What Is The Best Top Shelf Tequila

Best High Proof: Herradura Directo De Alambique

Region: Jalisco, Mexico | ABV: 55% | Tasting Notes: Herbs, Olive oil, Citrus

While most tequila is bottled at 80 proof, there are other options with a higher ABV. One comes from Herradura, a tequila brand owned by beverage giant Brown-Forman. This unaged tequila clocks in at 110 proof, so make sure you are drinking responsibly.

silver tequila has a delicious cooked agave flavor that I enjoy very much, says Holguin. In this expression, the notes are complemented by pepper and herbal flavors, with a slight burn from the higher ABV.

Region: Jalisco, Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Orange flower blossom, Vanilla, Cinnamon

Wine barrel aging is a technique used by a few tequila brands, including Código 1530. The aged expressions are matured in Napa Valley French oak wine barrels, with the Rosa spending just one month picking up flavors and its comely pink hue. Fermented using a yeast sourced from a small family bakery in the town of Amatitán, the Rosa offers bright agave notes up front before finishing with an unmistakable hint of the cabernet sauvignon that previously occupied the barrels.

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

Where Does Tequila Come From

Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant, and it only comes from Mexico. To be called Tequila, by law, it must come from one of five Mexican states: Jalisco , Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacán or Tamaulipas.

There are other spirits distilled from agave, but those are called either Mezcal or Destilado de Agave. Similar to the rule in the US for bourbon whiskey, all Tequilas are Mezcals, but not all Mezcals are Tequila. The oldest Tequila distillery is Grupo José Cuervo, which distills the famous José Cuervo Tequila, founded in 1758.

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What Is Considered Top

Best TopShelf: Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Añejo Tequila

Considered the best of any brands portfolio, añejos are higher priced and typically reserved for high-end cocktails or sipping straight. The blue agave is estate-grown, and the tequila is aged for 14 to 24 months in American and French oak barrels.

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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A Solid Tequila Is The First Step Toward A Stellar Marg

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Liquors / Chloe Jeong

The is a classic and simple cocktail comprising a few ingredients: lime juice, a sweetener , and tequila. This last component is by far the most important, and luckily, we are awash in options.

There are excellent tequilas from brands using traditional methods such as brick oven cooking and tahona milling, as well as distilleries using modern technology like diffusers. While blanco, minimally or unaged tequila, is traditionally the bottle of choice for a Margarita, aged expressions such as reposado can be employed as well, and sometimes a high-proof offering is the key to a killer cocktail. Here are the best tequilas for making Margaritas all year long.

Tequila Is The Intellectual Property Of Mexico: True

In fact, its illegal for other countries besides Mexico to sell tequila. In 1974, the Mexican government declared the term tequila the intellectual property of Mexico. Mexican law requires tequila to be produced only in certain regions of the country. Tequila sold outside Mexico is technically a mezcal or a mixto.

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Which Tequila Is Best

• Best Overall: Tequila Ocho Plata.
• Best Blanco: Don Fulano Blanco.
• Best Reposado: Siete Leguas Reposado.
• Best Añejo: Don Julio Añejo.
• Best Extra Añejo: Gran Patrón Burdeos.
• Best Valley: Fortaleza Blanco.
• Best for Beginners: Casamigos Blanco.
• Best Splurge: Don Ramón Limited Edition Extra Añejo.

What Are The Different Types Of Tequila

“The difference between blanco, añejo, and reposado is the aging process, describes Dylan Alpaugh, the general manager of Sophia’s Lounge. Blanco tequilas are unaged and come out clear. Reposado tequilas are aged in white oak bottles for a period of two months to a year, imparting a slight yellowish-brown color. Añejo tequilas are aged in white oak barrels for a period of one to three years, imparting a rich brown color to the tequila.

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Frequently Asked Questions Best Tequilas

If You Want To Mix Up Some Quality Tequila Cocktails At Home Or Are Looking For An Affordable Bottle That Still Tastes Good Youre In The Right Place

We asked nine bartenders from across the country about their picks for the best well tequila. Take their advice the next time youre shopping for the agave spirit.

Exotico Blanco Tequila

We offer one thats slightly upscale to your basic well. Exotico, the San Francisco World Spirit Competition Gold Medal Winner in 2016, is made with 100 percent Blue Weber agave. It tastes good, yet not too strong to overpower a good . Maggie Canfield and Chase Mendoza, Red Dunn Kitchen

Exotico Blanco Tequila

Casamigos Blanco

My go-to is Casamigos Blanco. While it costs a little more than most wells, the quality and taste is amazing for the price, and my guests are always impressed that theyre getting a top-shelf brand as a standard. Ive never had anyone refuse it when they see what Im pouring. Nico Szymanski, Mr. Purple

Casamigos Blanco

Lunazul Blanco

Lunazul Blanco has my vote. Its bright and round with a balanced, fresh agave finish that makes it perfect for utilizing in cocktails. Sally Gatza, L.A. Jackson

I like Lunazul Blanco. Its 100 percent Blue Agave without neutral grain spirit additives. Its also unaged and a nice 80 proof, which makes it easily mixable. And the price point is great, too, at around $20 or less for a bottle. Joshua Pike, 8UP

Lunazul Blanco

Tequila Cimarrón Blanco

Cimarrón Blanco

Espolòn Blanco

Espolòn Blanco

Tequila Arette Suave Blanco

Tequila Arette Suave Blanco

el Jimador Silver

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What Are The Most Effective Top Shelf Tequilas

A device that accommodates a wide range of variables is vital for a business like yours that handles varying sizes, weights, heights, and so on. Although it is small and cheap, the product is of quality despite its size and price.

With top shelf tequilas, today’s office tasks can be performed in many ways.

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

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Best Highlands: Tequila Chamucos Reposado

Courtesy of Total Wine

Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: White flowers, Stone fruit, Sea salt

Though other expressions have since been added, Tequila Chamucos was founded in 1994 as a reposado-only, so you can be sure that its producers are dedicated to the style.

Made with organic, high-mountain agave cooked in a brick oven and distilled in a stainless steel alembic still, it is triple-filtered and then aged in both American and French oak barrels. All of that renders one smooth sip. Floral on the nose, it has the bittersweet fruitiness and briny undertones to keep you coming back for more.

Whats In A Top Shelf Margarita

Top shelf implies the best of the best, but you also dont want to break the bank. So keep in mind your budget.

If youre going all-in on the best, you should use the best orange liqueur as well as making a nice homemade sour mix.

Alternatively, you can make a simple syrup and then add your own freshly squeezed lemon and/or lime juice separately.

The mainonlyingredients in a great margarita are:

• Good quality tequila, either blanco or reposado (more on that in a bit
• Good quality orange liqueur
• salted rim for your glass

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Jose Cuervo Tradicional Aejo

BEST UNDER $50

Jose Cuervo is a legacy among the best tequila brands, one that has been synonymous with the spirit for over two centuries. Although its widely known for its mixto tequila, Cuervo has some higher quality tequilas in the lineup. Its latest release in the Tradicional portfolio, Añejo combines the Cuervo family recipe with a touch of charred American oak to create a remarkably smooth tequila that might be confused for a light whiskey upon first taste. The company matures this blend for 12 months in oak barrels before spending an additional four months in Irish single malt whiskey barrels, adding unique flavors like cinnamon, caramel, and stewed figs to the tequilas already distinctive profile. Priced slightly above the $30 mark, its a fantastic value and Fathers Day gift idea thatll warm you and the big guy up any night of the year.

Whats The Best Tequila For Margaritas

Honestly, its whatever you like to drink. If you enjoy a specific tequila as a shot, use it in your margarita.

Since were talking top shelf, you want to get a good quality tequila.

You also need to decide whether you want a silver or gold tequila. I prefer silver, so thats why I went with the Camarena, but feel free to use either.

Blanco tequila is unaged and has the mildest flavor profile, making it great for cocktails.

