Whether it’s taking shots at a local bar with your buddies, or sipping slowly along with fine cuisine, there’s really no wrong way to enjoy tequila. You might want to order a ride after those shots though…
Although tequila isn’t the Aang of the Spirit World, it is the second most consumed spirit, only falling behind Vodka. But why is Tequila so unique? It’s all about the agave plant. Unlike most other alcohol sources, the agave plant takes 6 – 9 years to grow before it can be harvested. In that time, an infant would learn to talk, walk, read, write, and maybe even play the piano. As terrible as this sounds, it’s what makes the drink unique. The plant spends so much time absorbing nutrients and minerals, giving tequila an edge over the others when it comes to taste.
When it comes to taste, the class of tequila makes a big difference. Yeah, drinks go to school too. Tequila has 5 classes depending on how long it is aged. Blanco is unaged, Joven is a mixture of Aged and unaged, Reposado is Tequila aged for 2 -12 months in an oak barrel, Anejo undergoes aging for 1-3 years, and extra Anejo ages for more than 3 years. You didn’t know this did you? By the way, it also never hurts to know how to spot fake tequila when you come across it.
Fortaleza
1/12
Pros
- They use ancient machinery and processes, preserving taste and quality
- Amazing aftertaste of citrus and black peppers
- Every bottle is uniquely handmade and painted
Cons
- Almost impossible to find
- An outrageous increase in price post-covid
Fortaleza is a family brand that has significantly influenced the tequila industry. Even though the company was officially established in 2005, they have a history that spans over a century. Fortaleza’s first-ever distillery – La Perseverancia – was built in 1873 by Don Cenobio, and as amazing as this is, his grandson, Don Javier, became an even bigger name in Tequila history.
During one of his travels to Japan in the ’60s, Don Javier stumbled upon Japanese-made tequila, and yep, you guessed it—he was mad as hell! Furious, he led a group of producers to file a ‘Denomination of Origin’ petition, which is why today, tequila can only be called tequila if it’s made in Jalisco, Mexico.
After all Javier accomplished, he sold the family business in 1976. But in 1999, his grandson Guillermo, driven by his passion for tequila, restarted the distillery and brought it back to life. By 2005, Fortaleza was launched using the same old-school methods Don Cenobio used.
Next time you’re sipping Fortaleza with someone, drop this story. If they don’t think you’re a weirdo, they’ll probably think you’re really smart.
Price: From $79
Casamigos
2/12
Pros
- They use the highest quality ingredients
- Has an amazing vanilla flavour
Cons
- Could be smoother
When you go around the world in search of quality tequila and you can’t find any, you make your own. This is what George Clooney and his friends did in 2011. Initially, the tequila was made for personal use, but after two years of perfecting it, in 2013, they decided to give the world a taste of the divine nectar they created.
With the influence of Clooney, the drink took over Hollywood and the spirit market, making Casamigos one of the fastest-growing spirits in the world.
It’s not all hype though, it is worth every penny you spend on it. It has a great feel and a winning vanilla taste. It also packs a bit of heat at the end, great for shots and funny, crinkled faces.
Price: $51
Patrón
3/12
Pros
- Mixes well with margaritas and other drinks
- Strong cooked agave taste and scent
Cons
- Peppery aftertaste lingers longer than needed
Originally produced by Casa 7 leguas, Patron now belongs to Bacardi, a well-known spirits company worth over $5 billion. And since its inception it has created a variety of tasty and strong spirits like Patron Citronge, Patron XO cafe, etc.
Patron translates into ‘boss’ in English, and a sip of this divine liquid would show you that it earned that title. From its strong earthy agave taste to the buttery smoothness it has in your mouth, to even the tingles it leaves on your tongue, you’re sure of a premium experience. Not forgetting the fact that it enhances the flavours of other drinks. If you’re new to Tequilas, this one comes highly recommended.
Price: $50
Don Julio 1942
4/12
Pros
- Sweet scent of caramel and toffee
- Goes through double distillation, perfecting the flavours
- Has a hint of cherry and almond
Cons
- Produced in small batches, so it's rare and expensive
Don Julio (not the tequila) has shown that if you are passionate about anything, you can make it work. How? If he sold everything he had, he still wouldn’t have had enough money to start up what is now one of the world’s premium Tequila brands. When he was just 17, he was granted a loan from a wealthy businessman (okay, maybe have something more than passion… we don’t know, a plan?) and he built his first distillery.
In 1985, his sons created Don Julio 1942 in honour of him, naming the drink after his birth year. And then went on to officially launch the company in 1987.
Before Don Julio, tequilas were sold in heavy and large bottles, so they were kept on the floors. This brand started the use of small bottles because Don Julio said he’d rather not see his bottle on the floor. This type of trend-setting and quality, from designs to taste, is why the brand has remained renowned after so many years.
Price: $267
Tres Agaves
5/12
Pros
- It is 100% organic
- Great option for beginners
Cons
- For a tequila enthusiast, it may be considered 'just alright’
Founded in 2008, by Barry Angus in a dining room, this company has grown from selling drinks out of a minivan to becoming a recognized brand all over the United States.
Tres Agaves has a vision of providing its consumers with 100% organic and tasty drinks, and since 2010, when its first case of tequila crossed the US border, it has been doing just that.
