Espolòn Añejo Tequila

This bottling received a 92, which is inaccurate. While it's a competent budget añejo for the price, it doesn't warrant such a high score. This marks the beginning of my tequila explorations. Despite the approaching winter, the southern climate remains pleasant for enjoying tequila. I recently sampled some excellent, traditionally crafted tequilas (such as El Tesoro Paradiso and ArteNOM 1146), but these are an indulgence for those with unlimited funds. This leads me to Espolon Añejo. Their blanco and reposado versions are common bar staples, often used as mixers. This añejo, however, seems intended for sipping, featuring a supposed finish in Wild Turkey bourbon barrels (thanks to Campari). You might think, "I enjoy tequila and Wild Turkey, what's the downside?" There is no downside. It's good, just not exceptional. The $30 price reflects an efficient production method that sacrifices much of the rich agave flavor found in traditionally made tequilas using slow-cooked agave and tahona extraction. The aroma is certainly potent, with subtle agave, some butterscotch, and unusually strong baking spices, revealing the Wild Turkey influence. The taste is... adequate. It's bold and flavorful, with minimal detectable additives, but it lacks the rich cooked agave essence and creamy texture of a well-crafted traditional tequila. The finish is moderately long, with more spice, but not enough cooked agave. Ultimately, this is best suited as a mixer, not a sipper. It makes a fantastic Paloma and is acceptable for casual sipping while awaiting mediocre tex-mex cuisine. I won't be purchasing it again; my tequila budget is better allocated elsewhere. Cheers!

Aged expressions are puzzling to me. I believe I need further exploration of this category. Some have been sweet, almost like bourbon sweetness. Others, however, possess herbaceous and spicy qualities, even more pronounced than some unaged varieties I've encountered. The aroma of this tequila is certainly not on the sweeter side. Notes of agave, mown grass, mint leaf, basil, black pepper, and perhaps a subtle hint of caramel are present. This aroma immediately evokes a sense of all things green. The initial taste offers a touch of sweetness and fruit. Candied mango opens the palate but is swiftly overshadowed by other flavors. It does persist throughout the experience, however. Midway through, agave and pepper intensely emerge on the tongue, accompanied by extremely herbaceous mint leaf. While there are faint suggestions of bourbon barrel influence, such as tannic oak and vanilla, these are very subdued compared to the dominant notes. The finish delivers a spicy cinnamon and black pepper, underscored by a drier, more tannic oak essence. Agave remains a prominent note in the finish, along with that ever-present mint leaf (referring to the actual herb, not a minty cooling sensation). What tasting notes are most representative of an Anejo and its intended character? Is it this expression, or more bourbon-like characteristics such as vanilla, caramel, and chocolate? As someone who enjoys bourbon, I lean towards a sweeter profile and tend to avoid herbaceous and grassy notes. Therefore, this particular bottle isn't a favorite for me, but ultimately, taste is entirely subjective, isn't it?

This is excellent quality and very affordably priced. To be clear, I was not let down. I tried it in an old fashioned, and it was good, but I think I'll be sipping the remainder of the bottle neat...it truly needs nothing else! While I primarily drink whiskey, I do appreciate other spirits. And though there are some fantastic tequilas in the $50+ range, this was so good, I can't imagine needing to upgrade anytime soon. This will be a new regular at my personal bar.

Served neat. The aroma is subtle, well-rounded, and pleasing, with notes of oak, butterscotch, vanilla, agave, herbaceousness, and earth. The flavor mirrors the aroma. It begins with honey and agave sweetness, balanced by oak and herbs, with a hint of allspice, followed by butterscotch, vanilla, and slightly bitter green herbs that linger into the finish. A remarkable añejo for its price point. It appeals to both those who typically dislike tequila and can be savored by tequila enthusiasts. It's on my very select list of quality budget añejos.

Absolutely delicious. I had this bottle for a couple of years before opening it. Enjoying a lovely Huevos a la Mexicana inspired me to try tequila with breakfast. Given the current bourbon trend, perhaps it's time to revisit tequila. This is a very good, reasonably priced Añejo. Exceptionally smooth and a fantastic sipper. 1/15/21 Still a top choice. The bourbon barrel influence is noticeable, adding a layer of depth. 8/17/22

Spice is present initially. The finish is spicy and lingers. It's not very sweet. A hint of sweetness can be detected with effort. Very peppery. It's not particularly smooth. A larger sip reveals a dry but somewhat pleasant flavor. I might grow accustomed to it. It's still a bit too spicy for my preference. However, it becomes smoother with larger sips.