añejo
Oak-barrel aged spirit
Añejo is Spanish for aged, used in English almost exclusively for tequila and rum that have been barrel-aged.
Añejo tequila must age at least one year; extra añejo requires three.
The aging smooths the spirit and adds complexity: I'll have the añejo, neat.
Pronounced roughly ahn-YEH-ho.
Oak-aged agave liquor
- mezcalSmoky agave liquor
- agaveSpiny desert succulent
- sippingDrinking in small mouthfuls
- caskWooden storage barrel
barrel · distillery · extra · premium · neat · connoisseur · highland · lowland
Without roughness or difficulty
- caramelCooked sugar confection
- vanillaOrchid pod extract
- butterscotchBrown sugar candy
- spicyHaving strong heat
rich · complex · warm · amber · golden · mellow · honey · cinnamon
reposado
Oak-aged agave liquor
cask · barrel · distillery · extra · premium · neat · connoisseur · highland · lowland · piña
smooth
Without roughness or difficulty
- caramelCooked sugar confection
- vanillaOrchid pod extract
- butterscotchBrown sugar candy
spicy · rich · complex · warm · amber · golden · mellow · honey · cinnamon · chocolate
barrel
Hooped cylindrical vessel
char · woodsmoke · caramelization · spice · notes · finish · charred · staves · cooperage · extraction
vintage
Quality from past eras
- maturedDeveloped over time
- barrel-agedMatured in wooden vessels
- time-wornEroded by age
patina · heritage · classic · venerable · seasoned · refined · mellow · rested · cellar · years
annual, annuity, anniversary, perennial, biennial, centennial, millennium, annals, superannuated