Espolon Anejo 750ML

Espolòn Añejo Tequila 750ML is a 100% Blue Weber agave añejo tequila from the Jalisco Highlands, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Its dual-barrel aging process — American oak followed by used Wild Turkey bourbon barrels — earned it 93 points from Tastings.com in 2022.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 proof)  |  Origin: Los Altos, Jalisco, Mexico  |  Añejo (12 months total aging)  |  Distillery: Casa San Nicolas (NOM 1440)

Production & Heritage

Espolòn Añejo is produced at Casa San Nicolas Distillery (NOM 1440), situated in the Jalisco Highlands region of Los Altos, where water is sourced from 250 meters beneath the earth's surface. Blue Weber agave piñas are cooked for 20 to 22 hours before undergoing a 5½-hour distillation. What distinguishes this expression from most añejos in its price range is a dual-barrel aging regimen: the tequila rests for 10 months in new American oak barrels, then spends an additional 2 months finishing in charred Wild Turkey bourbon barrels, layering bourbon-influenced depth onto the agave-forward spirit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with roasted agave and butterscotch, giving way to warm vanilla and a subtle green undertone of cut grass and asparagus. A faint toasted oak thread ties the bouquet together.

Taste: The entry is rich and velvety, led by baking spices and cinnamon before black pepper and lively agave assert themselves at mid-palate. As the flavors develop, notes of caramel, dried fruit, dark chocolate, and a fleeting hint of mango emerge, reflecting the influence of the bourbon-barrel finish.

Finish: The finish is medium-long with a lightly floral character — honeysuckle and orchid — that dissolves into honey and bay leaf. A cool menthol note lingers at the very end, providing a clean, refreshing exit.

How to Drink Espolòn Añejo

Neat or over a single large ice cube is the most rewarding way to experience the bourbon-barrel influence and spice complexity. A few drops of water open up the butterscotch and dried fruit layers without diluting the finish. For cocktails, Espolòn Añejo works well in an Oaxacan Old Fashioned, where its baking spice and dark chocolate tones complement mezcal and agave syrup; a Tequila Manhattan, where the bourbon-barrel finish creates a natural bridge with sweet vermouth and bitters; and a Honey Bee, where the spirit's honeysuckle and vanilla notes amplify honey syrup and lemon.

Best For

• Bourbon drinkers exploring aged tequila for the first time
• Gifting to someone who appreciates barrel-finished spirits
• Sipping alongside a slow weekend dinner
• Building a home bar with versatile, cocktail-friendly añejos

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Espolòn Añejo taste like? Espolòn Añejo delivers a rich, velvety palate of butterscotch, baking spices, and roasted agave, followed by dark chocolate, dried fruit, and a cool menthol finish. The bourbon-barrel influence adds layers of caramel and toasted oak not always found in similarly priced añejos.

How does Espolòn Añejo compare to Don Julio Añejo? Both are 100% Blue Weber agave añejos from the Jalisco Highlands with prominent oak, butterscotch, and agave notes, but Espolòn Añejo's two-month finish in used Wild Turkey bourbon barrels introduces a distinct charred sweetness and spice that Don Julio Añejo does not carry. Espolòn also sits at a noticeably lower price tier, making it a strong value alternative for drinkers who enjoy bourbon-influenced tequilas.

Is Espolòn Añejo good for sipping neat? Yes — its velvety texture, moderate 40% ABV, and layered spice-to-floral progression make it an approachable and satisfying neat pour. A single ice cube or a few drops of water can further open up the butterscotch and dried fruit notes.

Where is Espolòn Añejo made? Espolòn Añejo is produced at Casa San Nicolas Distillery (NOM 1440) in the Los Altos (Highlands) region of Jalisco, Mexico. The distillery sources its water from 250 meters below the Highland surface and uses locally grown Blue Weber agave.

What foods pair well with Espolòn Añejo? Grilled carne asada pairs naturally with the roasted agave and black pepper spice. Mole negro mirrors the dark chocolate and dried fruit notes. Aged Manchego or Gouda complement the butterscotch and caramel. Churros with chocolate sauce echo the toasted oak sweetness, and pecan pie amplifies the baking spice and vanilla.

What sizes does Espolòn Añejo come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format. A 375ml half bottle and a 1.75L handle are also produced, though availability varies by market.

Is Espolòn Añejo worth the price? Espolòn Añejo positions as a value-tier añejo that punches well above its class — the dual-barrel aging and 93-point Tastings.com score (2022) place it in competition with bottles that cost significantly more. For drinkers seeking barrel complexity without a premium price tag, it represents one of the stronger values in the añejo category.

Why Espolòn Añejo?

The dual-barrel aging process is the clearest differentiator here: 10 months in new American oak followed by a 2-month finish in used Wild Turkey bourbon barrels is a production step rarely seen at this price point. That bourbon-barrel influence gives the tequila a crossover appeal, bridging the gap between aged tequila and American whiskey in a way that resonates with bourbon drinkers. The 93-point score from Tastings.com in 2022 validates the quality, and the rich, velvety texture and layered tasting profile — from roasted agave through dark chocolate to a menthol-tinged finish — give it range both as a neat sipper and a cocktail backbone. In a crowded añejo market, Espolòn earns attention by delivering genuine barrel complexity at a price that invites everyday enjoyment rather than special-occasion restraint.