The Tequila That Drinks Like Whiskey: Extra Añejo 7 Años

The mere thought of tequila can trigger loads of bad memories. Like those rowdy, regrettable affairs involving the inexplicable (yet strangely, inarguable) ritual of licking salt, shooting back a liquid that burns like motor fuel, then sucking on lime. (Seriously, who started this nonsense?) And let's not forget the excruciating, head-throbbing mornings following those tequila-fueled nights.

By now, you've matured a bit. While you still enjoy chasing the night from time to time, your choices in booze (not unlike clothing, cars, and music) have likewise evolved. 

Turns out that aging does wonders for tequila, too. While many of us default to silver tequila when we hear the name "Patrón"—confession: this writer was one of these people— there's much more to the brand than a top-shelf shot. Their latest release, Extra Añejo 7 Años, proves this point. 

As an extra añejo, it's considered an aged tequila. With three levels in this category— reposados are aged for a minimum of two months and up to a year, and añejos for a year minimum—extra añejos are the oldest, and aged for a minimum of three years.

But instead of three, Extra Añejo 7 Años was aged for an impressive seven years (hence, the name). The result of happenstance—a premium tequila was left unnoticed in French oak barrels in the aging room—it's loaded with depth and swagger, and a far cry from the wicked wells of your youth. Upon first sniff, you'll detect assertive notes of wood and raisin. Follow that with a sip, and the flavors will initially echo what you smell, but finish with a subtle hint of vanilla. 

Even though the brand's been around since 1989, the Extra Añejo 7 Años is Patrón's first ever limited-edition product, and the oldest one as well. (Only 9,000 bottles were made available.) Perhaps most surprising is that despite the hefty $299 price tag, the demand for the premium product has been hot. So hot, in fact, that the company anticipates it'll sell out by the end of summer. Looks like guys were more than ready to graduate from shortsighted shots to sophisticated sipping, after all.

— Katie Chang is a  writer based in New York. Follow her at  @katieshewrote.