Best Tequilas for Bourbon Drinkers

Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 05:58 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.

With the assistance of spirits expert Neil Coleman and customer feedback, I have assembled a list of the top Tequilas for Bourbon drinkers.

Written by: J Highland

Choosing the Best Tequila for a Bourbon Drinker

• Best Tequilas for Bourbon & Whiskey Lovers: This list focuses on Añejo and Extra Añejo Tequilas, which are aged in ex-bourbon barrels for at least one year, offering familiar vanilla and caramel notes appealing to bourbon and whiskey enthusiasts.
• Tequilas for Bourbon & Whiskey Aficionados: Ocho Reposado Widow Jane, Dulce Vida Añejo Lone Star Edition, Don Julio Añejo, Siete Leguas Añejo, Fortaleza Añejo, G4 Añejo, Tapatio Excelencia Extra Añejo, Patron Extra Añejo, Tesoro Extra Añejo, 1800 Añejo, El Mayor Añejo.
• Unique Characteristics: These Tequilas are selected for their bourbon-like qualities, smoothness, and rich flavor profiles, making them ideal for transitioning from whiskey to agave spirits.
• Considerations for Bourbon & Tequila Consumption: While it's possible to drink both, mixing Tequila with other spirits, including bourbon, may lead to an intensified hangover. Tequila's unique sugar composition typically offers a hangover-free experience when consumed alone.
• Expert Insight: The selections and insights are provided by Tequila expert Neil Coleman, ensuring authenticity and relevance for whiskey aficionados exploring Tequila.
• 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 Tequilas for Whiskey & Bourbon Aficionados

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Ocho Reposado Widow Jane: Agave Punch with a Bourbon Twist

Ocho Reposado Widow Jane skips the Dr Pepper notes found in the namesake bourbon, instead offering rich agave with hints of cinnamon and mint. This Reposado boasts a chewy texture and delivers baking spice notes alongside the agave. Priced under $100, it's a great intro to agave spirits for bourbon lovers, says tequila expert Neil Coleman.

Dulce Vida Lone Star: High Proof Añejo for Bourbon Fans (100 Proof)

Dulce Vida Lone Star Añejo is a unique tequila aged in ex-bourbon barrels and bottled at a higher proof (100 proof) for a bolder taste. It offers a smooth sip with strong caramel, vanilla, and spice notes, perfect for bourbon lovers seeking an agave adventure. Despite the high proof, it finishes surprisingly dry with minimal heat. Expect a touch of agave alongside the familiar whiskey characteristics.

Don Julio Añejo: Warm Cinnamon & Smoke for Sipping

Don Julio Añejo leans into bourbon-like notes with vanilla, oak, and a distinctive cinnamon warmth. This balanced sipper offers a touch of smoke and subtle sweetness, perfect for those who enjoy a complex and warming agave experience. While pricier than some, it's a great choice for those seeking a top-shelf Añejo.

Siete Leguas Añejo: Smooth Añejo for Bourbon Fans

Celebrate Siete Leguas' 70th anniversary with their additive-free Añejo! This smooth tequila boasts butterscotch, vanilla, and baking spice notes alongside blue agave. It's perfect for bourbon lovers seeking a familiar yet agave-forward Añejo experience, minus the hangover (whiskey drinkers swear by it!).

Fortaleza Añejo: Top-Shelf Añejo for Bourbon Fans

Fortaleza Añejo is a handcrafted Añejo that rivals the best. Its aroma and flavor profile leans into bourbon-like notes of vanilla, butterscotch, and oak, alongside rich agave. The buttery texture and lingering warmth make it a perfect choice for bourbon lovers seeking a top-shelf agave experience.

G4 Añejo: Agave-Forward for Purists (Lightly Oaked)

G4 Añejo prioritizes rich agave flavor with hints of vanilla and pepper. Its light oak influence lets the agave shine, making it ideal for those who prefer a less-sweet Añejo. Expect a long, warm finish with a touch of cinnamon. This might not be for everyone, but agave purists will love it.

Tapatio Excelencia: Luxurious Añejo for Whiskey Aficionados

Tapatio Excelencia is a top-shelf Extra Añejo Tequila aged for 4 years. Full-bodied with rich agave, oak, and chocolate notes, it offers a rewarding warmth and peppery finish. Perfect for tequila purists who appreciate a complex agave experience, with hints familiar to bourbon drinkers.

Patron Extra Añejo: Budget-Friendly Luxury (Sweet Agave & Oak)

Patron Extra Añejo offers rich agave, oak, and dark chocolate notes at a competitive price for an Extra Añejo. This creamy tequila boasts a long, warm finish with hints of caramel, making it a great choice for sipping neat or on the rocks. Like bourbon (without the hangover!), it appeals to those who enjoy a complex and sweet agave experience.

El Tesoro Añejo: Complex Agave with Hints of Spice (Nearly 5 Years Aged)

El Tesoro Añejo showcases a beautiful balance of sweet agave, peppery spice, and earthy notes. This top-shelf tequila, aged for nearly five years in ex-bourbon barrels, offers a smooth buttery taste with a rich citrus note. Expect a long, warm finish with hints of sweet oak.

1800 Tequila: Smooth Agave with a Hint of Bourbon

1800 Tequila by Jose Cuervo offers a smooth, 100% agave experience at an attractive price. While some may find the Añejo less complex, its sweet and fruity notes with hints of vanilla and caramel make it enjoyable neat or in cocktails, appealing to both tequila beginners and bourbon enthusiasts.

El Mayor Añejo: Budget-Friendly Tequila with a Peppery Kick

El Mayor Añejo offers a budget-friendly alternative to pricier tequilas like 1942. Its aroma hints at bourbon with caramel, vanilla, and raisin notes. The taste is fruity with vanilla, caramel, and oak, finishing with a pleasant peppery kick. This affordable tequila excels in cocktails, particularly Tequila Old Fashioneds, where its peppery character complements the rye whiskey traditionally used.

How to Choose a Good Tequila for Bourbon Drinkers

• Focus on Añejo and Extra Añejo Tequilas: Look for options aged in ex-bourbon barrels, offering familiar flavors like vanilla and caramel.
• Expert Recommendations: These choices are based on insights from Tequila connoisseurs and are tailored for bourbon enthusiasts.
• Key Note: Añejo and Extra Añejo Tequilas provide a smoother transition for bourbon lovers due to their similar flavor profiles and aging processes.