How to Drink Espolon Añejo

Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 01:21 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 best way of drinking Espolon Añejo: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this Tequila.

Key Takeaways

1. Best way to drink: Espolon Añejo is ideal for classic whiskey cocktails like the old-fashioned or whiskey sour, offering a unique taste by blending traditional Tequila flavors with the deep, toasted qualities of bourbon barrels. It's also great in various cocktails or enjoyed straight without any harshness.
2. Tasting Notes: Offers a nuanced palate with subtle notes of oak, agave, butterscotch, and vanilla, leading to a sweet agave taste with a touch of grassiness and a gentle oak flavor. The finish is long-lasting with flavors of oak, caramel, mild spice, and a warm finish.
3. Food Pairings: Pairs well with sweet and casual foods like chocolate truffles, caramel flan, grilled pineapple, apple pie with cinnamon, and a cheese board with nuts and honey, enhancing the Tequila's sweet and complex flavors with these dishes.

Written by: J Highland

Best Way to Drink Espolon Añejo Tequila

Tequila expert Neil Coleman recommends enjoying Espolon Añejo on its own with ice or as a replacement for bourbon in classic whiskey cocktails like the old-fashioned or whiskey sour.

Espolon Añejo is aged in a special way, spending 12 months in American oak barrels and then one more month in barrels that previously held Wild Turkey bourbon.

This process gives the Tequila a unique taste, mixing the usual flavors of tequila with the deep, toasted qualities of bourbon barrels.

You can use Espolon Añejo in various cocktails or drink it straight without any harshness or burning sensation.

This Tequila finds a sweet spot with flavors of agave, oak, and butterscotch, making it appealing to both Tequila lovers and whiskey fans interested in trying something new from the world of agave drinks.

Related: Affordable Añejo Tequila Top Picks

Adding Ice

Espolon is bottled at a gentle 80 proof, so it's best to use large ice cubes when adding ice.

This prevents too much water from diluting the Tequila and losing its flavor.

Choosing the Right Glass

I recommend drinking Espolon Añejo from a whiskey tumbler because this type of glass enhances the aromas and flavors of the Tequila.

The shape of a whiskey tumbler is designed to concentrate the scent and taste, making it easier to enjoy the full range of nuances in the Tequila.

Additionally, this glass is spacious enough to fit large ice cubes, which helps keep the drink cool without diluting it too quickly.

Tequila Shots

Espolon Añejo isn't the best option for taking shots because it's designed to be savored slowly.

Instead, I suggest using Espolon Blanco for shots, as it's not only more cost-effective but also my top Tequila to shoot pick.

Tasting Notes

The nose presents subtle notes of oak, agave, butterscotch, and vanilla.

The palate brings the sweetness of agave up front, with a touch of grassiness, all rounded out by a harmonious, gentle oak flavor from the bourbon barrels.

It leaves a lasting impression, with lingering flavors of oak, caramel, a mild spice, and a pleasantly warm finish.

Espolon Añejo in Cocktails

Añejo Tequila shares many characteristics with bourbon, making it a fantastic substitute for cocktails traditionally made with bourbon.

Here are three cocktail recipes where Espolon Añejo can shine, offering a unique twist on classic bourbon drinks:

1. Añejo Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Añejo Tequila
• 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 tsp sugar)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel and cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the sugar cube in an old-fashioned glass and saturate it with bitters. Add a small splash of water and muddle until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Fill the glass with large ice cubes and add the Tequila.
3. Stir well until the drink is chilled.
4. Garnish with an orange peel and a cherry.

2. Añejo Tequila Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Añejo Tequila
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine Tequila, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir well until chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

3. Añejo Mint Julep

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 oz Añejo Tequila
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 8-10 mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
• Crushed ice

Instructions:

1. In a julep cup or rocks glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup.
2. Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice, add the Tequila, and stir.
3. Fill the glass with more crushed ice, forming a dome on top.
4. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Food Pairings

Espolon Añejo pairs well with sweet casual foods such as:

1. Chocolate Truffles: The rich, velvety chocolate pairs wonderfully with the oak and vanilla notes of Añejo Tequila, enhancing its sweet and complex flavors.
2. Caramel Flan: This creamy, caramelized dessert complements the smooth, sweet character of Añejo Tequila, highlighting its caramel and butterscotch notes.
3. Grilled Pineapple: The charred sweetness of the pineapple matches the smoky sweetness of Espolon, making for a delightful tropical pairing.
4. Apple Pie with Cinnamon: The warm spices and sweet apples work perfectly with the spicy and sweet notes of this Tequila, offering a comforting and familiar taste experience.
5. Cheese Board with Nuts and Honey: Choose creamy cheeses and add some nuts and a drizzle of honey for a casual yet sophisticated pairing that balances the sweet and savory flavors with Tequila's complexity.

Storage Guidelines

• Storage: Keep the bottle in a cool, dimly lit area, and always stand it upright to maintain its taste and clear appearance.
• Sealing: Ensure the bottle is tightly closed after each use.
• Consumption: Although agave spirits are generally long-lasting, consuming them within a sensible period ensures the most enjoyable taste.