Last Updated on: 5th April 2024, 09:22 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 Casamigos Añejo vs Don Julio 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
Casamigos Añejo vs Don Julio Añejo: Comparison
Don Julio Añejo is celebrated for its well-rounded profile, balancing sweetness, richness, and smoothness with a long, satisfying finish. It stands out with its bourbon-like aromas and flavors of vanilla, oak, and cinnamon, making it a preferred choice for a nuanced sipping experience.
Casamigos Añejo, while offering a smooth and gentle mouthfeel with notes of butterscotch and vanilla, falls short in complexity and agave presence compared to its peers. It lacks the distinctive agave flavor that characterizes top-tier Añejo Tequilas, making it less favorable despite its smoothness.
Verdict: Don Julio Añejo edges out Casamigos Añejo with its more complex and satisfying flavor profile, offering better value for aficionados seeking depth and authenticity in their Tequila experience, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: My Favorite Añejo Tequilas
Casamigos Añejo: Smooth Sipping with a Hint of Bourbon Influence
- Nose: Soft caramel, vanilla
- Palate: Vanilla, leathery sweetness, oak, smoke
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat, rocks
- Similar to: Patron Añejo
Bourbon-kissed amber: Aged for 14 months in bourbon barrels, Casamigos Añejo boasts a deep amber color and hints of caramel and vanilla on the nose. While the initial aroma promises sweetness, the taste doesn’t fully deliver.
Smooth and spiced: Despite the subtle sweetness, Casamigos Añejo offers a smooth and gentle mouthfeel, with dominant flavors of butterscotch, vanilla, and spices. This smooth texture makes it easy to sip.
Peppery warmth: The finish leaves a slightly peppery sensation with a touch of smoke and pleasant warmth. While enjoyable, it lacks the complexity of some other añejo tequilas.
Añejo, but not quite: Though labeled añejo, Casamigos Añejo’s minimal agave presence makes it difficult to identify it solely as tequila. This might not be ideal for purists seeking a classic agave experience.
Sipping option, not top shelf: While Casamigos Añejo is a smooth and drinkable tequila, it lacks the complexity and agave character found in premium añejos. If you prefer a more pronounced agave flavor, the Casamigos Reposado might be a better choice.
Don Julio Añejo: A Classic Tequila with a Twist
- Nose: Oak, vanilla, caramel, orange
- Palate: Cinnamon, oak, vanilla, smoke
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat, rocks
- Similar to: Herradura Añejo
Añejo allure: Don Julio Añejo is a well-aged tequila with a unique flavor profile. Aged for 18 months, it offers a smooth sipping experience, perfect for those seeking to explore tequilas beyond the typical blanco varieties.
Distinctive notes: On the nose, you’ll find inviting aromas of vanilla, oak, and caramel, with a hint of citrus for a touch of freshness. The first sip brings a pleasant warmth followed by a cinnamon spice that lingers.
Flavorful fusion: Don Julio Añejo boasts a complex taste profile. Hints of vanilla, oak, and butterscotch mingle with a subtle smokiness, creating a unique tequila experience that leans slightly towards the bourbon realm.
Lingering warmth: The finish is long and warm, with lingering notes of cinnamon and oak. While not the most complex añejo on the market, it offers a pleasant and balanced sipping experience.
Agave’s whisper: Despite the prominent cinnamon and smoke influence, this tequila still retains a subtle agave flavor, reminding you of its true tequila roots.
Overall: Don Julio Añejo provides a distinctive take on añejo tequila, offering a smooth and enjoyable sip with balanced sweetness, smokiness, and warmth. If you’re looking for a unique tequila experience that ventures beyond the expected, Don Julio Añejo is worth exploring.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Casamigos Añejo | $55 |
| Don Julio Añejo | $57 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Casamigos Añejo | Don Julio Añejo |
| Type of tequila | Añejo | Añejo |
| Aging length in months | 14 | 18 |
| 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 |
| Additives | Unsure | Unsure |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |