Don Julio Añejo
Eighteen months in American white oak barrels make Don Julio a tequila to drink slowly. Agave, wood and vanilla in balance, with caramel and a warm, round mouthfeel. Treat it as you would a good whisky.
A year and a half of patience in a bottle
Don Julio Añejo starts as the same 100% blue agave tequila from the highlands of Jalisco as the Blanco. It then ages in small batches for eighteen months in American white oak barrels. During that time, the tequila takes on color and flavor from the wood: vanilla, caramel and a dry woody note that frames the sweet agave.
While the Reposado is still fresh and light after eight months, the Añejo is full and complex. The agave is still there, but it works together with wood and vanilla. It is the bottle for those who want to drink tequila neat without reaching for the 1942 right away, and the best base for cocktails normally made with whisky, such as an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
In short
Rich, warm and full of oak
Vanilla and wood
Warm vanilla and oak, underpinned by the sweet aroma of cooked agave and a hint of caramel.
Full and complex
Round and rich on the palate. Agave, wood and vanilla keep each other in balance, with caramel, chocolate and candied orange.
Long and warm
A long, warm finish of oak and vanilla, drier than you might expect after the sweet nose.
Flavor profile of Don Julio Añejo neat from a tulip glass. With ice, the wood and vanilla become softer.
Sip, don't shoot
Drink Añejo like a whisky: neat or with one ice cube, slowly and mindfully.
Neat from a tulip glass
Pour 30 ml into a tulip-shaped tasting glass and let it stand for one minute. Smell first, then take a small sip and hold it in your mouth briefly. A drop of water opens up the vanilla.
Tasting glasses →Over one large ice cube
Pour 40 ml Añejo over a large ice cube in a heavy tumbler. The ice melts slowly and gradually softens it without making it watery.
Tumblers →Añejo Old Fashioned
Stir 50 ml Añejo, 5 ml agave syrup and 2 dashes of Angostura with ice in a mixing glass, then strain over a large ice cube. Squeeze orange peel over it.
Go to the recipe →Whiskey classics, but with añejo
An aged tequila works in almost any cocktail that would normally call for bourbon or rye. The agave gives them a distinctive twist.
Añejo Old Fashioned
Añejo, agave syrup and bitters over a large ice cube. The most popular cocktail with aged tequila.
Añejo Manhattan
Añejo with sweet vermouth and bitters, stirred and served in a coupe. Vanilla and oak meet spicy vermouth.
Añejo Sour
Make the Whiskey Sour with Añejo instead of whiskey: lemon, sugar and egg white round out the agave.
Añejo Espresso Martini
Replace the vodka with Añejo. Caramel and vanilla add depth to the coffee.The right glass for Don Julio Añejo
A tulip-shaped tasting glass for drinking neat, a heavy tumbler for serving over ice and for the Old Fashioned, and a coupe for stirred cocktails.
More Don Julio flavors
Don Julio
Where it all began. On the brand page, you can read everything about Don Julio: origin, varieties and classic cocktails.
Go to Don Julio →
Don Julio Blanco
Bright and fresh, with lime, grapefruit and pepper. The tequila for Paloma and Margarita.
View Don Julio Blanco →
Don Julio 1942
Caramel, chocolate and vanilla around roasted agave. The bottle for a gift or a special evening.
View Don Julio 1942 →Everything about tequila: the types, the best-known brands and the cocktails.
Questions about Don Julio Añejo
Can't find your question? Read more on the Don Julio page or view our cocktail recipes.
Everything about Don Julio →