First Lets Start With Reading The Label
1) Type : Blanco, Gold, Reposado, Añejo, Extra-Añejo, Reserva de Casa .
2) Purity: If the label does not say 100% agave one way or another, the tequila youre looking at is really a mixto.
3) NOM: Refers to the distillers registration number. All tequila labels are required to have a NOM. Warning: The NOM does not indicate quality.
4) CRT: CRT is an indication that the Tequila Regulatory Council has certified the product. Although not a guarantee of quality, this serves as proof that youre holding a legit tequila.
5) Hecho en Mexico: This simply means Made in Mexico. Hecho a mano means handmade and, though not an official term, usually indicates traditional production processes.
6) DOT: Denomination or origin number. This indicates compliance with Mexican regulations. Not required on all labels.
7) Brand Name: Brand name doesnt always indicate who makes the product. Many distilleries produce multiple brands.
8) Alcohol Content: How much punch is this tequila packing? Tequilas in Mexico are usually 38 to 40% alcohol by volume .
So there you have it. With this information, youre ready to pick out the right reposado for your tastes.
Best For Palomas: Siembra Valles High Proof
Courtesy of TequilaConnection
Region: Jalisco, Mexico | ABV: 46% | Tasting Notes: Licorice, Black pepper, Freshly-cut grass
Siembra Valles boasts a formidable line of classically-produced tequilas, but their high-proof offering is particularly excellent in cocktailsespecially citrus-forward drinks like the paloma. This boldly-flavored tequila is produced very traditionally, with the agave cooked in brick ovens, the crushing being done via tahona, and the fermentation taking place with the bagasse , which adds richness and complexity. Finally, double-distillation in copper stills yields a delicious spirit that’s bottled at a robust 46 percent ABV. Use this in your next paloma, and you’ll be able to look forward to assertive notes of black pepper, citrus, licorice, and freshly-cut grass intermingling perfectly with the grapefruit and lime in your glass.
Region: Jalisco, Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Pine, Lavender, Vanilla
The Best Tequilas For 2021 Are:
- Best overall G4 Blanco: £40.69, Coolchile.co.uk
- Best for whisky lovers Storywood speyside 14 añejo: £47.99, Storywoodtequila.com
- Best bargain El Jimador blanco: £26.35, Masterofmalt.com
- Best sipping blanco Mijenta Blanco: £49.95, Thewhiskyexchange.com
- Best for richer cocktails Cazcabel Reposado: £26.44, Masterofmalt.com
- Best for T& Ts El Rayo plata: £33.23, Masterofmalt.com
- Best for tequila sceptics 1800 Cristalino tequila: £46.85, Masterofmalt.com
- Best classic reposado Herradura reposado: £43.63, Masterofmalt.com
- Best traditional blanco Tapatio blanco: £25.12,
- Best for sweet tooths Padre Azul añejo: £107.95, Masterofmalt.com
- Best for summery drinking Código rosa: £49.95, Masterofmalt.com
- Best low-key celeb tequila AquaRiva reposado: £28.95, Thewhiskyexchange.com
- Best for Instagramming Vivir blanco: £34.95, Masterofmalt.com
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How To Choose The Best Tequila For You
The name tequila is protected, so all brands and types come from Mexico. The spirit is mostly produced in the area surrounding the actual city of Tequila, and in the highlands of the central-western Mexican state of Jalisco. Here, the blue agave plant needs at least eight years to mature, after which harvesters extract the piña from the plants core, stripping it of its leaves before distilling it.
What types of tequila are there?
There are four main types:
Blanco a white-coloured spirit, bottled or stored straight after distillation or aged less than two months in stainless steel or oak barrels.
Reposado literally, a rested tequila, which has been aged in oak barrels for between two and 12 months.
Añejo is aged tequila. This stays in the barrels for longer generally between one and three years and the barrels themselves are smaller, which adds to the flavour.
Extra añejo tequilas that remain in the barrel for at least three years.
The different tastes are quite distinctive. With blanco, the agave flavours tend to be more intense, while reposado or añejo are usually smoother, mellower and more complex and just like other spirits aged in casks, they can take on the flavours of the wood.
How do I know it’s tequila?
Look for 100% agave tequila printed on the bottle label. This designation is only allowed to appear on bottles containing tequila that have no added sugars. When sugar get added to the fermentation tank, the tequila style is called a mixto.
What Is The Best Tequila
Our editors have reviewed dozens of tequila brands over the last year, to come up with some of our favorite bottles, based on taste profile, uniqueness and value. And while there are a number of tequila brands that have launched in recent months , this list runs the gamut from tried-and-true brands, to limited-edition releases that youll be smart to pick up if you see them available online.
Whether you want to sip on something smooth or just want to upgrade your margarita, here are 15 tequilas you can buy online and get delivered to your door in time for your next happy hour, dinner or party.
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El Rayo Reposado: Best Mild Reposado Tequila
Price: £37 | Buy now from Master of Malt
This reposado tequila is just the ticket for anyone who wants a wonderfully smooth and equally mild drinking experience. El Rayo Reposado has a very subtle sweetness when first sipped, which quickly turns into a mild spiciness on the finish. Its made from 100% Blue Weber Agave and is distilled in 105-year-old copper stills, before being matured for seven months in whisky casks.
