Last Updated on: 5th April 2024, 09:00 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 Espolon Añejo vs Patron 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
Espolon Añejo vs Patron Añejo: Comparison
Espolon Añejo: Balances agave sweetness with hints of grass and oak, offering a smooth finish with notes of caramel and spice. It’s a versatile and naturally crafted tequila, suitable for neat sipping or enhancing cocktails, all at a great price.
Patron Añejo: Features a sweet profile of caramel, almond, and tobacco, underpinned by subtle agave and oak. With its warm, caramel finish, it’s ideal for those who prefer a sweeter sipping tequila. Offers quality and complexity, representing good value within the Patron range.
Verdict: Espolon Añejo and Patron Añejo cater to different preferences within the tequila spectrum. Espolon Añejo is perfect for enthusiasts looking for a well-balanced and affordable option, while Patron Añejo appeals to those seeking a smooth, sweet tequila with a bit more luxury, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Sipping Añejo Tequilas
Espolon Añejo: A Well-Balanced Tequila at a Great Price
- 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
Aroma: Espolon Añejo entices the senses with subtle notes of oak, agave, butterscotch, and vanilla.
Taste: This tequila offers a delightful balance of flavors. You’ll experience an initial sweetness from the agave, followed by hints of grass and a touch of oak influence from the bourbon barrels. All elements come together without overpowering one another.
Smooth Finish: The finish lingers pleasantly, with notes of oak, caramel, and a touch of spice, culminating in a satisfying warmth.
Genuine and Versatile: Espolon Añejo prides itself on using only natural ingredients, free from artificial flavors or sweeteners. This allows for a genuine tequila experience, enjoyable both neat and in various cocktails.
Appealing to Diverse Tastes: The balanced profile featuring agave, oak, and butterscotch notes makes Espolon Añejo appealing to both tequila enthusiasts and those who are new to the spirit.
Easy Choice, Smooth Finish: With its attractive price point and smooth finish, Espolon Añejo stands as an excellent choice and a potential substitute for bourbon in cocktails.
Espolon Añejo Facts:
- This tequila is aged for 12 months, with the final month spent in ex-Wild Turkey bourbon barrels, known for their deep char, contributing to the unique flavor profile.
- The Espolon brand is part of the Campari Group, an Italian multinational beverage company.
Patron Añejo: A Smooth Tequila for Sweet Sipping
- Nose: Caramel, agave, oak, vanilla
- Palate: Caramel, almond, tobacco, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Don Julio Añejo
Aroma: Patron Añejo greets you with a pleasant bouquet, featuring notes of oak, vanilla, and a touch of roasted agave.
Taste: This tequila delivers a primarily sweet flavor profile, dominated by caramel, with hints of almond, tobacco, and oak. While agave notes are present, they are relatively subtle compared to the sweetness.
Finish: The finish is warm and leaves a lingering caramel taste, making it a good choice for those who enjoy sweeter tequilas for sipping.
Straight Up Delight: Patron Añejo boasts a clean and well-rounded taste without any harsh or undesirable notes. This allows you to enjoy it neat, without the need for ice or mixers, showcasing its full flavor profile.
Value Proposition: Compared to Patron Silver and Reposado, the Añejo offers a significant improvement in quality and complexity at an appealing price point. It is considered by many to be the best value option within the Patron portfolio, excluding the premium Extra Añejo.
Patron Añejo Facts:
- This tequila is aged for 15 months in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels and Hungarian oak barrels, contributing to its smooth and nuanced flavor profile.
- Patron was founded in 1989 by John Paul DeJoria, with the brand eventually establishing its own state-of-the-art distillery in Jalisco, Mexico.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Espolon Añejo | $47 |
| Patron Añejo | $66 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Espolon Añejo | Patron Añejo |
| Type of tequila | Añejo | Añejo |
| Aging length | 12 months | 15 months |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill/Tahona stone |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | No |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | Yes |
| Cooking method | Autoclave | Stone/Brick ovens |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Triple-distilled | No | No |
| Additives | Unsure | No |
| Certified organic | No | No |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |