While tequila remains one of the most popular spirits across the U.S., it’s also one of the broadest-ranging categories, incorporating multiple expressions, age ranges and price points. Which means it can be challenging to select a bottle among the dizzying array of bottles on the shelves.
What Makes for an Excellent Tequila?
For a little perspective about what makes for great tequila, we turned to the pros who work with Mexico’s agave spirit every day. The best tequilas, all said, will reflect the flavor of agave, the key ingredient in the spirit.
Blancos should be crisp and lively, the purest expression of honey-like cooked agave, often accented with jalapeno or citrus. Lightly-aged reposados, which “rest” in oak between two months and one year, may layer additional vanilla and spice, but still shouldn’t obscure the agave core, while longer-aged añejos will show still more barrel influence.
The best tequilas respect the agave, says Jesse Carr, director of food and beverage at Virgin Hotels New Orleans. “It can take as long as 10 years to grow the agave, and there is just so much love put into the process of making the product, from the harvesting to the crushing and cooking to the fermenting and distilling.”
In addition, look for tequila made from 100% agave, advises Mark Murphy, director of bar operations for Fort Lauderdale’s El Vez. He also recommends seeking out a bottling that is additive-free, meaning no caramel coloring, sweeteners or anything else to fluff it up. If you’ve identified both of those attributes on a label, “That’s an extra level to be sure you’re picking up something pretty solid,” he says.
What’s the Best Way to Enjoy Tequila?
Most pros suggest enjoying tequila neat and the margarita is a perennial top cocktail choice. Meanwhile, Carr prefers his on the rocks with a slice of citrus, while Murphy adds, “I’ll almost never say no to a Paloma.”
Others note that it’s about who you’re enjoying tequila with—and bonus points if you’re celebrating. “Mexicans are known for their love of life—we were born looking for a party—and that extends to how we enjoy our tequila,” says Lalo Durazo, CEO of Bakan, a Mexican restaurant in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. “The best way to experience it is in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by good company. Mexico's culture is all about taking a break from the hustle, enjoying a drink and celebrating life with loved ones.”
What About Clase Azul?
Due to its tall, distinctively shaped, hand-painted ceramic decanters, this is one of the most highly-recognized tequila brands, and can be especially pricey. It’s not part of Wine Enthusiast’s ratings database, so we won’t have much to say about the liquid inside. But some fans ardently collect the decorative bottles, and some consider the brand to be a status symbol.
Got it? To make it easier to navigate this wide world of agave, we’ve rounded up the highest-rated bottles in a range of categories. Take a look below.
Best Tequila Under $150
Partida Roble Fino Añejo Tequila
This is finished for five months in casks that previously held single malt whisky, and Sherry before that. The end result is a golden hue and subtle agave and baking spice aromas. The mouthwatering palate shows broad strokes of vanilla, oak and roasted nuts. Faint smokiness wafts into the finish, transforming the citrusy exhale into burnt grapefruit peel. 96 Points — Kara Newman
$ Varies Total Wine & MoreBest Tequila Under $100
Don Fulano Añejo Tequila
Aged in a mix of casks that previously held Burgundy, Bordeaux and Loire wines, this complex Tequila is one to savor. Bell pepper and jalapeño aromas mingle with mild honey and cinnamon sweetness. The plush palate echoes that sweetness and spice, leading into a long finish tinged with cocoa and vanilla, plus a final zing of jalapeño heat. 97 Points — K.N.
$ Varies Total Wine & MoreBest Tequila Under $50
Próspero Añejo Tequila
Complex and pleasing, with an intriguing savory-sweet profile. Look for a deep burnished gold hue and aromas of jalapeño and dried oregano melding with coconut, vanilla and lemon peel. The palate opens opens with dried herbs and mild jalapeño heat, fading into a long coconut and vanilla cream finish, braced up with baking spice sparks. Overall, excellent example of an añejo. 97 Points — K.N.
$45 Total Wine & MoreLooking for even more budget-friendly bottles? Here's a guide to our top tequila picks under $40.
Best Organic Tequila
El Sativo Tequila Blanco Organic
A whiff of fresh spearmint introduces the lightly herbaceous aroma. The light palate echoes the fresh herb note, mixing it with lemon peel and fresh jalapeño, plus a hint of vanilla. Each sip finishes bracing and crisp, with pleasantly peppery heat. Sip or mix. 96 Points — K.N.
$ Varies Total Wine & MoreBest Cask-Strength Tequila
Fortaleza Still Strength Blanco Tequila
Best Kosher Tequila
Villa One Reposado Tequila
This rich version of reposado embraces all the flavors oak can impart. Look for a burnished gold hue and lots of vanilla on nose and palate. Maple, sarsaparilla, and cocoa all take their turns, leading into clove and allspice on the long finish. Aged six months. 91 Points — K.N.
$ Varies Total Wine & MoreBest Tequila for a Beginner
Ocho Single Estate Reposado Tequila
This lively, bright tequila will please purists. A light hand with the oak means a straw hue and brisk aromas of jalapeño and citrus. The palate melds flavors of bell pepper, fresh rosemary and roasted jalapeño that lead into mild coconut and graphite notes on the midpalate, finishing with a fresh herb exhale. 96 Points— K.N.
$ Varies Total Wine & MoreBest Tequila for a Splurge
Tequila Don Julio 1942
A stunning limited-edition añejo. The golden color and caramel scent hint at what’s to come: sweet agave flavor, a lingering whisper of smoke and mellow notes of tropical fruit, Sauternes and butterscotch. 98 Points — K.N.
$ Varies Total Wine & MoreBest Cask Finished Tequila
Corazón Expresiones Sazerac Rye Añejo Tequila
This is a single-estate Tequila aged for 24 months in Sazerac rye barrels from the Buffalo Trace distillery. It’s nuanced, with a light gold tint and mild vanilla aroma. The palate is spicy and drying from the outset, bursting with nutmeg, cardamom and allspice, layered with almond-y sweetness and an unusual hint of strawberry. Enjoy with a cube of ice. 96 Points — K.N.
$ Varies Total Wine & MoreBest Tequila for a Paloma
Siete Leguas Tequila Blanco
Bold, zesty, savory aromas hint at fresh and pickled jalapeño. The palate is equally robust and complex, adding lemon peel and a steely, minerally midpalate. It finishes clean with an enticing mouthwatering saline note and flicker of cayenne heat. 94 Points — K.N.
$ Varies Total Wine & MoreBest Tequila for Spicy Margaritas
Don Vicente Tequila Blanco
The aroma suggests fresh-cut jalapeño, with a spicy hint that makes the nose prickle. Peppery notes follow on the palate. Jalapeño as well as bell pepper and black pepper are framed with hints of tarragon and graphite. Grapefruit-peel astringency and white-pepper sparks complete the lively finish. Sip or mix. 96 Points — K.N.
$ Varies Total Wine & MoreBest Rosado Tequila
Inspiro Tequila Rosa Reposado
Look for a golden hue and distinctly zesty, savory aroma. The spicy-sweet palate shows hints of banana bread spiked with dried cherry and cayenne. Cinnamon red hots and roasted jalapeno heat provide a long and distinctly warming finish. Aged in rosé wine barrels. 93 Points — K.N.
$ Varies Total Wine & MoreBest Cristalino Tequila
Casa Komos Añejo Cristalino Tequila
More Tequila Coverage
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- The 16 best sipping tequilas to enjoy right now.
- Here's a step-by-step, beginner’s guide to tequila.
- Is it time to leave tequila alone?
- Following a Mexican police raid, the fight over additive-free tequila heats up.
- Love tequila and mezcal? Drink in these other agave spirits.
In the shop
Riedel Tequila Glass (Set of 2)
In Stock | $39
Published: August 26, 2024
