Don Elias Extra Anejo Tequila

Don Elias Extra Anejo Tequila is an extra añejo aged 3 years in oak barrels of 600 liters or less, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750mL bottle, and available to order online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA. A quiet cult favorite since the extra-añejo classification was created in 2006, it has earned a reputation as one of the best-value extra añejos on the shelf — Drinkhacker rated it A- (9/10).

• ABV: 40% (80 proof)
• Size: 750mL
• Aging: 3 years in oak barrels (≤600L)
• Agave: 100% agave, Tequilana Weber — stone/brick ovens, double distilled
• Distillery: NOM 1477, Arenal, Jalisco (Los Valles), Mexico

The Cult Value Extra Anejo

Don Elias has no flashy official site or celebrity backing — it built its following the slow way, one bottle at a time, and its Extra Añejo launched around 2006 when the classification itself was born. The production reads like a traditionalist's checklist: agave from Los Valles, stone and brick ovens, roller-mill extraction, stainless fermentation, double distillation in stainless pot stills. The bottle is a talking point on its own — a decanter-style vessel with a stopper permanently half-filled for an optical effect. See the rest of the Don Elias line or compare with the store's extra añejo tequilas.

Tasting Notes

Drinkhacker (A-, 9/10): "the body is lush, sweet, and full of whiskey flavors… an earthy and herbal edge, balanced with sweet flavors of honey, caramel, and vanilla." Nose of deep roasted agave and vanilla with light citrus; palate of dried fruits, cinnamon, and eucalyptus; long, rich finish.

How to Enjoy

Neat in a snifter or copita — this is a sipping tequila that drinks closer to an aged brandy. Let it open in the glass; the barrel and agave stay in balance all the way down.

Frequently Asked Questions

A classification created in 2006 requiring more than 3 years of aging in barrels of 600 liters or less — deep mahogany, and it can drink closer to aged brandy or cognac.

Yes — 80 proof, 100% agave, per Drinkhacker's review and Agave Matchmaker's production data.

3 years in oak in small (≤600L) barrels.

Reviewers consistently call it a smooth, value-priced sipper; Drinkhacker rated it A- (9/10) for its balance of barrel and agave character.

Cult following, honest price — order Don Elias Extra Anejo Tequila online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.