Last Updated on: 6th April 2024, 01:50 am
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 Herradura Añejo vs Herradura Ultra 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
Herradura Añejo vs Herradura Ultra: Comparison
Herradura Añejo: Features a robust oak aroma with vanilla and caramel, leading to a palate of oak, ripe fruit, and cinnamon. The finish is warm and oak-rich. Aged 25 months for a pronounced oak flavor, this Añejo is a good choice for those who appreciate a strong oak presence.
Herradura Ultra: Offers a sweet profile with vanilla and caramel on the nose and a palate dominated by agave syrup and vanilla. The finish is short and sweet, with its sweetness enhanced by added agave syrup, positioning it as a smoother and more approachable option.
Verdict: Herradura Añejo and Herradura Ultra cater to different preferences within the tequila spectrum. The Añejo is best for those who enjoy a bold, oak-driven flavor, while the Ultra appeals to those seeking a sweet, smooth experience, thanks to its unique Cristalino process and added sweetness, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Herradura Tequila Brand Rating
Herradura Añejo: A Warm and Oaky Tequila
- Nose: Vanilla, oak, caramel, agave
- Palate: Oak, vanilla, agave, oak, fruit, cinnamon
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Don Julio Añejo
Bold Oak Flavor:
Herradura Añejo stands out for its prominent oak aroma accompanied by notes of vanilla, caramel, and subtle agave. The taste offers a satisfying mouthfeel with initial warmth from the alcohol and oak influence, followed by vanilla, ripe fruit, and agave notes. The finish is long-lasting, warm, and oak-rich.
Aged for Smoothness:
This Añejo undergoes a 25-month aging process in American oak barrels, resulting in its amber color and pronounced oak flavor. While the oak presence is strong, it blends with a touch of sweetness and vanilla for a smooth and pleasant finish.
Consideration for Agave Lovers:
While Herradura Añejo is respectable and offers a satisfying experience, the heavy oak influence might overshadow the subtle agave flavor for some. If you prefer a more balanced tequila showcasing both oak and agave, consider trying Herradura Reposado, aged for 11 months for a more harmonious blend.
In Conclusion:
Herradura Añejo offers a bold and oak-forward Añejo experience with a smooth and warm finish. While it might not be the top choice for those seeking a highly nuanced Añejo, it remains a respectable option for those who enjoy a pronounced oak character in their tequila.
Herradura Ultra: A Sweet and Smooth Tequila Option
- Nose: Vanilla, caramel, agave
- Palate: Agave syrup, vanilla, agave
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Don Julio 70
Flavor Profile:
- Sweet Notes: Herradura Ultra boasts a prominent vanilla aroma, followed by hints of caramel and agave. The taste is intensely sweet, reminiscent of agave syrup with strong vanilla notes and a subtle agave undertone.
- Smooth Finish: The finish is short and sweet, lacking any harshness.
Unique Sweetness:
It’s important to note that Herradura Ultra achieves its pronounced sweetness through the addition of agave syrup. This differentiates it from traditional tequilas, which typically have a more complex flavor profile.
Enjoyment:
If you enjoy smooth and sweet spirits, Herradura Ultra might be a good fit. It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or even chilled in the fridge.
Special Category:
Due to its distinct sweetness and deviation from the traditional tequila taste, some categorize Herradura Ultra as a specialty spirit rather than a classic tequila.
Production Process:
- Blended Excellence: Herradura Ultra combines Herradura Añejo and the highly acclaimed Herradura Seleccion Suprema.
- Crystal Clarity: The blend undergoes filtration through activated charcoal, resulting in a clear appearance and removing some stronger flavors. This process is known as Cristalino.
- Sweetener Addition: Before bottling, agave syrup is added to the blend, contributing to its signature sweetness.
Looking for a traditionally-flavored tequila? Herradura offers a variety of other expressions that might better suit your taste preference. For those seeking a smooth and exceptionally sweet option, Herradura Ultra delivers a unique experience.
How do Herradura Añejo and Ultra Cristalino differ?
- Añejo is aged for 25 months in oak barrels before bottling.
- Ultra is a blend of Herradura Añejo and Herradura Seleccion Suprema that was filtered through activated charcoal before bottling; this is known as Cristalino Tequila.
- It must be noted that Herradura Ultra was artificially sweetened using agave syrup.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Herradura Añejo | $47 |
| Herradura Ultra | $42 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Herradura | Herradura Ultra |
| Type of tequila | Añejo | Añejo |
| Aging length | 25 months | Undetermined |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
| Cooking method | Stone/Brick Ovens | Stone/Brick Ovens |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Triple-distilled | No | No |
| Additives | Unsure | Yes |
| Certified organic | No | No |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |