On this planet of spirits, tequila is at the moment having a second. In keeping with current market analysis, tequila has seen significant growth in bars and restaurants throughout the nation during the last couple of years. It is smart—with its candy, easy style, tequila is extremely versatile and could be loved in margaritas and different yummy cocktails in addition to sipped straight or over ice.
Need to improve your bar cart, however undecided the place to start out? Beneath, we’re sharing every little thing it’s worthwhile to know to seek out your good tequila, plus our picks for the greatest tequila manufacturers, chosen by grasp distillers, bartenders and business specialists.
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What Is Tequila?
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“Tequila is a distilled spirit produced from the agave blue tequilana Weber plant that may solely be produced in sure areas of Mexico,” explains David Rodriguez, grasp distiller for Patrón Tequila. “Making tequila requires considerate consideration of each authorized and technical components defining the spirit—and lots of selections within the manufacturing course of can have an amazing influence on the ultimate distillate.” Relating to taste, Rodriguez says tequila can vary from easy and mellow, to a hotter and bolder profile.
What Are the Completely different Varieties of Tequila?
There are three primary sorts of tequila to select from. Right here’s a rundown of every one:
Blanco
“That is tequila in its purest type with out growing old and is obvious in coloration,” says Miguel Escobar Martinez, grasp distiller for Tequila Cazadores. “Often on this purest type of tequila, you possibly can style the care given to the elaboration strategy of any model.” That is the usual tequila you’ll see in cocktails as a result of its versatility, he provides. Typically you’ll see blanco tequila known as silver tequila.
Reposado
Reposado means “rested” in Spanish. Such a tequila has been aged a minimal of two months to 1 12 months in oak barrels, which supplies the liquid a light-weight golden coloration, says Martinez. “This tequila pulls smooth notes from the barrels like caramel and vanilla, in addition to candy, tropical fruity flavors like pineapple, and works properly with the herbaceous flavors of the tequila,” provides Sylvi Roy, bar supervisor at Twelve in Portland, Maine.
Añejo
“Aged from one to a few years, this tequila pulls notes from no matter barrels it sits in,” says Roy. “You’ll get a variety of flavors that are also present in whiskeys, like creme brûlée, toast and wealthy vanilla.” Añejo tequilas are typically completed for a number of months in sherry or port wine casks so as to add nutty or fruity notes, provides Roy.
Throughout the añejo class, there are additionally two variations: añejo cristalino and additional añejo. “Añejo cristalino is aged a minimum of one 12 months in white oak barrels then is filtered to take away its coloration and particular elements to make it mellower, whereas conserving the sensory qualities of an añejo tequila we wish to protect,” says Martinez.
Further añejo, in the meantime, is aged in American oak barrels for a minimum of three years. “These tequilas are smooth, well-rounded and simple to drink,” says Roy. “I discover that the prolonged barrel growing old pulls out any astringent qualities which will have been within the initially distilled juice, making this the simplest to sip by itself.”
What Is the Greatest Sipping Tequila?
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“The perfect kind of tequila for sipping is the one in which you’ll be able to style the complexity given by the most effective agave supply, together with a great elaboration course of, offering the smoothness and sweetness you possibly can acquire from the agave,” says Martinez. “For a extra advanced taste profile, these which have been aged a minimum of one 12 months like an añejo or further eñejo work completely.”
What Is the Greatest Tequila for Margaritas?
Blanco tequila is the best selection for margaritas, says Eduardo “Lalo” González, co-founder and grasp distiller of LALO Tequila and grandson of Don Julio González of the enduring Don Julio tequila model. “The citrusy, floral, mineral taste profile of a blanco tequila enhances the wealthy citrus taste of a margarita,” he explains. And if it’s a Tommy’s-style margarita, even higher, says Justin Lavenue, proprietor/operator and co-founder of The Roosevelt Room in Austin, Texas. Martinez provides {that a} reposado tequila may also work properly in a margarita.
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What Is the Greatest Tequila for Photographs?
Drink specialists agree tequila is greatest had in cocktails or by slowly sipping so you possibly can benefit from the complexity of the spirit. However for those who’re seeking to take a celebratory shot, then blanco is an efficient possibility, says González.
What Is the Quantity One Tequila?
In keeping with The Spirits Enterprise, the top-selling tequila brand in the world is Jose Cuervo. This isn’t a shock, given Jose Cuervo is an inexpensive, versatile tequila that you could find in nearly any liquor retailer.
What Are the Prime 5 Tequilas?
The highest 5 best-selling tequila manufacturers run the gamut from price range picks to higher-end choices. Jose Cuervo, Patrón, Don Julio, Casamigos and Hornitos are the top five tequilas, per The Spirits Enterprise.
What Options Ought to You Search for in Tequila?
So, what precisely must you take into account when searching for tequila? “Search for a tequila producer that makes use of 100% blue agave—some corporations add different flavors that distort the flavors, and you may actually style the distinction,” says Roy.
The authorized requirement is a minimum of 51% blue agave. Excessive-quality tequila producers will use 100%, however others could use issues like sugar or molasses to make their product cheaper, provides Roy. “The perfect tequila manufacturers use solely the center of the piña (the center of the agave) and a gradual urgent methodology utilizing a tahona, which is a big stone disc used to crush the juice from the piñas after they’ve been roasted and/or steamed,” she says.
You’ll additionally wish to take into account what the tequila is getting used for. For instance, for those who’re seeking to make cocktails, then you need to select a blanco or reposado—however for those who’re seeking to sip tequila by itself, then you need to choose an añejo or one in every of its variations, says Martinez.
What Are the Greatest Cocktails to Make With Tequila (Different Than Margaritas)?
In addition to margaritas, Roy shares these three scrumptious cocktails you can also make with tequila:
- Paloma: This cocktail contains recent lime juice, a bit little bit of agave syrup and is topped with a Mexican grapefruit soda like Jarritos (however recent grapefruit juice works nice too!).
- Oaxacan Previous Original: For this cocktail, mix reposado tequila with a bit little bit of mezcal, a teaspoon of agave because the sweetener and mole bitters for a smoky chocolate style.
- El Diablo: Use the tequila of your selection (blanco is great right here), creme de cassis (black currant liqueur), recent ginger syrup, lime juice and soda water to make this drink.
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Greatest Tequila Manufacturers
1. Patrón Tequila, $56+
From blanco to reposado to añejo, Patrón presents each kind of tequila you would want. All of Patrón’s tequilas are handcrafted in Jalisco, Mexico at Hacienda Patrón utilizing the best high quality components (no components right here!). Rodriguez’s favourite within the assortment is the basic Patrón Silver. “This was our first tremendous premium 100% Weber blue agave tequila, and it modified America’s perceptions about tequila,” he says. “It shortly turned a staple then and is a mainstay nonetheless right this moment. Light-weight and properly balanced, it is an incredible possibility for each new and skilled tequila drinkers alike.” Roy provides that she’s a fan of Patrón’s Roca assortment as a result of the model makes use of juice from the tahona rolling course of, which pulls solely probably the most flavorful liquid from the piñas they roast for nearly three days. Patrón Tequila, $56+
2. Casamigos, $55+
Casamigos has an A-list historical past: The model was launched by buddies George Clooney and Rande Garber (husband to Cindy Crawford), who labored with a grasp distiller in Jalisco, Mexico over the course of a few years to get the style excellent. All the tequilas within the Casamigos line (they’ve a blanco, reposado and añejo) are made with 100% Weber blue agave with agave piñas which can be slow-roasted in brick ovens. If you wish to really feel like a celeb whereas sipping tequila, then that is undoubtedly the model for you. Casamigos, $55+
3. Tequila Cazadores, $23+
The recipe for Tequila Cazadores was first developed manner again in 1922 by a hardworking farmer in Arandas, Mexico. Produced from 100% blue agave, Tequila Cazadores undergoes a seven-step sustainable, zero-waste manufacturing course of that features double distillation, double fermentation and cautious maturation. The model presents a blanco, reposado, añejo, añejo cristalino and additional añejo in its lineup—they usually not too long ago launched a restricted version reposado to have fun their a hundredth birthday. “My favourite expression in our portfolio is, after all, our new restricted version bottle that we simply launched to honor the 100-year anniversary of our unique reposado recipe from 1922,” says Martinez. “It’s a really particular mix elaborated with agave that’s grown on our property and was aged in a mixture of our greatest hand-selected American oak and new French oak barrels. The tequila has a very easy, candy style with notes of citrus, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and extra to offer it a novel tasting expertise that I actually take pleasure in.” Tequila Cazadores, $23+
4. Tequila Ocho, $49+
“Tequila Ocho is my private favourite model,” says Lavenue. “Every year, the agave is harvested from a unique farm/property, then expertly distilled by Carlos Camarena—so every single property bottling showcases its personal distinct traits which really highlights the terroir (or terruño in Spanish) of the Los Altos area of Jalisco.” Tequila Ocho, $49+
5. LALO Tequila, $50
LALO solely makes one tequila—an additive-free blanco. “We select to solely make blanco to honor the agave, the individuals behind our product and Mexico,” says González. “The Champagne yeast we use permits the Highland agave to shine, showcasing the cooked agave taste up entrance with fruity and floral notes following.” González’s family has been within the tequila enterprise for generations (his grandfather was the legendary Don Julio González), so you realize he is aware of his stuff! LALO Tequila, $50
6. Don Julio 1942, $160
Talking of Don Julio, no listing of the most effective tequila manufacturers could be full with out this iconic possibility! Don Julio 1942, particularly, is among the most premium choices from the model (therefore why it comes with a hefty price ticket). An award-winning tequila, it’s aged for at least two and a half years and produced in small batches. And enjoyable truth: It was created in tribute to the 12 months Don Julio González began his tequila-making journey. Break this one out for probably the most particular of events. Don Julio 1942, $160
7. Cincoro Tequila, $90+
Again in 2019, basketball legend Michael Jordan launched Cincoro Tequila alongside just a few different NBA homeowners—and in simply three quick years, the model has bought 1,000,000 and a half bottles and gained greater than 20 awards. Cincoro Tequila produces 5 tequilas: blanco, reposado, añejo, further añejo and the latest addition to their assortment—Cincoro Gold—which blends the most effective of all 4 of their different varieties into one ultra-premium tequila. It’s one in every of solely a handful of 100% de Agave Gold tequilas. All of Cincoro’s tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave from non-public farms in Jalisco, Mexico and are produced in small batches. Cincoro Tequila, $90+
8. Espolòn Tequila, $32+
Lavenue says Espolòn Blanco is among the best-value tequilas in the marketplace. It has notes of vanilla, ripe fruit and butter and could be loved neat, with salt and lime, chilled, or nevertheless else you prefer to drink your tequila. Espolòn’s assortment additionally features a reposado, añejo, reposado chardonnay and añejo cristalino. Model founder Cirilo Oropeza named the model Espolòn, which suggests “spur” in Spanish, to honor his dedication to the tequila craft. Plus, all of Espolòn’s tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave. Espolòn Tequila, $32+
9. Gran Coramino, $60+
Funnyman Kevin Hart teamed up with Juan Domingo Beckmann, an Eleventh-generation tequila maker, to create Gran Coramino. The model presents two choices: reposado cristalino and añejo. Each tequilas are easy, advanced and crafted from hand-selected piñas which can be harvested at peak maturity. Gran Coramino’s tequilas are roasted in conventional stone ovens and barrel-aged. You’ll be able to take pleasure in them neat, over ice or combined right into a cocktail. Gran Coramino, $60+
10. Clase Azul, $137+
Clase Azul wins for the packaging alone. Every tequila decanter is hand made by indigenous artisans in a small village in Mexico who create stunning patterns on the ceramic floor of every bottle. What’s contained in the decanters is fairly neat too: Clase Azul presents a wide range of top-notch tequilas, together with reposado, añejo and gold varieties. That is one tequila model you’ll wish to show prominently in your bar cart—and savor each final drop of! Clase Azul, $137+
11. Casa Dragones, $70+
Casa Dragones is a small-batch tequila producer that crafts a number of the smoothest tequilas in the marketplace. They’re produced from 100% blue agave and are meant for sipping. Select from blanco, añejo, reposado and extra. The feminine-owned and led model was co-founded by CEO Bertha González Nieves, the primary feminine maestra tequilera licensed by the Mexican Academy of Tequila Tasters. All of Casa Dragones’ tequilas are made in small batches utilizing a sustainable manufacturing methodology. Casa Dragones, $70+
12. Casa Noble, $45+
Most tequilas are aged in American oak, however Casa Noble is completely different. Their tequilas are aged in toasted French oak for a refined and chic taste. What’s extra, they have been one of many first manufacturers to make use of licensed natural agave, they usually’re dedicated to doing good for the atmosphere. (They even make their very own compost!) Select from blanco, reposado and añejo for sipping solo or creating unbelievable cocktails. Casa Noble, $45+
13. Jose Cuervo, $26+
There’s a cause why that is the best-selling tequila on the earth. It’s inexpensive, accessible and goes down straightforward. Jose Cuervo has been within the tequila sport for greater than 250 years and was really the primary tequila model to bottle the spirit individually. And legend has it, the primary margarita ever made featured Jose Cuervo. The model presents blanco, reposado and añejo varieties in addition to pre-made margaritas, mixes and canned cocktails. Jose Cuervo, $26+
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14. Tequila Fortaleza, $47+
Searching for the most effective sipping tequila? “Fortaleza Blanco, Reposado and Añejo are all improbable sipping tequilas from the Los Valles area,” says Lavenue. “This unbelievable distillate options notes of olives, herbs, earth and grass. It really is a paragon of the subregion and does not get a lot better given its worth level.” Tequila Fortaleza, $47+
15. Hornitos, $29+
One of many prime 5 promoting tequilas on the earth, Hornitos is a premium tequila model crafted with 100% blue agave. The model has been round since 1950. Founder Don Francisco modified the tequila course of ceaselessly as he was the primary particular person to cook dinner agave in little ovens. (ICYMI, Hornitos means “little ovens” in Spanish!) Whether or not you like blanco, reposado or añejo tequila, Hornitos has one thing for you of their strong lineup. Hornitos, $29+
16. Teremana Tequila, $35+
Based by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Teremana Tequila crafts their tequilas in a small Mexican city up within the highest peaks of the Jalisco Highlands. They roast their agave in brick ovens for 3 days earlier than shredding it to extract the juices for fermentation, after which they distill the tequila in handmade copper pot stills made by an area artisan. The result’s a clear, easy tequila. We will odor what The Rock’s consuming, and it’s good! Teremana Tequila, $35+
17. El Cristiano Tequila, $48+
El Cristiano Tequila handcrafts sustainable, additive-free and gluten-free tequilas with solely the best aged Weber blue agave from the Jalisco Highlands. From their signature silver and reposado tequilas to their ultra-premium further añejo, you’re positive to like these award-winning spirits for his or her style and high quality. El Cristiano Tequila, $48+
18. Dulce Vida, $28+
All of Dulce Vida’s tequilas are handcrafted in small batches, made with 100% blue agave and aged in American oak whiskey barrels for a refreshing taste and easy end. Whether or not you resolve to sip Dulce Vida’s blanco, reposado or añejo neat or embrace them in your favourite cocktails, you’ll be sure you take pleasure in their pure style. Dulce Vida, $28+
19. Tears of Llorona, $285
This uncommon, handcrafted further añejo is a fancy sipping spirit with layers of taste to unravel. It’s aged in a sequence of Islay Scotch, Spanish brandy and Spanish sherry oak barrels for 5 years earlier than being blended by the model’s grasp distiller. Due to how time-consuming it’s to create (and the way hands-on the distilling and growing old processes are), it’s launched in very small batches and comes with a big price ticket—however the wonderful style makes it well worth the splurge! Tears of Llorona, $285
20. Sauza, $20+
Sauza clocks in because the ninth best-selling tequila model on the earth—and for good cause. They’re some of the inexpensive tequila manufacturers and supply silver, gold and añejo varieties to swimsuit any style. Sauza crafts all of their tequilas utilizing a course of often called mild extraction, which entails utilizing the nectar of pure Weber blue agave and cooking the juices after they’ve been extracted from the piña. This ensures the freshest agave taste—and you may inform. Sauza, $20+
21. Cenote Tequila, $41+
Cenote is an ultra-premium tequila impressed by the fantastic thing about the Yucatan Peninsula. In actual fact, the model is known as for the breathtaking underground water techniques which can be distinctive to this area. All of Cenote’s tequilas (the road contains blanco, reposado, añejo and cristalino) are diligently crafted by the model’s grasp distiller and grasp blender. Cenote Tequila, $41+
22. Olmeca Altos, $28+
Olmeca Altos’ tequilas are produced from 100% blue agave grown in Los Altos, the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Their agave is slow-cooked in brick ovens after which distilled in copper. They provide three basic choices: blanco, reposado and añejo. Their reposado and añejo tequilas are aged in ex-bourbon barrels for that easy style you realize and love. Olmeca Altos has gained fairly just a few awards over time and are worthy of a spot in your bar cart. Olmeca Altos, $28+
23. Tequila Bribón, $26+
Tequila Bribón is the results of a two-year mission to supply high-quality tequila that appeals to newbies and aficionados alike. The blanco, reposado and añejo spirits have been created by Palm Bay Worldwide, in partnership with Casa Don Roberto, utilizing absolutely matured agaves which have been harvested by hand. The flavors are advanced and complicated whereas nonetheless being approachable and simple to drink. Tequila Bribón, $26+
24. El Jimador, $21+
In case you’re on the lookout for a budget-friendly tequila that tastes prefer it prices far more, then look no additional than El Jimador. One of many top-selling manufacturers on the earth (it clocks in at sixth!), El Jimador’s tequilas are produced from 100% Weber blue agave with no fillers or added colours. What you get is pure taste that’s good for sipping or including to cocktails. El Jimador, $21+
25. Mijenta Tequila, $43+
This award-winning, additive-free, sustainable tequila model is the one one to earn B Corp certification. It was based by Ana María Romero Mena, who grew up in Mexico Metropolis and began her profession in tequila greater than 30 years in the past. From blanco to reposado to añejo, all of Mijenta’s tequilas are produced with the utmost take care of distinctive taste. Mijenta Tequila, $43+
26. Eterno Verano, $52+
Eterno Verano, which suggests “limitless summer season” in Spanish, was impressed by the 1966 film The Infinite Summer season. The model founders needed to recreate the sense of wanderlust skilled by the surfers within the film. The result’s a group of blanco, reposado and añejo spirits which can be produced from 100% blue agave and completely seize summer season in a bottle. Eterno Verano, $52+