Reposado is aged for up to 3 months in barrels, so it takes on a gold-ish color and has a bit more flavor than silver.

For margarita purposes, I would stay away from añejo, which is aged from 1-3 years, because that is really meant to be sipped straight, and the nuances would be lost in a cocktail.

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Clase Azul Reposado Tequila

Drizly

If Casamigos is what you serve at your party, Clase Azul is what you break out for the select few invited to stick around after the crowd leaves. This may be one of the priciest options on our list, but this top-shelf tequila is worth the premium price. Clase Azuls tequila comes in this instantly recognizable bottle, which you see on the top shelf of high-end bars and restaurants. At over $100, this is a true premium spirit, with a bottle and flavor profile worthy of its price.

Made from blue agave plants in Mexico, Clase Azul Reposado Tequila features notes of spice, cream soda, apple cider, jasmine, cinnamon and honey. The bottles, meantime, are like a work of art, inspired by traditional Mexican colors and motifs. Each bottle is hand-crafted and hand-painted, so no two are alike, making Clase Azul a great gift idea as well.

How Is Tequila Different From Mezcal

Mezcal is sometimes referred to as tequilas smoky cousinbut you may be surprised to learn that tequila is actually a type of mezcal. Technically speaking, mezcal is any distillate of the agave plant produced in Mexico, and tequila certainly meets those qualifications. There are important distinctions, though: to be called tequila, the spirit in question must be made in one of five specific Mexican states , and must be made exclusively from the blue Weber variety of agave. Meanwhile, the term mezcal refers to an agave distillate made from one of nine specific Mexican states , which may be made from dozens of different agave varietieseither as a single-variety expression or as a blend. While mezcals will vary greatly in flavor profile based on agave variety and geographical origin, its not uncommon for them to have a characteristic roasty flavor from the time the agave spends roasting underground.

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Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon

“I’ve been saying for years that there’s no better bourbon for an old fashioned than Elijah Craig, and among the Elijah Craig line there’s really no better option than the Toasted Barrel. It takes your old fashioned to the next level, and is, of course, simply incredible on its own or over a large ice cube,” advised Morgenthaler. If you’re a whiskey drinker, consider picking up more than one bottle of this twice-barreled expression, as you’ll likely go through it more quickly than you might expect .

To buy: caskers.com, $140

Buying A Top Shelf Tequila Should I Take Anything Into Consideration

It is my first time purchasing a top shelf tequila. Should I consider a specific brand? It is also very helpful to know the first top shelf tequila value! Thanks for your kind words!

Consider carefully before buying a top shelf tequila. You should nevertheless do some online research before choosing top shelf tequilas, even though you’re asking here. You can find here a reasonably detailed description of your request.

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Take A Sip Of This Iconic Mexican Spirit

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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.

Liquor / Chloe Jeong

Every spirit has its “moment”sometimes more than onceand just like whiskey in the pre-prohibition era, rum in the midcentury tiki craze, and vodka in the swingin’ sixties and seventies, tequila is currently the darling of the spirits world. Nutrition consultants saddle it with various health claims , and it seems like every day that yet another celebrity is launching a new tequila brand. However, to longtime aficionados like Grover and Scarlet Sanschagrin, the Jalisco-based founders of the website Tequila Matchmaker, there’s something to be said for the old, artisan production methods and for the flavors they yield: herbs, spices, and the briny, bittersweet signature of agave.

But the sheer volume of tequila brands currently competing for shelf space means that there’s truly a bottle out there for every consumer. The Consejo Regulador del Tequila, the spirits regulatory body, lists 1,754 tequilas currently in productionand these include bottles labeled blanco , reposado , añejo , and several other increasingly esoteric categories. Whether you like your tequila neat or mixed with cocktails, here are the best tequilas available today.

Is Tequila Stronger Than Vodka

Tequila must have an ABV content of 35% to 55%, whilst vodka can be as strong as it likes as long as its over 40% to be sold in America. In terms of taste, the strength of the drink is determined by how you drink it. As most people drink tequila neat or as a shot, some would argue that tequila is the stronger liquor.

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