This shorter maturing process is what gives this tequila its lovely mildness, but it does mean the flavour is somewhat lost when used in cocktails. This one shines brightest on its own. So if you want something that packs a bit more punch, we suggest choosing an añejo tequila instead.
Key specs Alcohol content: 40% Bottle size: 70cl Type: Reposado
Don Julio Reposado Double Cask
- Country of Origin: Mexico
- Region: Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco
- Age: Reposado
- Casking: American & Ex-Scotch Whisky Oak
- ABV: 40%
Since Don Julio launched its limited-edition double cask range, it has produced some fascinating combinations. On this occasion, it consists of finishing tequila that was aged in American white oak barrels with ex-Scotch whisky casks that were first used by Buchanan.
As a result, it offers deep flavours of chocolate malt with hints of peat while revealing tropical fruit and spices. Overall, an original and tantalising tequila to try!
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Tequila Ocho Plata 2017 Single Estate Los Patos
As mentioned previously in this article, Carlos Camarena of El Tesoro is a legendary tequila maker, which is why Tomas Estes enlisted him as a partner on Tequila Ocho. Estes wanted the best, so he teamed with the best. Tequila Ocho Plata 2017 Single Estate Los Patos smells of peaches, bananas, lemongrass and straw. The list of flavors in the mix includes chamomile, rosemary, peppermint, avocado and green olives. It opens and develops in the glass like a fine wine.
Don Julio Blanco Tequila
BEST FOR ROUNDS AT THE BAR
Don Julio is a terrific heritage brand that creates smooth, tasty and not too exorbitantly priced tequilas, making Blanco a perfect choice when buying a round for your compadres at the local pub. Blanco has a clean finish that allows it to go down easy so that no one will be wincing. Its blend is also notable, especially for a tequila priced under $50, highlighted by pure agave and notes of citrus like lemon, lime and grapefruit. You can enjoy it regularly on the rocks, while out at dinner, or your favorite bar. And nearly every restaurant and bar has it. Take our advice and pair it with a clam bake or lobster roll.
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Best Tequila Brands To Bring Back To The Us
Searching for the best bottle of tequila in the town of Tequila is not an easy feat. After all, there are a whole lot of brands that are vying for the top spot. For example, Cierto Tequila received two gold medals at the 2021 Europe Wine & Spirits Competition, and with good reason.
They only use 100% natural great agave raised in the highlands of Jalisco. The world recognizes this brand as the worlds finest tequilaof today. That said, it is always a good idea to look at a list of options to consider as a great tequila brand to bring back to the United States. So lets take a look.
What Types Of Tequila Are There
While tequila itself is technically a form of mezcal, there are three main types of agave tequila that you ought to familiarise yourself with before you delve into the world of blue agave-based spirits: blanco, reposado and añejo. Essentially this refers to how long the tequila has been aged for and can also be described as unaged, rested and aged.
Blanco tequila is unaged, meaning that after the distilling process the tequila will be bottled pretty much immediately or aged very briefly.
Reposado tequila is normally aged for a period of two months to a year in barrels . These tend to have a more intense flavour.
Añejo tequila is aged for much longer, often at least three years. It tends to have a much richer, more amber colour and a stronger flavour.
The type you choose depends on your personal taste and, sometimes, what kind of drink youre trying to whip up , but any tequila worth its salt should taste just as good with tonic as it does in a margarita. Yes, you read that right. Tequila and tonic: its delicious and you should try it.
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There’s A Great Tequila For Every Taste And Budget
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
Whether you enjoy tequila shots or want to mix up a great , todays tequila market offers many excellent choices. Blanco tequilas are the most versatile and often preferred because they cost less, while the aged tequilasreposado and añejoare a nice upgrade worthy of the occasional splurge. For most styles, the best tequilas include the words “100 percent Blue Weber Agave” on the label, and you will pay a little extra for premium brands, but the majority of these are relatively affordable.
That means there’s no need to hesitate about mixing any of these best tequilas into your favorite cocktails.
Casamigos Tequila is a perfect introduction to premium tequilas. The portfolio follows the basic grading system for tequilas, which is standard for most brands and includes a blanco, reposado, and añejo tequila.
Bottle Size: 750 milliliters | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, citrus, cream | ABV: 40% | Region: Jalisco
Which Is Better Don Julio Or Patrn
Don Julio Blanco is the best tequila, even when compared to Patron Silver. It has a lemon, grapefruit, and agave aroma that you can drink neat or on the rocks. On the other hand, Patron silver smells pleasant because of the agaves scent, but it lacks depth and taste complexity compared to the Don Julio Blanco.
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Best Tequilas For A Fun Filled Fiesta
If you want a fun-filled fiesta, you need to get your hands on the best tequila you can find. From the traditional Mexican flavours to the more American-ised attempts, tequila brands have amassed a wild reputation for delicious and dramatic drops. For most mezcal-sippers, there is almost too many to choose from, but luckily enough, weve done the heavy drinking lifting for you.
If youre looking for something a little more Caribbean, why not check out the best rum brands?
Best Overall: Fuenteseca Cosecha 2018
Region: Jalisco, Mexico | ABV: 45.7% | Tasting Notes: Cinnamon, Olive, Brine
This tequila is a cult favorite among experts, as Yana Volfson, the beverage manager at Cosme and ATLA restaurants in New York, calls it beautiful. Enrique Fuenteseca, the farmer and distiller behind the bottle, chooses the ripest agave in his own estate, subjects the piñas to the autoclave-and-roller mill treatment, and lets the pot-distilled spirit rest in stainless steel tanks afterward for three years. The resulting blanco, says Grover Sanschagrin, is super heavy on the cinnamon, olive, and brine notesits just amazing. Perfect for tequila aficionados, the limited-production Fuenteseca Cosecha 2013 is a worthy collectible.
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Rooster Rojo Blanco Tequila
Tequila from the town of Tequila itself. This bottle comes from the Fabrica de Tequilas Finos distillery, a producer of many fine spirits. Rooster Rojo blanco is the brainchild of esteemed master distiller, Arturo Fuentes Cortes. It’s full of herbaceous and citrus flavours, sparked to life by fiery pepper. Read our full Rooster Rojo blanco tequila review.
Available from:
Where And How Is The Best Tequila Made
There are a lot of specific rules and guidelines governing where, how, and from what tequila is made. Heres what you need to know:
- Most tequila is 38% to 40% ABV serious business. Drink with caution.
- Tequila is a type of mezcal. The regions of production of the two drinks are overlapping. The distinction is that tequila must use only blue agave rather than any type of agave.
- More than 300 million blue agave plants are harvested each year.
- Tequila was first exported to the United States in the late 19th century.
- Tequila is made primarily in areas near and around the city of wait for it Tequila, Mexico. Its also made northwest of Guadalajara, and in the Jaliscan Highlands of the central western Mexican state of Jalisco.
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Tequila Ley 925 Ultra
The Brand: This tequila is made of 100% Agave, which local farmers handpick. It is crafted to perfection with a high standard at par with the production standards of Mexicos oldest distillery. This brand does not contain artificial colouring or flavours. It cost up to $225,000 at its peak, but you can always get the product for as low as $3500.
To Know: For one thing, it can be served as both straight up and on rocks.
The Top Of The Range Tequilas Selection
How are tequilas selected on Bestwine Online?
Bestwine Online references the tequilas from the wine list and wine cellar of the most well-known gastronomic restaurants in the world. References recommended by the chefs and sommeliers acclaimed by the critics. Only the references of tequilas sold online are proposed, to enable you to buy them easily.
How are the reference lists of the best tequilas updated?
The reference lists of tequilas are updated daily by incorporating the new references from the wine menus of gastronomic restaurants at our disposal. In the same way, we renew our offers and promotions so that you may buy the best quality tequila at the best price. We promise to only propose references on the wine list of prize-winning gastronomic restaurants.
Why choose a reference of tequila via Bestwine Online?
The chefs and sommeliers of gastronomic restaurants are the guarantees of gastronomic excellence by offering the best products, food and drink in their restaurants. Naturally, chefs and wine waiters of these great restaurants only propose the finest tequilas.
Why buy your tequilas through Bestwine Online?
Bestwine Online, commits itself to referencing the best tequilas and to guiding you to the most attractive offers online in order to buy them at the best price. A good tip for tequilas at a real bargain!
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El Jimador Blanco Tequila
Despite being one of the more affordable brands on the market, El Jimador uses only 100% agave in all of its tequilas. Its also the best-selling tequila in Mexico right now. El Jimadors silver tequila is unquestionably a strong choice for a budget tequila that doesnt skimp on taste or authenticity.
Its an all-around successful bottle that sells for around $20. Its a crisp tequila with citrous flavours, fruity and spicy notes, and herbaceous notes.
Expect a spicy finish that is warming but not overpowering. This tequila is well-known, having received over 22 awards in the last decade.
Best Aejo: Don Julio Aejo
Courtesy of Reserve Bar
Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Caramel, Baked yam, Ginger
Don Julio, Chasse notes, takes care of its raw materials. When the producers were planting their fields, they used much more land than other producers and spaced the agave out so as not to overtax the soil and sap it of its nutrients. Thats important when the plants take so long to come to maturity, and it leads to some lively flavors in the spirit.
Hurley notes the baked yam, toasted oak, caramel and vanilla notes that two and a half years of wood aging give this añejo. But its round, sweet qualities are balanced out, says Chasse, by a gingery, peppery spice.
Good to Know: Want to nibble while you sip? Try fatty things with a crisp blanco, like guacamole and chips, a grilled steak and carnitas tacos. For aged tequilas, Hurley advises dark chocolate. And any sipping tequila goes great with spicy or salty foods, chased by a Mexican lagerjust the way the distillers like to drink it themselves.
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