Last Updated on: 5th April 2024, 10:49 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 Herradura 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 Herradura Añejo: Head-to-Head
Don Julio Añejo: Delivers a harmonious blend of cinnamon, vanilla, and oak with a smoky undertone. Ideal for sipping, it offers a unique warmth and complex character, appealing to those who enjoy a balanced tequila with a rich, cinnamon flavor.
Herradura Añejo: Features a pronounced oak influence with vanilla, fruit, and cinnamon notes, thanks to its 25-month aging process. Suited for those who favor a bold oak profile and a warming finish in their tequila.
Verdict: Don Julio Añejo and Herradura Añejo each provide a distinctive sipping experience. Don Julio Añejo stands out for its cinnamon and smoky notes, while Herradura Añejo is noted for its deep oak and spice flavors. Both are excellent choices, catering to different preferences in taste and complexity, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Sipping Añejos
Don Julio Añejo: A Balanced Tequila with Cinnamon Notes
- Nose: Oak, vanilla, caramel, orange
- Palate: Cinnamon, oak, vanilla, smoke
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat, rocks
- Similar to: Don Julio Reposado
Aroma: Don Julio Añejo offers an enticing bouquet reminiscent of bourbon, featuring vanilla, oak, caramel, and a hint of orange.
Palate: This tequila presents a warm entry followed by a lingering cinnamon note. It unfolds flavors of vanilla, oak, sweet butterscotch, and a touch of smokiness, creating a well-balanced profile.
Finish: The finish is long, warm, and defined by lingering cinnamon and oak notes.
Enjoyment: This tequila is well-suited for sipping, offering a pleasing warmth and distinct agave character alongside the unique smokiness.
Overall: Don Julio Añejo caters to those who appreciate a pronounced cinnamon flavor, subtle smokiness, and a warm finish. Its balanced profile and quality deliver good value for the price point, typically under $75.
Additional facts:
- Don Julio Añejo undergoes 18 months of aging.
- The brand was established in 1942, inspired by Don Julio González’s passion for tequila making.
- Don Julio is currently owned by Diageo, a major beverage company also housing Casamigos Tequila, although they are produced at different distilleries.
Herradura Añejo: A Look at This Aged 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: Patron Añejo
Aroma: Herradura Añejo entices the senses with inviting notes of vanilla, oak, caramel, and a touch of agave.
Palate: This tequila boasts a smooth mouthfeel and well-rounded body. The initial sip delivers a warming sensation and pronounced oak flavors, accompanied by hints of spice from the barrel aging. Subsequent sips reveal subtle notes of vanilla, ripe fruit, and the signature agave character.
Finish: The finish is long-lasting, with lingering warmth and oaky notes.
Aging: Herradura Añejo undergoes extended aging for 25 months in oak barrels, exceeding the minimum Añejo requirement of 12 months. While this extended aging process contributes to a smooth body, it also results in a more prominent oak influence compared to other Añejos.
Overall: Herradura Añejo caters to those who appreciate a bold oak flavor profile, a warming experience, and subtle hints of spice.
Additional facts:
- Tequila Herradura boasts a rich history, being one of Mexico’s oldest and most distinguished distilleries, established in 1870.
- The brand is currently owned by Brown-Forman, the company behind Jack Daniel’s.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Don Julio Añejo | $57 |
| Herradura Añejo | $47 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Don Julio Añejo | Herradura Añejo |
| Type of tequila | Añejo | Añejo |
| Aging length in months | 18 | 25 |
| 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 | No | Yes |
| Triple-Distilled | Yes | No |
| Additives | Unsure | No |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |