If nothing else, we want to show you that tequila isn’t just meant for margaritas. Sure, some tequilas are great mixers, but others, like Azunia’s Anejo, are great all by themselves.
This particular Anejo spends at least a year aging in old whisky or bourbon barrels, and it’s that oaky and woody flavor that comes to the forefront when you drink Azunia neat. Most blanco tequilas have a harsh flavor with a heavy bite – but this Anejo has clearly had the time to mellow out, and the overall smoothness of this spirit will surprise you. If you’re looking for a solid sipping tequila, you’ll probably love this.
There’s a hint of nutty, almond-ish flavor that’s hiding in the mix, and as smooth as Azunia’s is, you don’t have to choke through a harsh burn to enjoy it. I’m a big whisky drinker, and this hits me the same way a nice glass of Glenmorganie does; smooth, mellow, but with a wealth of complex and subtle flavors. Other reviewers seem to agree with me:
“My initial impression of the bouquet of the Azuñia Añejo is definite sweet agave and over-ripened salty pineapple skins. Diving my nose deeper into the glass brings strong caramel flavors, sea salt, vanilla bean and even a bit of mineral “soil” like impressions. The nose contains some citrus-like freshness, perhaps a dash of lemon or perhaps a bit of lime, it’s hard to define exactly which citrus flavoring but it is present and appreciated.
The taste introduces a light sweetness with a spicy mid-palate transition that drives right into the agave farm on your face. You can almost taste these agave planets baking in the rich soils of Mexico when you take a sip. The finish is clean and spicy and its flavors fade off just a bit too soon. I find myself taking multiple sips to relive the complex tasting experience with a second sip getting a bit of white pepper, a buttery charred oak and dried tropical fruit.” {Everydaydrinker}
Honestly, I don’t think you can ask much more out of a Anejo tequila. Azunia has created a great product for tequila connoisseurs. We tried something crazy and attempted to put this into a Margarita and…lets just say it didn’t go well. If you’re looking for a shooter this isn’t it. If you’re hoping to make cocktails then you’re going to want to stick with something like their Platinum expression. This is strictly for the sippers out there.When I was browsing on Azunia’s website, I noticed that they only have two cocktail recipes that call for the Anejo, and they’re both coffee drinks that use Bailey’s and Kahula. If you can find a solid balance in a straight margarita that uses Anejo – more power to you – but I’d rather drink the Azunia Anejo neat in a rocks glass than fussing it up in a cocktail.
One final note. Some people might think I’m being picky about this but Azunia really needs to rethink their presentation. Yes, when you get right down to it all that matters is what’s in the bottle. But if I saw Azunia in my liquor store I would pass it up for a more interesting bottle. At around $50 a bottle you’d expect it to look as good as it tastes and Azunia tastes a hell of a lot better than it looks. So get a prettier bottle Azunia, you’re worth it.
All in all Azunia has a great deal of smoothness and subtle complexity in its flavors – the kind of thing you want to just spend some time with and learn from.
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