Best Cheap Añejo Tequilas

Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 01:55 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.

Explore affordable Añejo Tequilas combining great value and aged flavors in this guide created with the assistance of Tequila expert Neil Coleman and customer insights.

Find the best budget-friendly Añejos for a delightful yet wallet-friendly experience. Cheers!

Written by: J Highland

Choosing the Best Cheap Añejo Tequila

• Agave Forward: Arette Añejo (sweetness, agave focus)
• Sweet & Easy: Kirkland Añejo (caramel, vanilla, for beginners)
• Sipping or Mixing: El Mayor Añejo (fruity, peppery, affordable)
• Bourbon Twist: 1800 Añejo (smooth, sweet, fruity)
• Versatile: Espolon Añejo (agave, oak, butterscotch)
• Reliable: Gran Centenario Añejo (oak, caramel, vanilla)
• Familiar Flavors: Cazadores Añejo (vanilla, cinnamon)
• Natural for Cocktails: Olmeca Añejo (earthy, fruit, oak)
• Easygoing: Milagro Añejo (smooth, sweet, minimal bite)

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.

Quick Look at the Best Cheap Añejo Tequilas

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Arette Añejo: Budget-Friendly Añejo with Agave Character

Looking for a smooth Añejo tequila that won't break the bank?

Arette Añejo might be your perfect match. On the nose, you'll find a pleasant balance of sweetness with hints of caramel and agave. The taste is all about the agave, with subtle oak and caramel notes complementing it. The finish is smooth and medium-length, leaving a gentle peppery touch without any harsh burn, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.

Great value for the price: Compared to other affordable Añejos, Arette stands out for its focus on natural agave flavors without additives. While it may not reach the heights of pricier options like Fortaleza Añejo or Tequila Ocho, Arette Añejo offers impressive quality at a budget-friendly price.

Kirkland Añejo: Sweet Añejo for Tequila Newcomers

Kirkland Signature Añejo offers a sweet and inviting aroma with strong notes of caramel and vanilla, balanced by hints of oak and agave. The taste follows suit, showcasing a blend of caramel, oak, vanilla, and underlying agave, with a touch of black pepper for complexity.

Overall, it's smooth and easy to drink, leaving a long, sweet finish with lingering agave and butterscotch.

Budget-friendly Añejo with a twist: This tequila leans towards a sweeter profile, reminiscent of a young bourbon with a distinct agave finish.

While some experts such as Neil Coleman suspect the use of additives to enhance sweetness, it remains a great value for the price.

Its smooth profile makes it a good choice for those new to tequila, especially considering its affordability. If you're a Costco member looking for an easy-drinking Añejo, Kirkland Signature is worth a try. Remember, it's only available at Costco!

El Mayor Añejo: Affordable Luxury for Sipping or Cocktails

Looking for a budget-friendly Añejo tequila that delivers on taste?

El Mayor Añejo offers a surprising value. The aroma starts with light caramel notes, hinting at bourbon, then unfolds with vanilla, oak, and a touch of raisin. The taste is fruity-forward, followed by balanced vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak. The finish is smooth and moderately long, featuring a pleasant peppery kick that lingers without any harsh burn.

Sipping or Mixing: El Mayor Añejo's sweetness from blue agave and the touch of pepper make it a versatile option. Enjoy it neat for a budget-friendly sipping experience, or use it to create delicious cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Margaritas. It's a great choice for those looking for an affordable Añejo that excels in both sipping and mixing.

1800 Añejo: Smooth Añejo with a Bourbon Touch

1800 Añejo offers a unique twist on classic Añejo with a whiskey-like aroma and flavor profile.

Think smooth and sweet with delightful fruity notes. On the nose, you'll find hints of vanilla, spice, and caramel, reminiscent of bourbon. The taste follows through with those notes, balanced by a subtle agave presence and butterscotch sweetness. The finish is smooth with a touch of bitterness, leaving minimal burn.

Budget-friendly Añejo with a twist: 1800 Añejo provides a pleasant surprise for the price. It strikes a good balance between agave, oak, and butterscotch, appealing to both tequila and bourbon drinkers. The smooth and easy-drinking nature makes it a good choice for those who enjoy a likable taste without overpowering flavors.

Espolon Añejo: Versatile Añejo for Tequila Fans (and Bourbon Curious)

Espolon Añejo delivers a lot for the price. The aroma offers a mix of oak, agave, butterscotch, and vanilla, while the taste features sweet agave and grassy notes alongside subtle oak from its time in ex-bourbon barrels. The finish brings a touch of oak spice and caramel.

