How it was made, where it was made, when it was bottled and what ingredients used are all different factors that will go into pricing. Patrón employs a seven-step process that could take up to three years before the tequila is ready. It’s a spirit you’ll want to sip twice, just to pick out the complexity of the different notes each time. Its blend is also something special, especially for a tequila priced under $50, highlighted by pure agave and notes of citrus like lemon, lime and grapefruit. Best enjoyed chilled, keep a bottle of this tequila in your freezer for a refreshing cocktail. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Kentucky Derby Cocktails for Your Race-Day Party, Cocktails for Your Virtual Super Bowl Party, Spring Cocktails To Enjoy With the New Season, The Best Ski Town Breweries and Distilleries, Holiday Cocktails to Drink This Christmas, Tears of Llorona No. Is it Taco Tuesday yet? Good question. That commitment to quality and taste is what has awarded Reserva 44 numerous key spirits awards, though its greatest award is sitting front and center on your bar for guests to admire. Riazul's Añejo tequila is distilled twice and then aged for two years in Cognac barrels. By Jonah Flicker. Some of the tequila is then aged in everything from oak tanks to stainless steel vaults, and, depending on the flavor profile the tequila maker is trying to achieve, aging can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. All rights reservedPMC Entertainment, Clase Azul is a brand that many experts consider the measuring stick for fine-aged tequila. The brand name alone can speak to the quality of this drink. The juice is then fermented for up to three days. But, if you need some more convincing, the flavor profile on this particular spirit is a bit more down-to-earth than the usual citrusy taste of most tequilas. 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From the very beginning, Patrón’s handcrafted method has included not only 100% Weber Blue Agave but also the centuries-old “tahona” process, where agave fibers are slowly crushed by a large volcanic stone wheel. El Patron is a Mexican Grill & Cantina located in Salisbury, NC with authentic Mexican flavors. Something with character and nuance, but also a drink that is within reach financially. A serving of Partida will have you even more excited to stuff your face with some carnitas tacos, thanks to its spicy aftertaste, which complements most Spanish meals. These are often referred to as a “Mixto,” where colors and flavors are added prior to bottling. You Can Make More Than Just Margaritas With Tequila. Buy It. Its ridiculous smoothness will leave you wanting another sip tout de suite. Buy It. If one harvests agave for tequila too early, it will throw off the entire taste. El Tesoro may be owned by Beam Suntory, the Japanese company responsible for Suntory Whisky, but this tequila is still made from traditional methods and Mexican agave plants. Don Julio Blanco Silver is the brand’s most popular selection, featuring a mix of earthy and spicy flavors that blend nicely together for rich, savoring consumption. It mixes well with just about everything under the sun, like watermelon, apple, cucumber, lemon, mint and ginger. Why mess with a good thing? Patrón says every batch is touched by hand at every point of the distilling process. Patron currently sells three brands of tequila, their premium brand Patron, their artisanal brand, Roca Patron, and their luxury brand, Gran Patron. Tequila is made from the harvested center of the Mexican-grown agave plant. Cazadores Cristalino, which the company loves to call “Mexican Chardonnay,” pulls together some of the tastiest flavors from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Buy: Buy: Reserva de la Familia was the world’s first extra-añejo tequila, and it's aged for a minimum of three years in French and American oak barrels. To start, agave plants are harvested by hand in the Jalisco Highlands, using farms that pass the Mexican Tequila Regulatory Council’s — yes, it’s a thing — strict standards. by vol. Jose Cuervo is a legacy among the best tequila brands, one that has been synonymous with the spirit for over two centuries. imported by the patrÓn spirits company, coral gables, fl., usa tequila – 40% alc. What would normally be a rich liquid with barrel-aged flavors is actually light, floral, and sweet, with flavors of honey and butterscotch. The bottles, in the meantime, are like a work of art, inspired by traditional Mexican colors and motifs. More importantly, it’s