I finally got around to cracking open a bottle of avion tequila anejo last weekend, and I've got some thoughts I think you'll find useful if you're standing in the liquor aisle trying to decide if it's worth the tag. There is something about a well-aged tequila that just hits differently than a standard silver or even a reposado. It moves away from that sharp, punchy agave kick and slides into something much more refined, almost like a fine bourbon or a smooth cognac.
If you've been following the tequila world for a while, you probably know the backstory of this brand, but for those who don't, it's got quite the history. It gained a ton of fame through a certain HBO show years ago, but unlike a lot of "celebrity-adjacent" brands that fizzle out once the hype dies down, this one has actually stuck around. Why? Because the liquid inside the bottle is legitimately good.
What Makes Avion Tequila Anejo Different?
When we talk about an "anejo," we're talking about time. By law, tequila has to be aged for at least one year to earn that title. Avion takes it a step further by aging their anejo for two full years in American oak barrels. That extra year makes a massive difference in the color and the complexity of the flavor.
The magic starts way before the barrels, though. They use 100% Blue Weber agave grown at really high altitudes in Los Altos, Mexico. Higher altitudes mean the agave has to work harder to grow, which usually results in a higher sugar content and a naturally sweeter, more floral profile. They also slow-roast the agave in brick ovens for three days. A lot of mass-market brands use diffusers or high-pressure autoclaves to speed things up, but Avion sticks to the old-school way. It's tedious, but you can taste the patience in the final product.
One thing that really stands out about the avion tequila anejo process is their ultra-slow filtration. They filter the spirit at a much slower pace than most distilleries, which helps remove some of those harsh impurities while keeping the oils that give the tequila its "mouthfeel." If you've ever had a tequila that felt thin or watery, it's probably because they rushed the filtration. This stuff feels velvety.
The Tasting Experience: More Than Just Agave
Let's get into the part that actually matters: how it tastes. When you pour a glass of avion tequila anejo, the first thing you notice is the color. It's a rich, warm amber that looks great in a crystal glass.
The Aroma
Before you even take a sip, give it a swirl and a sniff. You aren't going to get that "rubbing alcohol" sting that cheaper tequilas give off. Instead, you get a hit of toasted oak and vanilla. There's a faint hint of caramel and maybe a bit of dried fruit, like raisins or cherries. It smells inviting, almost like a dessert.
The Palate
The first sip is where the wood influence really shines. Because it spends two years in those American oak barrels, you get a lot of those classic "whiskey" notes. I'm talking about butterscotch, maple, and a touch of coconut. But don't worry—the agave hasn't disappeared. It's still there in the background, providing a nice earthy, herbal base that reminds you you're definitely drinking tequila.
The Finish
This is usually where a tequila wins or loses me. I hate a finish that leaves a bitter or overly medicinal aftertaste. Luckily, this one finishes incredibly smooth. It's got a lingering warmth—the "Kentucky Hug" of the tequila world—with a little bit of black pepper and cinnamon spice right at the end. It doesn't burn; it glows.
Is It Worth the Price?
Let's be real: avion tequila anejo isn't the cheapest bottle on the shelf. It sits in that "premium" bracket where you're paying for the craftsmanship and the aging. If you're looking for something to dump into a blender with a gallon of sugary lime mix for a backyard party, this isn't the bottle for you. That would be a crime against the agave.
However, if you're looking for a bottle to keep on your home bar for special occasions, or something to sip on while you're winding down after a long week, it's a solid investment. It's a "crowd-pleaser" tequila. Some high-end tequilas can be a bit too funky or "earthy" for casual drinkers, but this one is balanced enough that almost everyone can appreciate it. It bridges the gap between a traditional tequila and a smooth sipping spirit perfectly.
How I Like to Drink It
To be honest, I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to anejos. If a master distiller spent two years watching over a barrel, I feel like I owe it to them to taste it neat first.
Neat: Just pour about two ounces into a glass—a glencairn or even a small wine glass works well to concentrate the aromas—and take your time. No ice, no lime, no salt. Just the tequila.
On the Rocks: If you find the flavors a bit too intense, a single large ice cube can help. As the ice melts, it opens up some of those floral notes and mellows out the oak. Just don't use small ice chips that melt in two minutes, or you'll end up with watered-down spirit.
The "Anejo Old Fashioned": This is my favorite way to use avion tequila anejo in a cocktail. Instead of bourbon, use the tequila. Add a dash of agave nectar, two dashes of orange bitters, and a twist of orange peel. The oaky notes in the tequila play so well with the orange and the sweetness of the agave. It's a sophisticated drink that feels a lot more modern than a standard margarita.
Why the "Slow" Approach Matters
In a world where everything is automated and rushed, it's cool to see a brand lean into being slow. From the years it takes for the agave to reach maturity (usually 7 to 10 years) to the slow-roasting and the two-year aging process, avion tequila anejo is essentially a lesson in patience.
I've noticed that when I drink this, I tend to slow down too. It's not a "shots" tequila. You don't knock it back and go looking for a lime wedge to kill the taste. You sit with it. You talk about it. You enjoy the way the flavor changes as the glass sits and breathes for a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking to graduate from the basic silver tequilas and want to explore the world of aged spirits, you can't go wrong here. It's sophisticated without being pretentious, and it offers a flavor profile that is accessible to whiskey lovers and tequila aficionados alike.
Next time you're celebrating a promotion, a birthday, or just the fact that it's Friday, grab a bottle of avion tequila anejo. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are the ones that take a little extra time to get right. Just remember to sip it slow—you'll want to catch every note of that vanilla and oak. Cheers!