Añejo that pleases a crowd: Espolon Añejo excels in both sipping and cocktails. It's smooth enough to enjoy neat, yet mixes well for delicious creations. The 12-month aging, including a unique finish in ex-Wild Turkey barrels, adds a touch of bourbon character that appeals to a wider range of drinkers. This balanced combination of agave, oak, and butterscotch makes Espolon Añejo a great choice for both tequila enthusiasts and those curious about exploring the spirit.

Gran Centenario Añejo: Reliable Choice for Budget-Minded Tequila Fans

Looking for a dependable Añejo tequila that won't break the bank?

Gran Centenario Añejo might be your pick. The aroma offers a rich blend of bourbon-like oak, caramel, vanilla, and roasted agave. The taste features a balance of blue agave and fruity notes, followed by oak, vanilla, and hints of spice. The finish is smooth and long, with minimal burn and a pleasant mix of caramel and oak.

Solid Value for Everyday Tequila: Gran Centenario Añejo delivers a competent and smooth tequila experience. Its affordability makes it a great choice for mixing cocktails or enjoying neat. It might not be the top-shelf Añejo, but it's a reliable option for budget-conscious tequila enthusiasts.

Cazadores Añejo: Affordable Añejo with Familiar Flavors

Cazadores Añejo offers a familiar and inviting aroma with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, agave, and oak. The taste leans towards a young bourbon profile, featuring vanilla, cinnamon, butterscotch, and a hint of black pepper. The finish is moderately long, with a touch of warmth from oak spice and a balanced bitterness against lingering caramel sweetness.

Budget-Friendly Añejo: Cazadores Añejo delivers a familiar flavor profile at an affordable price point. If you're looking for a smooth experience, consider serving it chilled over ice. Overall, it's a decent option for budget-conscious drinkers seeking a familiar taste.

Olmeca Añejo: Natural Añejo for Cocktail Enthusiasts

Olmeca Añejo stands out for its focus on natural flavors. The aroma offers a sweet and earthy blend of fruit, oak, and vanilla. The taste is moderately light, showcasing caramel sweetness balanced with oak char, hints of almond, cinnamon, and a touch of mint with subtle herbal notes.

Focus on Natural Flavors: This Añejo boasts a potentially additive-free profile, making it a good choice for those who appreciate a more natural tequila taste. Created by bartenders Henry Besant and Dre Masso, Olmeca Añejo leans towards cocktails, reflecting their mixology background. Its focus on natural flavors allows the subtleties of the tequila to shine through in mixed drinks.

Milagro Añejo: Easy-Drinking Añejo for Everyday Enjoyment

Milagro Añejo offers a light and inviting aroma with hints of oak, ripe fruit, and caramel. The taste is smooth and sweet, featuring a pleasant mix of caramel, vanilla, and agave with a touch of black pepper for complexity. The finish is clean and lingers with oak, barrel spice, a touch of black pepper, and lingering vanilla sweetness.

Easygoing Añejo: This Añejo is all about easy drinking. It's smooth with minimal warmth, making it a good choice for those who don't prefer a strong tequila bite. Enjoy it on the rocks for a casual drink or use it to create smooth cocktails.

How to Choose a Good, Affordable Añejo Tequila?

• Select for Value and Taste: Focus on Añejos that blend aged flavors with affordability, guided by Tequila expert Neil Coleman and customer insights.
• Balance Flavor and Price: Look for Añejos with rich, aged flavors that don't break the bank.
• Consider Expert Opinions: Reference recommendations and reviews by experts and consumers for authenticity.
• Versatility in Use: Choose Añejos that work well both neat and in cocktails, like El Mayor Añejo and Espolon Añejo.
• Quality Matters: Opt for Tequilas with natural flavors and minimal additives, like Olmeca Altos Añejo.
• Widely Available Options: Consider easily accessible brands like Cazadores Añejo for convenience.
• Enjoy Responsibly: Savor these Añejos responsibly, whether sipping neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite cocktail.

Frequently Asked Questions

A quick FAQ:

How are affordable Añejo Tequilas selected?

• Tequila expert Neil Coleman and customer insights guide the selection, focusing on great value and aged flavors.

What is the top budget-friendly Añejo Tequila?

• Arette Añejo is highlighted as the best budget-friendly Añejo, offering a premium experience at an affordable price.

Which Añejo Tequila is the cheapest yet reliable?

• Kirkland’s Tequila Añejo is the most inexpensive yet reliable option, priced at around $20 for a liter.

Can these Añejos be enjoyed in different ways?

• Yes, they are versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.

Are these affordable Añejos suitable for beginners and enthusiasts?

• Yes, these selections cater to both beginners and Tequila enthusiasts, offering a delightful experience without a high price tag.