It's the season of spiritual crisis, which means it's the perfect time to start gathering together.the best bottlesfor your bar or as a gift as we approach the holiday season. And let's face it, after this year, we can all have a drink. If you're going to pour a glass, you might as well make onethe best of the best, so we're diving into this year's top-rated bottles of Añejo TequilaInternational Wine and Spirits Contest.
OIWSC Review Panelsconsists of a diverse mix of experts from over 30 countries, many of whom are distillers, giving the results an extra level of authority. Using a double-blind tasting method, the IWSC is able to obtain unbiased opinions from its judges as each sample is poured into a numbered cup prior to delivery. Each spirit is then judged by the entire panel in sync, resulting in group discussions and a consensus decision on which rank is the highest.
The eight bottles of tequila on this list were all rated in the 90-100 range on the IWSC 100 point system. We've included tasting notes from the IWSC, as well as links to where you can pick up your own bottle. Now let's dive into the top rated Añejo Tequilas from the 2020 International Wine and Spirits Contest.
The Extra-Aged Treasure (95 degrees)
ABV:40%
Distillery:Tequila Tapatio
Average: 54,99 $
A tequila:
It's no surprise to see El Tesoro earn the highest score at this year's IWSC and be the only tequila to take home the Gold Spirit Award. El Tesoro has had plenty of time, receiving high praise from the most respected spirit tasting organizations. The tequila is made from Blue Weber agave, which is fermented in outdoor wooden fermentation tanks. It is then aged in ex-bourbon barrels for four to five years before bottling.
Test results (yes IWSC):
“Leafy in style with fresh herbaceous notes and a bit of oak on the nose. Spicy strawberries, cherry gum and a heavy dose of white pepper deliver a delicious, well-balanced mouthfeel. Very drinkable.”
Conclusion:
With an average price of US$ 55, El Tesoro is not exactly a tequila for any occasion. It is a fair priced bottle for its high prices and reputation.
Paradiso Extra Añejo (92 points)
ABV:40%
Distillery:Tequila Tapatio
Average: $ 129
A tequila:
El Tesoro's Paradiso Extra Añejo is appreciated for its ultra-smooth texture, obtained by aging tequila in cognac barrels. The result is a silky, citrusy tequila with deep chocolate notes under its unusual bright notes.
Test results (yes IWSC):
"A lovely aroma of fresh strawberries and pomegranate fills the nose. Soft and green on the palate with a subtle hint of light fruit salad. Well balanced and pleasant.”
Conclusion:
This is currently a little hard to find in the states, but if you do find it, don't hesitate to grab a bottle, as this is one of the more unique Añejos on this list.
Satryna Cristalina (92 points)
ABV:38%
Distillery:Santa Lucia Corporate Distillery
Average:£ 125
A tequila:
If you like ornate bottles that make you feel like you've stumbled upon some sort of ancient artifact, Satryna will look like it was handcrafted just for your unique sensibilities. Their Cristalino aged tequila is made with steamed Blue Weber Agave sourced from Guadalajara. They let the agave reach maturity for ten to 12 years, about two to four years longer than average. The juice is then aged for 18 months in American oak barrels before being filtered to achieve its pure crystalline appearance. The result is packaged in a handcrafted French glass decanter and coated with metallic foil in a Día de Los Muertos-inspired aesthetic.
Test results (yes IWSC):
"Smooth on the nose with a creamy, sweet texture. Bold notes of new American oak and quality agave make this tequila very balanced and easy to drink.
Conclusion:
Satryna isn't cheap, but of any aged tequila on this list, it has the best presentation, making it an ideal gift for a friend who appreciates the complexity of well-aged tequila and the natural glow of quality agave.
True Tequila Añejo Private Collection (91 points)
ABV: 40%
Distillery:tequila
Average: currently sold out($200 to $400 range)
A tequila:
Cierto's Tequila Añejo Private Reserve - also known as Cierto Añejo Black Label - is a tequila that lives up to its name, which means "true" in Spanish. Rather than relying on diffusers or high-pressure additives for enhanced color, Cierto is made with fully matured hand-picked agave where fifth-generation master stills slow cook the pints. Añejo is aged in ex-wine barrels alongside oak barrels, resulting in a deep amber hue and a smooth palate that deserves to be savored.
Test results (yes IWSC):
“The caramel and herbs entice the nose. Sweet agave and well-hidden oak reveal an elegant character and bring a savory yet delicate balance to the mouth.”
