Espolon Añejo Review

Last Updated on: 16th May 2024, 12:28 pm

Discover everything about Espolon Añejo in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions including the most important “Is it good?”.

Reviewed by: J Highland

Espolon Añejo Tequila: A Reliable Añejo for Everyday Enjoyment

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Tequila connoisseur Neil Coleman recommends Espolon Añejo Tequila as a well-rounded Añejo that won't break the bank. Here's what makes it stand out:

Strengths:

• Affordable Añejo Excellence: Espolon Añejo offers a genuine Añejo experience at a reasonable price point. This makes it a great choice for those who want to explore aged tequilas without a high-end price tag.
• Versatile Sipper or Mixer: Enjoy Espolon Añejo neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Its balanced flavor profile featuring agave, oak, and butterscotch notes makes it adaptable to your preference.
• A Bridge Between Worlds: The presence of agave alongside oak notes might appeal to whiskey drinkers curious about exploring tequila. The familiar oaky characteristic creates a welcoming bridge between these two spirits.
• Smooth Operator: The Añejo aging process results in a smooth and easy-drinking experience, free from harshness or burn.

Keep in Mind:

• Not Top-Shelf Luxury: While Espolon Añejo is a reliable choice, it might not compete with the most premium Añejos in terms of complexity. Neil Coleman suggests this if you prioritize everyday enjoyment and good value.

Verdict:

Espolon Añejo Tequila strikes a great balance between affordability, quality, and taste. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. The smooth finish and presence of agave alongside familiar oak notes make it a great option for both sipping and mixed drinks. While not the ultimate top-shelf Añejo, Neil Coleman assures it's a reliable choice for everyday enjoyment.

Related: Best Budget Añejo Tequilas

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Agave, black pepper, citrus, alcohol
• Palate: Agave, black pepper, citrus
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
• Similar to: Herradura Añejo

The nose offers delicate hints of oak, agave, butterscotch, and vanilla.

On the palate, the agave sweetness takes the lead with a hint of grassiness, complemented by a well-balanced and not overpowering oakiness from the bourbon barrels.

The finish is long-lasting, with lingering notes of oak, caramel, gentle spiciness, and a satisfying level of heat.

How did I review Espolon Añejo?

I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller.

My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and Tequila expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.

I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.

Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.

⭐ - Poor, ⭐⭐ - Average, ⭐⭐⭐ - Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Excellent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unique Characteristics

Aging Process: Espolon Añejo undergoes a unique aging regimen, spending 12 months in American oak barrels and an additional month in ex-Wild Turkey bourbon barrels. This combination infuses the Tequila with a distinctive flavor profile, blending traditional Tequila notes with the rich, charred character of bourbon barrels.

Drinking Suggestions

• Over Ice: Espolon Añejo is enjoyable over ice, with large cubes recommended to minimize dilution.
• Cocktails: While ideal for sipping, it's also versatile in cocktails like Añejo Margaritas or Tequila Old Fashioned, lending a complex and rich profile to the drinks.

Related: Espolon Añejo Drinking Guide

Margaritas and Shots

• Margaritas: Suitable for Margaritas, but the oakiness might add an unusual twist to the classic cocktail.
• Shots: More suited to sipping or cocktail mixing than shots, given its nuanced flavors.

Sipping Quality

• Excellent for Sipping: With its caramel and vanilla nuances, it offers a satisfying and rich sipping experience, especially for bourbon lovers.

Price and Availability

• Reasonably Priced: Available for around $40 in the US, offering good value for its quality.

Storage and Expiration

• Long Shelf Life: Stores well in cool, dark conditions, but best enjoyed within a reasonable time after opening, especially when the bottle is down to the last quarter.

Sugar and Carb Content

• Low Sugar: Ideal for those on a low-sugar diet.
• Keto-Friendly: Carb-free and suitable for moderate consumption on keto diets.

Specifications

• Type: Añejo
• Proof: 80
• 100% Agave: Yes
• ABV: 40%
• Double-Distilled: Yes
• Aging Length: 12 months
• Quality: High
• Top-Shelf: No (but offers top-shelf characteristics)
• Does It Expire?: No, but quality may diminish over time once opened
• Sweet?: Yes, with a balanced sweetness
• Warm?: Mildly warm, not overpowering
• Smoky?: No, more towards caramel and vanilla notes
• Suitability for Beginners: Not ideal for beginners due to its complex profile
• Good for Cocktails?: Yes, especially for sophisticated bourbon-like cocktails
• Calories per Shot: 98
• Gluten-Free: Yes
• Keto-Friendly: Yes
• Kosher for Passover: No

Espolon Añejo stands out as a versatile and flavorful Tequila, bridging the gap between traditional Tequila and bourbon characteristics, making it a unique choice in its category.