The Top Extra Anejo Tequila, According To The Beverage Testing Inst.
Extra Añejo Tequila with lime and salt.
Four Extra Añejo Tequilas and three Cristalino Tequilas were awarded Gold Medals at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) Tequila Judging. Tears of Llorona Small Batch Extra Añejo Tequila was the top-ranked Extra Añejo and the only Platinum medal winner among Tequilas. 1800 Cristalino Tequila Añejo was the top-ranked Cristalino Tequila. Below is a brief background on each of the gold medalists, along with the official BevTest tasting notes on the Tequilas.
Score: 96 - Platinum Medal–Superlative
Crafted by Master Distiller Germán González, Tears of Llorona is a luxury, small-batch Extra Añejo Tequila matured in Sherry, Scotch, and brandy barrels. It's widely praised for its rare complexity and depth and has been a perennial winner in international spirit competitions.
The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of 'root beer, coffee grounds, and tobacco, followed by flavors of oak, peach- fig cobbler, and anise. Vibrant, decadent, and wildly nuanced, and still easily identifiable as agave-forward Tequila.'
Score: 94 - Gold Medal–Exceptional
Crafted by Casa Cuervo, Milenio is aged in French oak Cognac barrels. This elegant extra añejo is designed for special occasions and delivers layered, dessert-like richness.
The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of 'dark caramelized nuts, chocolate coconut bar, and vanilla frosting, followed by flavors of chocolate orange peels, delicate spices, and creme brulee with powdered sugar. A tasty and very well-balanced Extra Añejo that is sure to please.'
Score: 93 - Gold Medal–Exceptional
Alquimia Reserva de Don Adolfo VI is an estate-grown organic Extra Añejo Tequila. It offers richness, balance, and subtle influences of tropical and orchard fruits.
The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of
'cinnamon, grass, and balsa wood accompanied by flavors of salted caramel, baked orchard fruit, and pineapple skin. Rich and inviting with lovely, dried citrus that balances the rich flavors that are beautifully balanced for Tequila Old Fashioneds or after-dinner sipping.'
Score: 93 - Gold Medal–Exceptional
This cask strength Extra Añejo from Alquimia is bold and intense. It's bottled at full barrel proof and aimed at seasoned Tequila drinkers looking for robust flavor and structure.
The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of
'warm maple syrup, Demerara with chopped nuts, and baker's chocolate, followed by flavors of dark chocolate, cigar ash, and sandalwood. A bold and intense Extra Añejo sipper.'
1800 Tequila Holiday Dinner With Designer & Curator Greg Yuna(Photo byfor 1800 Tequila)
Score: 93 - Gold Medal–Exceptional
Produced by Casa Cuervo, 1800 Cristalino is a charcoal-filtered Añejo Tequila that removes color while retaining complex flavors. It combines the aging process of an Extra Añejo with crisp modern appeal.
The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of
'coconut dulce de leche, heated stones, and fresh ream of paper with flavors of chipotle, parmesan, and cream cheese. The complexity of an Extra Anejo in a crisp, tailored white Armani suit, stylish and grounded in high-quality agave.'
Score: 92 - Gold Medal–Exceptional
Patrón's Cristalino blends aged complexity with polished smoothness. It undergoes charcoal filtration to remove color while preserving flavors from ex-bourbon barrels.
The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of
'white pepper, caramel, and agave fibers accompanied by flavors of preserved lemon, vanilla salt, and crème anglaise. Impeccably balanced and clean with notes of cultured salted butter, extra virgin olive oil, vanilla, and fresh biscuits.'
Score: 91 - Gold Medal–Exceptional
Agavales Cristalino is a filtered Reposado that offers a bright, tropical profile with the roundness of brief oak aging and the clarity of a Blanco.
The official BevTest Judging Panel described the Tequila as featuring aromas of
'spring, coconut water, and roasted coconut flakes on frosted white cake with flavors of spicy banana bread pudding, pepper, and white chocolate. A supple, vibrantly flavorful Cristalino with excellent versatility.'
These seven Tequilas showcase a range of aroma and flavor profiles. The Extra Añejo expressions offer a classic aged Tequila profile that retains its agave core, surrounded by the added complexity and flavors provided by extended oak aging. The Cristalinos, on the other hand, while retaining the agave and oak influence, also offer a cleaner, fresher style that blends a layered, nuanced complexity with a lighter, crisper style.
If you like brown spirits, all of these Extra Añejo Tequilas deserve a place on your shelf. If you're looking for a lighter style that still retains the complexity afforded by oak aging, consider exploring the Cristalino expressions. Either way, you won't go wrong with any of these Tequila bottles.
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