The company which was financed by Barry’s family inheritance, despite being new, has been accepted by many. Its soft and creamy profile, along with a sting at the back of your throat keeps your tab open at the bar.
Price: $30
Casa Noble
6/12
Pros
- Tequilas are triple distilled
- Spends longer time maturing than most brands, meaning more in depth flavour
Cons
- The smoke flavour might come off a bit bitter
To craft tequilas worth sharing is what Casa Noble is known for. As one of the older brands, they started making magic back in the 1700s. Their main ingredient blue weber agave, is estate-grown on volcanic soil, meaning it has the quality of a 4k movie – the best quality.
From the classically redesigned rectangular bottles to the addition of roasted agave, right along to the triple distillation and French Oak barrel storage, the process of making this tequila is airtight, and ensures the flavours remain amazing and consistent.
Over the years, their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. They are two-time gold medalists at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition and winners of the best tequila category by Academia Mexicana Del Tequila.
Price: $68
Teremana
7/12
Pros
- Strong scent of green pepper and cooked agaves
- A highland tequila, meaning it's bright and fruity to taste
- All elements are mixed in the perfect proportion, making it really smooth
Cons
- Pretty much like every other premium tequila
Earlier we spoke about George Clooney launching his brand. Well, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is another celebrity to own a tequila brand, and it is cooking! Established just four years ago in 2020, the brand has sold over a million cases of tequila. That is super impressive. And while The Rock’s star power is undeniable, the product speaks for itself.
As you bring the glass to your lips, you begin to take in the fruity aroma, and then when you take a sip, the texture is simply smooth. Almost buttery. Plus the sweet taste makes it obvious that the agave was grown in the highlands.
This tequila is best enjoyed in a cocktail or on the rocks. See what happened there?
Price: $25
Tears of Llorona
8/12
Pros
- Super warm finish
- Hints of spice, heat, and honey in perfect harmony
- Masterfully aged
Cons
- Even though it might be considered worth it, it's highly expensive
Now this tequila is for the true enthusiasts—those who can discern every nuance in their drink. Faithful devotees of Llorona’s tears can attest to the fact that it is made with great skill and craftsmanship. Unlike many other drinks, the Tears of Llorona ages in 3 different casks, Brandy, scotch, and sherry casks. The flavours are out of this world, and would particularly appeal to whiskey lovers. This is probably one of the best tequilas you’ll ever come across, and it’s no surprise, seeing that it is made by the master distiller himself, German Gonzalez Gorrochotegui.
A little extra information you didn’t ask for. The name, Tears of Llorona, comes from a Mexican folklore that might be more fitting for a horror movie than a Tequila bottle.
Price: $245
Clase Azul
9/12
Pros
- Sublime taste of fig and green olives
- Distributed in a characteristic bottle that easily distinguishes it from the rest
Cons
- It'd be hard to find a more expensive tequila
A night in the club is incomplete without a shot of Clase Azul. It has practically taken the market by storm, and there are a lot of reasons why. Like the tears of Llorona, Azul is also aged in 3 different casks. French oak, American whiskey casks, and sherry casks, give it a range of smooth flavours.
Since 1977 Clase Azul has delivered class in quality and its representation of Mexican culture, obvious in its ceramic bottles. You don’t have to get a second glance before you recognize an Azul bottle – they are a work of art. It has carved a place for itself in the tequila market and it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon.
Price: $499.95
G4
10/12
Pros
- Taste of grass, cloves, and citrus
- There are no additives in the production process
Cons
- It doesn't have a long finish
G4 should have been 4G because it represents the four generations of tequila mastery of the Caramena family. This has probably saved them what would have been a whole lot of confusion today.
Made to be 100% percent natural, this brand uses no additives throughout the making process. The agaves are grown without enhancements until they are fully mature, and are cooked in traditional ovens for 22 hours.
In addition to this, wind and solar power are preferred sources of energy for processes. And the rain and spring water from the farms add a little pizazz to the taste of the drink. They obviously take the natural approach really seriously.
Price: $169
Cantera Negra
11/12
Pros
- No added sugar or colouring
- Has a handy bottle
Cons
- Could be a little underwhelming sometimes
Owned by the Becherano family, this tequila was first brought into America by Lance Gildner in 2015. He had tasted the tequila in a local bar for 9 years consecutively and yet no one would reveal the name, so he decided to partner with the producers.
After the Blue Weber Agave is harvested and distilled, it is aged in bourbon and Cognac casks, giving the tequila its distinct flavour. After which the samples are given to the Becherano family tasting council to approve or discard. This way, they ensure that the smoothness and quality of the brand remain consistent and on point.
Price: $62.99
Sauza
12/12
Pros
- One of the cheapest, quality tequilas
- Great flavour profile
Cons
- Well, it's cheap so it's probably gonna get you drunk faster
If you want to enjoy a bottle of good-tasting spirit on a tight budget, then this is an obvious choice. This, just like Fortaleza, has Don Cenobio’s fingerprint all over it, and that goes to show the quality of the spirit.
One of the pioneering tequilas, it has perfected its scent and flavour over the years with a soft aroma, and a hint of trees and blue agaves in the taste.
The smoothness and taste are decent and no tequila in the same price range comes close, making it stand out from the rest. It’s a great place to start If you are new to the tequila scene seeing that it’s affordable but still retains the glory of the ancient day tequilas.
Price: $10.99