añejo

Añejo is a Spanish adjective meaning aged. In commercial labeling it designates products that have undergone a period of aging in wooden containers, typically oak, to develop more complex flavors and a deeper color. The term is widely used in Spanish-speaking countries to indicate maturation.

In beverages, añejo is most commonly associated with aged spirits such as tequila and mezcal. In Mexican regulation, tequila categories include reposado (aged 2–12 months), añejo (aged 1–3 years), and extra añejo (aged at least 3 years), with blanco or joven tequila unaged. Añejo tequilas are typically darker and richer, showing vanilla, caramel, and wood notes while retaining some agave character. Mezcal can also be labeled añejo when aged in wooden casks, usually longer than in joven or reposado varieties, resulting in a mellower, more complex profile and an amber hue.

Beyond spirits, añejo is used to describe aged foods, especially cheeses. In dairy products such as certain aged cheeses, the label añejo signals longer maturation compared with younger variants, affecting texture and flavor.

The use of añejo varies by country and product, and aging definitions are often regulated by governing bodies for specific categories. When shopping, the stated age range on the packaging can influence color, aroma, and taste.