Casamigos Reposado Tequila: Best Sweet Tequila
Price: £50 |
The brainchild of George Clooney and Rande Gerber, friends who could never find a tequila quite good enough to serve in their Mexican homes, this is a spirit that has unsurprisingly attracted a lot of publicity. So is it really worth the hype? Absolutely, especially if you like your tequila on the sweeter side, with vanilla and caramel coming through on both the nose and pallet, balanced with spice and tobacco.
Aged for seven months in previously used whisky barrels, we can confirm there is absolutely no burn, although we were less convinced by their blanco tequila, which we found disappointingly unsophisticated for the price. Drink neat, on the rocks or mix in a cocktail.
Key specs Alcohol content: 40% Bottle size: 70cl Type: Reposado
Don Julio 1942 Aejo Tequila
- Country of Origin: Mexico
- Region: Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco
- Age: Añejo
- Casking: American Oak
Don Julios 1942 blend pays tribute to the founder by being named after the year he started distilling tequila when he was just 17 years old. Made in small batches with copper pot stills, its a distinguished specimen of tequila.
After no less than two and a half years of ageing, it delivers a sweet and complex bouquet, which reveals spicy notes of oak, pepper, and cinnamon.
“An exceptional tequila delivering rich and complex notes that will provide you with a new perspective on Mexico’s beverage.”
Asombroso Reserva Del Porto: $2800
For the Del Porto ultra-premium tequila Ricardo traveled to Portugal where he purchased barrels from one of the finest port wineries. Bringing them back to Mexico, he rested a cache of 11-year tequila. To create our unique Double Barrel reposado we learned it is extremely important to periodically taste the rested tequila until the desired complexity and smoothness is reached. Priced at $2,800 it is certainly one to keep in the drink cabinet for a rainy day.
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These Are The 20 Most Expensive Tequilas In The World
Patron
Americas favorite spirit, tequila, originates from the region of Jalisco, North of Guadalajara in Mexico. It is an old alcoholic drink that is made from the blue agave plant, and it was first introduced in 16th century Mexico near the city of Tequila.
There are a few fun facts that you should know about this beloved spirit. Up until not that long ago, Tequila was considered a workers drink. Since it was distilled for less than 18 months it made a great mixing base.
The longer tequila is aged the higher quality spirit you get, and the darker color means richer in flavour. Contrary to popular belief, great quality Tequila is best enjoyed by sipping it slowly to take in its full flavor.
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Are All Tequilas Made Of 100 Percent Blue Weber Agave
Nearly all premium tequilas are made entirely from blue Weber agave , but there’s another category of tequila called “mixto” in which blue Weber agave need only compose 51 percent of the spirit. Producers utilize various types of sugar to make up the remaining percentage, including high fructose corn syrup and molassesalthough sometimes a lightly processed Mexican cane sugar known as piloncillo is what’s used. If your bottle doesn’t indicate on the label that it’s made from 100 percent agaveand if the price is on the lower end of the spectrumthere’s a good chance that you’re dealing with a mixto. While less expensive, these tequilas don’t reflect a historically anthentic approach to the composition of the spirit.
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Gran Patrn Burdeos Tequila $510
Patrón is one of the most well-known tequilas in the world, and the brands unique and diverse portfolio of tequilas makes it stand out. Gran Patrón Burdeos is one if its finest. It is an añejo tequila that is finished in Bordeaux wine barrels, hence its deep, rich hue, and has notes of oak, vanilla and raisins with a smooth and velvety finish. While this is one of Patróns staple bottles and isnt considered limited-edition, Patrón has plenty of ultra-luxury collaborations, Patrón en Lalique being one of them. patrontequila.com
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. That alone warrants its credibility. 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 an amazing value and Fathers Day gift idea thatll warm you and the big guy up any night of the year.
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How Popular Is Tequila Right Now
Good question. Lets look at the stats, shall we?
Nielsens research shows spirits sales have increased across the board during Spring 2020, with tequila sales growing especially fast. Sales of this spirit have risen by 55% during the recent COVID-19 outbreak. Cinco de Mayo likely played a major factor as well, with alcohol E-commerce platforms like Drizly reporting massive increases in tequila sales. Drizly representatives told SPY that tequila sales on the platform grew by an incredibly 882% over the last few months. Even after Cinco de Mayo, interest remains steady, with the online retailer reporting 546% growth in deliveries during the week of 5/18/2020.
Tequila Is Just For Shots: False
Tequila shots, with salt and a lime wedge, are part of our collective drinking unconscious. So much so, it feels like theres no other way to enjoy tequila.But expert bartenders say that you should allow the flavors of your tequila to open up, like a fine wine or scotch. Its much more common in Mexico to sip your tequila slowly the shot with lime and salt is primarily an American practice.
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El Jimador Reposado Tequila
El Jimador Reposado is well known for its exquisite golden tone, warm seasoned flavors, and a smooth and confident agave flavor that really shines through. This tequila starts its journey with 100% hand-harvested blue Weber agave, which is naturally fermented and double distilled to let you taste the ultimate purity with no unpleasantness added.
The tequilas aroma is rich with vanilla, toasted wood, fruits, spices, and cooked agave. El Jimador Reposado stays within handmade American oak barrels for two months to achieve its signature flavor, which contains a combination of spice, fruit, vanilla, wood, and subtle toasted hazelnuts.
If you want to create a superb-tasting and classy margarita, try the El Jimador Reposado tequila. This is one of the best tequila for margarita across the globe.
Cdigo 1530 Rosa Tequila
Drizly
Smooth and delicate, Código 1530s Rosa Tequila makes for perfect after-work sipping, or used in a hand-crafted cocktail. Produced using the tequila-making traditions of the Los Bajos region and its tequilieras, the tequila is meticulously aged inFrench White Oakred wine barrels from Napa Valley. That gives the Rosa a subtle pink hue, and a sweet yet dry finish.
Country singer George Strait is an investor in the brand, and even wrote a song inspired by the tequila off his 2019 album, Honkey Tonk Time Machine.
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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.
Exotico Blanco 100% Agave Tequila
Exotico Tequila Blanco is one of the best solutions if you are looking for an affordable bottle, providing excellent value in taste and flavor.
Furthermore, it is a premium and unaged spirit made from 100% blue agavesurprisingly outstanding for its price range.
If you want to make a delicious margarita for cheap, this is the best tequila for you. It is perfectly transparent and crisp Blanco with spicy undertones and a robust taste of fresh agave, hints of pepper, and herbal notes.
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Best Organic: 123 Tequila Aejo
This new-to-market certified organic tequila comes from the lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico, and is produced from hand-harvested agave plants. Eighteen months of aging in white oak barrels add length and complexity to the spirit, which bursts with warming flavors of chocolate, baking spice and maple. 123 Tequila even uses recycled materials and natural soy ink to create its labels. This is sustainable sipping in one of its finest forms.
For crafting cocktails at home, Hornitos offers a great bottle that won’t break the bank. This 100% agave tequila ages for one year in American white oak barrels and is loaded with delicate flavors of sweet oak, smoke, vanilla and black pepper. Perfect for mixing in , Palomas, Tequila Sours and beyond.
For a drink like an Old FashionedI do prefer the spicier, wood-driven character to add depth, says Reynolds.
Best Under $: Teremana Blanco
Courtesy of Total Wine
Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Pepper, Citrus, Earth
Leave it to The Rock to have his name behind a classy blanco, which is produced using high-mountain agave roasted in brick ovens and distilled in copper pot stills. Lynette Marrero, bar director at New Yorks Llama Inn, is a fan. Its made in the most authentic way and without any additives, she says, so its great for connoisseurs looking to sip on a serious tequila.” But, she also serves it to people wanting to learn more about the category.
She likes its clean character and wonderful flavor: The agave shines through, complemented by fragrant citrusy and earthy notes, vanilla and a hint of aromatic peppery spice.
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Tequila Category #: Tequila Blanco
Sometimes called white or silver tequila. This tequila is usually bottled right after being distilled. When the clear liquid drips from the cooling coils of the still it is whisked away to the bottling plant. There are some distillers that will allow it to rest for a few weeks before bottling but the majority of these are bottled immediately. Here are the top 10 Tequila Blancos on the market today.
Barrique De Ponciano Porfidio Tequila
At 2,000 US dollars, Barrique de Ponciano Porfidio Tequila is one of the most expensive tequilas in the world. It is a part of a limited edition series as the brand has decided to release only two thousand bottles every year to maintain its exclusive nature.
Barrique de Ponciano Porfidio Tequila was made with the help of 100% blue agave. It was distilled and redistilled so as achieve the right rich, mellow flavor and then aged for ten years inexpensive French Limousin oak barrels.
The most expensive tequila was bottled in a seventeen-inch tall artisan glass bottle that was decorated with letters made from 21-karat gold. This amber-colored intensely flavored Anejo is a hit amongst tequila enthusiasts.
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What’s The Difference Between Tequila And Mezcal
You may have heard the rumor that the spirit known as mezcal is simply a smoky version of tequila. In fact, the truth is closer to the reverse of that: the term “mezcal” refers broadly to any distillate of the agave plant produced in Mexico, so the spirit called tequila is simply one specific type of mezcal. While government regulations allow for the production of mezcal in nine different Mexican states, tequila may only be produced in five states: Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, Guanajuato, and certain parts of Tamaulipas. Addionally, while mezcal may be produced from dozens of different agave varietiesresulting in numerous distinct styles and flavor profilestequila may only be produced from the blue Weber agave.
Corralejo 1821 Extra Anejo
Corralejo is one of the few brands thats permitted to distill tequila outside of Jaliscotheyre located in the state of Guanajuato. Their bottles are also among the tallest in the tequila category, with this expression outdoing even Don Julios towering 1942 vessel. The tequila itself is noteworthy as well. Its distilled twice in copper pot stills, using the centuries-old Charentais method traditionally used to make cognac, before aging in American oak barrels for 36 months. It does have a gentle fruitiness reminiscent of a brandy, mingled with a dry herbaceousness and a surprisingly vibrant agave presence, given all that wood aging. The only problem with this tequila is finding a shelf tall enough to store the bottle.
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The 17 Most Expensive Tequilas In The World
The most expensive tequilas in the world come in a variety of shapes , flavors, and distilling processes. Some are expensive for the tequila itself, and others for the bottle in which the tequila lives in.
Most drinkers come to know tequila mixed with a multitude of other ingredients in margaritas. Some know tequila as a drink for machismo-invoking shots. But true aficionados of tequila appreciate it as a fine liquor to be enjoyed without the salt and lime that are used to hide an inferior product.
Best Cristalino: 1800 Cristalino
Region: Jalisco, Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Sweet, Smooth, Peppery
A recent innovation, cristalino is made by stripping the color from aged tequila. Its essentially a way to circumvent the steep pricing of agave due to crop shortages by using what distillers already have in stock. The 1800 Cristalino is a good bottle to uncork when drinking with non-tequila fans. Blended from 16-month-old añejo aged in American and French oak, its rested for an additional six months in former port barrels before double filtering. As youd expect, its sweet on the nose and the palate, with a luscious mouthfeel, but it finishes with some of the pepperiness that bespeaks the agave. Sip this neat or on ice.
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Best Tequila Brands 2021
www.esquire.combesttequila
- Patrón. Patrón helped to define premium tequila when it launched over a quarter century ago. Everything from the bottle design to the marketing to the higher price tag was meant to reinforce its position as a higher-end spirit, and it worked.
- Casa Noble. Casa Noble is one of several organic-certified tequila brands, but thats not why its good. No, this is good tequila because its crisp, spicy, flavorful, and very versatile.
- El Tesoro. El Tesoro has the power of Beam Suntory behind it as far as ownership, but the tequila stands strong on its own with a history dating back to the 1930s.
- Espolòn. Espolòn is an inexpensive tequila option that sips far beyond its price point with notes of agave and spice. The distillery, located in the Highlands of Jalisco, cooks the piñas in modern autoclaves instead of traditional ovens.
- Milagro. Milagro is a relatively recent addition to the tequila world, created by two friends in 1997. Apparently, they had a good amount of foresight about the future popularity of the spirit.
- Fortaleza. This is another newer brand, having entered the market just over 15 years ago in 2005, but the family behind Fortaleza claims to have close to 150 years of history in the tequila business.
Buy Your Favourite Brands of Tequila Online at the LCBO. Stock Up for the Holidays! Free Home Delivery on Orders of $250 Until Dec 15. *T& Cs Apply.
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.
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Best Overall: Tequila Ocho Plata
Courtesy of Drizly.com
Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Pepper, Citrus, Grass, Stone fruit
The beautiful story and unique process behind this tequila really help it shine, says Chasse. The family that makes Tequila Ocho Plata has been distilling for generations. They use traditional brick ovens to slow-roast extremely ripe agave, which is chosen from specific fields each year, so that the nuances of the terroir and weather come out, especially in the blanco.
It changes depending on the field and year, says Chasse, but in general, it offers crisp, clean peppery notes, bright citrus and grassy flavors, along with the fruitiness of the extra-ripe agave. The finish also offers a nice balance between floral and earthy notes.
Good to Know: How should you drink a sipping tequila? Hurley and Chasse suggest trying it neat in a tequila glass . Add a few drops of water to open up the flavor. Medina prefers to sip his aged tequila in a snifter with one large cube of ice, which melts slowly, keeping the spirit cool but not diluting it.