Conclusion:
We're in pricey territory here, so while we wouldn't blindly recommend buying a bottle of Cierto right now, it's an ideal bottle for serious sipping.
Certain Collection Tequila Extra Añejo Reserva (91 points)
ABV:40%
Distillery:tequila
Average: currently sold out($200 to $400 range)
a tequila
Another bottle of Cierto, this Extra Añejo is made from ripe Jalisco highland agave aged in oak for four to five years. This bottle is part of Cierto's Silver Label Reserve Collection, which is priced slightly higher than the Black Label Private Collection. It is made to drink straight or with a decadent dessert. Cierto's Extra Añejo offers an extremely smooth natural tequila that pays homage to Jalisco's agave.
Test results (por ISWC):
“An excellent example of well-balanced agave and oak flavors. Salted caramel popcorn tempts the nose while ripe agave invigorates the palate. A big splash of honey at the end.”
Conclusion:
We imagine we'll be seeing a lot of Cierto in the coming years as the brand starts to dominate the tequila space.
True Tequila Añejo Reserve Collection (90 degrees)
ABV:40%
Distillery:tequila
Average: currently sold out($200 to $400 range)
A tequila:
In the two years since Cierto burst onto the scene, it has racked up spirit tasting awards left and right, winning an unprecedented nine awards at the 2020 San Francisco World Beverage Competition. As previously mentioned, the bottles are set to release in January 2021. But with every expression of Cierto choking with praise, we can't wait to get our hands on a bottle to give our first impressions.
Test results (yes IWSC):
“A wonderfully balanced nose that highlights the attractive agave and subtle oak. Smooth vanilla and agave flavors fill the mouth, while the minty note prepares for a warm finish."
Conclusion:
Like the other Cierto bottles, you still won't find this bottle anywhere else. But when it does drop, it's sure to top our lists as one of the best tequilas to drink on the market, if its reputation is true.
Expressions of the Heart Sazerac Rye Black (90 degrees)
ABV: 45%
Distillery:Tequila San Matias de Jalisco
Average: 87,99 $
A tequila:
Expresiones Corazon Sazerac Rye Añejo is made with agave baked in a brick oven and fermented in outdoor stainless steel tanks. It is then aged in used Sazerac whiskey barrels for 19 months, resulting in an Añejo that is unusually light in color with a strong aroma of whiskey and cracked pepper.
Test results (yes IWSC):
“Warm, fresh aromas of cherry almond and caraway seed. The delicious bitterness of sour plums combined with vanilla balance the flavor.”
Conclusion:
At nearly $90 a bottle, this is on the expensive end of the spectrum, but it doesn't quite touch the territory held by Strayna or Cierto. He feels he deserves a chance, considering your accolades.
Expressions from the Heart Thomas H. Handy Vintage (90 degrees)
ABV: 40%
Distillery:Tequila San Matias de Jalisco
Average: 82,99 $
A tequila:
One more bottle for whiskey lovers! Expresiones Del Corazon Thomas H. Handy presents Blanco Tequila by Corazón Tequila is made with a process that dates back 130 years. It is then aged in Thomas H. Handy whiskey barrels for 19 months at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, resulting in a pale golden tequila that is said to have a long, warm finish that plays beautifully on the palate.
Test results (yes IWSC):
“Floral with a great robust pineapple character. Spicy and sweet with slightly mellow undertones. A blend of vanilla, caramel and pear drops gives an enticing finish.”
Conclusion:
This is a premium tequila that brings together the best of both tequila and whiskey worlds.
Miracle Añejo (90 degrees)
ABV:40%
Distillery:Miracle Tequila
Average: 39,99 $
A tequila:
This is made using estate grown blue agave harvested in the highlands of Jalisco. These pints are slow-cooked in a hand-built brick oven for 36 hours and then fermented in stainless steel tanks in the open air. To achieve Ańejo, Milagro ages its tequila in American oak barrels for between 14 and 24 months, depending on the batch. It is then bottled in a tall, elegant bottle that highlights the tequila's amber hue.
Test results (yes IWSC):
“Big creamy caramel and vanilla aromas delight the nose, while the buttery agave in the cornbread entices the palate. A generous amount of oak rounds out the massive flavors."
Conclusion:
At just $40 a bottle, Milagro is one of the tastiest Añejos you can find for its price. This makes for an easy to buy bottle for any occasion.