Riazul Añejo Tequila Review

Last Updated on: 16th May 2024, 12:47 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 everything about Riazul Añejo in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!

Reviewed by: J Highland

Riazul Añejo Tequila: Christmas Cake in a Bottle (Sweet, Smooth, Approachable)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tequila expert Neil Coleman highlights Riazul Añejo Tequila's unique selling point: a delightful Christmas cake flavor profile. Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics:

Strengths:

Unique Christmas Cake Flavor: This Añejo tequila is described as having a distinct and crowd-pleasing taste profile reminiscent of Christmas cake.
Smooth and Sweet: The taste is described as smooth, sweet, and full-bodied, lacking any harshness.
Cinnamon, Vanilla, Caramel: These festive spices and flavors are prominent in the taste profile.
Oak Influence: The aging process adds a touch of toasted oak to the flavor.
Easy-Drinking: The overall experience is described as approachable and easy to enjoy.

Drawbacks:

Less Agave Flavor: The agave flavor is not the most prominent aspect of the taste profile.
Pricey: The price point is considered to be on the higher end for an Añejo tequila.

Overall, Riazul Añejo Tequila is a great option for those seeking a unique and festive Añejo tequila experience. The Christmas cake flavor profile with prominent cinnamon, vanilla, and caramel notes, along with its smoothness, makes it an approachable choice. However, the lack of a strong agave presence and the higher price point might be a turn-off for some.

Related: Top Añejo Tequilas

Tasting Notes

Nose: Vanilla, caramel, cinnamon
Palate: Vanilla, cinnamon, caramel, oak
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Neat, rocks
Similar to: Don Julio Añejo

Riazul offers a rich vanilla scent, accompanied by subtle hints of caramel and cinnamon.

The texture on the palate is smooth and velvety, creating a truly enjoyable experience.

The flavor profile showcases a dominant presence of cinnamon, complemented by notes of vanilla, caramel, and a subtle touch of toasted oak.

The finish is satisfyingly long, with minimal heat and a gentle, lingering oak spice that adds a hint of pleasant bitterness, along with a continued presence of cinnamon spiciness.

How did I review Riazul 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.

FAQ

A quick FAQ to address your doubts:

Alternatives

Riazul Añejo, known for its unique Christmas Cake flavor, serves as an excellent substitute for pricier Tequilas like Don Julio 1942, Clase Azul Reposado, or Herradura Legend, offering similar sweetness and smoothness at a lower price. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, T1 Estellar Añejo is recommended for its quality and taste among Añejos priced under $50.

Drinking Suggestions

Due to its sweet and smooth profile without harsh notes, Riazul Añejo is best enjoyed neat. For an enhanced experience, chill the glass before use but avoid adding ice to prevent dilution. It's not recommended as a mixer for cocktails due to its quality and taste.

Price

Prices vary by retailer, but approximate prices in USD are as follows:

Total Wine: $90
Drizly: $63
Old Town Tequila: $80

It's advisable to compare prices before purchasing to ensure the best deal.

Aging

Riazul is aged for 24 months in French oak barrels sourced from the Citeaux forests of Burgundy, France, with a medium toast. This process imparts a pleasant toasted oak note to the Tequila.

Alcohol Content

Riazul Añejo has an alcohol content of 80 proof, or 40% ABV.

Does it expire?

Tequila, including Riazul Añejo, does not expire if unopened and stored properly. However, once opened, it's best consumed within a reasonable timeframe to maintain its flavor profile, especially when the bottle is nearly empty.

Additive Use

While distillers are not required to disclose the use of additives if they comprise less than 1% of the total content, the unique flavors of Riazul Añejo, such as vanilla and caramel, may suggest the use of additional flavors, possibly from its aging process or added artificially.