Añejo Neat, with a Kiss

Añejo Neat, with a Kiss

Learning how to drink tequila starts with one rule: aged tequila is for sipping, not shooting. Añejo rests in oak for at least a year, which softens it into something closer to a fine whiskey, so salt and lime only get in the way. The Añejo, with a Kiss serve keeps it simple: a short pour of SWOL Añejo at room temperature, finished with a single floated drop of agave nectar to open up the vanilla and oak. This guide covers the right glass, the right temperature, and how to nose and taste it step by step. Sip slowly and let the flavor evolve in the glass.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 oz SWOL Añejo Tequila, aged and oaky, poured neat at room temperature
  • A single drop of agave nectar, floated on top to lift the aroma
  • A tasting glass, a copita, snifter or Glencairn is better than a shot glass for nosing
HOW TO PREPARE
  • Pour 1 oz SWOL Añejo into a tasting glass at room temperature
  • Float a single drop of agave nectar on top with a bar spoon
  • Nose it gently with your mouth slightly open to catch the oak and vanilla
  • Take a small sip and let it coat your palate before swallowing
  • Sip slowly over several minutes as the flavors open up
Style of Glass to use
  • Shot Glass

Neat, on the rocks, or a shot (technique)

  • Neat: room temperature, no ice, the best way to taste an añejo
  • On the rocks: a large cube chills and slightly opens it, at the cost of some aroma
  • Shots: fine for blanco in a party setting, but a waste of aged tequila

The right glass and temperature (explainer)

  • A narrow-rimmed copita or snifter concentrates aroma; a shot glass does not
  • Serve at room temperature or barely warmed so the oak notes show
  • Skip salt and lime, which are meant to mask harsher blancos

Why añejo is made for sipping (ingredient explainer)

  • Añejo ages 1 to 3 years in oak, gaining vanilla, caramel and spice
  • That barrel time smooths the agave bite that makes blanco better for mixing
  • SWOL Añejo is built as a sipping tequila, which is why the kiss of agave is all it needs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to drink añejo tequila?

Neat at room temperature in a tasting glass, sipped slowly so the oak and vanilla notes come through.

Should you drink añejo tequila as a shot?

No. Aged tequila is meant to be sipped; shooting it wastes the flavor you paid for.

Do you need salt and lime with añejo?

No. Salt and lime mask harsher blancos; a smooth añejo does not need them.

What glass is best for sipping tequila?

A copita, snifter or Glencairn concentrates the aroma better than a shot glass.

What temperature should añejo be served at?

Room temperature or slightly warmed, so the barrel notes open up.

What does the kiss of agave do?

A single floated drop of agave nectar lifts the aroma and rounds the finish without making it sweet.

Is añejo better neat or on the rocks?

Neat shows the most flavor; a single large cube is fine if you prefer it colder and slightly softer.

Añejo Neat, with a Kiss TIPS

Perfect the Float & Savor Slowly

Use a bar spoon held just above the glass surface to gently float the agave nectar without mixing—this creates a delicate sweetness that hits first on the palate. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed to fully appreciate the tequila’s rich aromas. Sip slowly to enjoy the evolving layers of flavor as the agave kiss slowly melds with the añejo.

MADE WITH

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release (750Ml)

750 ML

$89.99

$109.99

Sale

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release is an extremely limited edition; a special release of just 10,000 bottles. Each hand-numbered bottle has a peel-off iron patch which is designed by Los Angeles-based artist Rise Work.

Combining ancient and modern techniques and a deep love and passion for Authentic Tequila, SWOL Tequila comes from Mexico. When two friends journeyed to Mexico...

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