AgaveTequila
Tequila Extra Añejo
Created by regulatory amendment in 2006 to recognize tequila expressions entering territory previously occupied by aged Scotch and Cognac. Don Julio 1942 (named for the year the founder started distilling, though it is not from 1942) became the category's signature commercial success.
Flavor Profile
Barrel-dominant. Dark amber/mahogany. Dried fruit, dark chocolate, tobacco, coffee, leather, significant vanilla-oak. At its best: a vegetal agave whisper survives through the wood — green, peppery, unmistakably tequila. At its worst: mediocre bourbon in agave clothing. Very expensive ($100–$500+). Price reflects aging investment, not guaranteed agave survival.
Key Producers
Top Shelf
Tapatio Excelencia Gran Reserva
$100-150Don Julio 1942
$120-170Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia
$100-130Clase Azul Ultra
$400+NOM-006-SCFI-2012 amendment, DO (1974), CRT oversight. 100% Blue Weber agave. Aged 3+ years in oak containers no larger than 600 liters. Category created 2006 — the newest official tequila classification.