The first sip delivers a velvety and smooth texture with a dominant agave flavor intertwined with vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, and oak.
The finish is long and delightful, featuring sweetness, warmth, and lingering hints of oak spice, vanilla, and butterscotch.
Why it stands out:
- Complex and familiar: This Añejo boasts a complex flavor profile combining the richness of bourbon with the distinct agave character, appealing to both tequila enthusiasts and whiskey lovers.
- Agave forward with familiar notes: It highlights the agave characteristics while offering familiar flavors like vanilla and caramel, making it an excellent introduction for bourbon enthusiasts exploring agave spirits.
- 100% agave and headache-free: Crafted with 100% blue agave, known for being headache-free, it provides a smoother drinking experience compared to some other spirits.
Ultimately, Siete Leguas Añejo is a premium tequila geared towards those who appreciate complex flavors, a bridge between bourbon and agave, and a smooth experience.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Don Julio Añejo | $66 |
| Siete Leguas Añejo | $65 |
Specs Comparison
| Characteristics | Don Julio | Siete Leguas |
| Type of tequila | Añejo | Añejo |
| Aging length | 18 months | 24 months |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill/tahona stone |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
| Cooking method | Stone/Brick Ovens | Stone/Brick Ovens |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Triple Distilled |
| Additives | Unsure | No |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |