Last Updated on: 4th April 2024, 11:28 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 Gran Centenario Añejo vs Gran Centenario Leyenda 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
Gran Centenario Añejo vs Leyenda: Head-to-Head
Gran Centenario Añejo: Offers a warm blend of caramel and vanilla on the nose, with a palate that combines vanilla, a leathery sweetness, oak, and smoke. Its balanced taste and pleasing finish make it a smooth, affordable choice for enjoying on the rocks, boasting good value for its quality and price.
Gran Centenario Leyenda: Features an oak-forward aroma complemented by caramel, vanilla, and banana, with a palate rich in oak, vanilla, caramel, and a refreshing citrus note. While its oak dominance might not suit all tastes, it represents a premium extra añejo experience, best enjoyed by those who appreciate a strong oak presence.
Verdict: Gran Centenario Añejo and Gran Centenario Leyenda cater to different preferences within the tequila spectrum, offering smooth and accessible options for both casual and discerning drinkers looking for quality at different price points, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Discover Gran Centenario’s Top Bottle
Gran Centenario Añejo: A Smooth and Affordable Añejo
- Nose: Soft caramel, vanilla
- Palate: Vanilla, leathery sweetness, oak, smoke
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
Warm Aroma: Gran Centenario Añejo greets you with a rich aroma reminiscent of bourbon, blending notes of oak, caramel, vanilla, and roasted agave.
Balanced Taste: The taste profile starts with the sweetness of blue agave and apple juice, followed by subtle oak, vanilla, and caramel flavors with a hint of oaky spice.
Pleasing Finish: The finish lingers with rich caramel notes and a slightly bitter, yet pleasant, oak flavor. It boasts a decent length with minimal heat, making it easy to drink.
A Great Value Choice: While Gran Centenario Añejo might not be the most complex Añejo on the market, it offers a smooth and competent experience without any major drawbacks. It’s easy-drinking, lacks any unpleasant flavors, and its affordable price makes it a great option for casual enjoyment, mixed drinks, or even shots. You might not find a better Añejo at this price point!
Gran Centenario Añejo facts:
- Aged up to 36 months in new French Limousin oak barrels
- Awarded a Double Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Presented in a stylish Art Deco bottle
- Crafted by one of Mexico’s oldest distilleries, dating back to 1857
Gran Centenario Leyenda: An Oak-Forward Extra Añejo
- Nose: Oak, caramel, vanilla, banana
- Palate: Oak, vanilla, caramel, citrus, pepper
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
Aromatic Journey: Gran Centenario Leyenda initially presents a bold oak aroma, but with patience, reveals subtle notes of caramel, vanilla, and even a hint of banana.
Taste Exploration: The initial taste is dominated by oak, which gradually gives way to flavors of caramel, vanilla, and a refreshing citrus note with a touch of black pepper.
Lingering Oak: The finish is medium to long, leaving a lingering taste of oak, along with hints of caramel and spice.
A Note on Balance: While Gran Centenario Leyenda is an Extra Añejo tequila, its extensive oak aging can overshadow the agave flavor for some. If you prioritize a balanced taste profile with prominent agave notes, other options like Avion 44 or Casa Noble Extra Añejo may be better suited to your preference.
Gran Centenario Leyenda facts:
- Aged for 4 years in oak barrels
- Crafted using a supposedly 150-year-old recipe
- Produced by one of the few remaining Mexican-owned tequila distilleries
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Gran Centenario Añejo | $38 |
| Gran Centenario Leyenda Extra Añejo | $165 |
Specs comparison
| Characteristics | Gran Centenario | Gran Centenario Leyenda |
| Type of tequila | Añejo | Extra Añejo |
| Aging length | 36 months | 48 months |
| 100% agave | Yes | Yes |
| Grinding method | Roller mill | Roller mill |
| Stainless steel tank fermentation | Yes | Yes |
| Wood tank fermentation | No | No |
| Cooking method | Autoclave | Autoclave |
| Double-distilled | Yes | Yes |
| Triple-distilled | No | No |
| Additives | No | No |
| Certified organic | No | No |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Proof | 80 | 80 |