double distilled, which adds some character and complexity to the tequila. VinePair tasted more than 60 tequila brands to curate our best-of-the-best list, at every price point. Patron kicked off the premium tequila movement, so it's no surprise that the brand is now offering one of the most expensive and aged extra añejos on the market. One can only revel in its magnificent taste, filling your mouth with ample coconut, almond brittle and salty caramel. So sit back, grab a few of these bottles, and see for yourself why tequila is well on its way to becoming the next liquor to appeal to sippers worldwide. If you're looking for a tequila that you can enjoy on its own but won't feel guilty about mixing into a cocktail, this añejo is just what you need. But, odds are, if you’re on this particular webpage, you’re at least a little interested in the stuff. Clase Azul is a brand that many experts consider the measuring stick for fine-aged tequila. Buy: Since 1950, Hornitos has been livening up the party by lining up shot after shot on the bartop, but in 2020, we’re drinking this stuff neat in our go-to whiskey glass. Camarena Silver Tequila The liquor and cucumber combo has been among us for quite some time at this point, starting with the majority of options being various vodkas. 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 tequila’s already distinctive profile. 1942 is more than just a decor piece that accentuates any bachelor’s at-home bar. Like a quality bourbon, you’ll find this spirit reveals its intricacies the longer you sit with it. Despite Patrón’s hard-partying reputation (blame it on lyrical shout-outs from everyone from Lil Jon to Bruno Mars), the company is actually making some incredibly interesting, flavorful and expensive tequila these days, with bottles of its Patrón En Lalique: Serie 2 going for up to $7,500. Reposado tequila is also aged but the aging process can be anywhere from two months to 11 months. If that scares you, it shouldn’t. These days, some of the best tequilas in the world are actually more comparable to a fine bourbon or robust glass of wine than jello shots and beer pong. This special concoction lives in American white oak barrels for about 49 months, producing a complex aroma and smooth mouthfeel that’s evocative of the finest cognacs. You’ll also notice hints of citrus and vanilla that add to its refreshing aftertaste. Discover Patrón Tequila, the world's highest-quality ultra-premium tequila, handcrafted from 100% Weber Blue Agave. Most of these spirits are available on sites like Drizly and Reserve Bar, two super convenient alcohol delivery sites. Clase Azul Reposado Tequila Spend big on it if you have a little extra coin to throw around. The system, Qui says, was created to eliminate the harsh alcohol smell some tequilas have, along with the harsh burn typically found on the finish of tequila (know as the "raspa") in Mexico. Patrón Extra Añejo spends over three years in … But this extra añejo is more than just a statement piece of wealth. Facts Every Tequila Aficionado Needs to Know, 12 Things Every Tequila Aficionado Needs to Know, 10 Rare Bourbons You'll Want to Get Your Hands on Immediately. Dano’s sells fun and flavorful concoctions that creep up on you and work well for any cocktail or serving style: glass or shot. In your dreams, big guy. Also, Casa Dragones employs a more modern method of extracting the juices and sugars from blue agave, sending it through a diffuser to obtain starches from the shredded raw agave, distilling it multiple times and filtering it. The best tequila will cost you a prettier penny than anything you drank in college, but again, it's really dependent on what you're looking for in your bottle. And nearly every restaurant and bar has it. The company was created in 1989 when John Paul DeJoria , and Martin Crowley formed The Patrón Spirits Company with the stated singular goal of producing “the best tequila in the world.” If your bottle doesn’t have a NOM, that means it’s not certified by the TRC (Tequila Regulatory Council), and therefore it’s not an authentic tequila. If you’re not one for straight tequila, just know that Milagro’s mixability is up there with the best of them, served well with lime or in signature tequila cocktails like a Paloma. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. But, odds are, if you’re on this particular webpage, you’re at least a little interested in the stuff. Classic options like Blanco, Reposado and Añejo all offer a nice balance of aroma and taste and feature 100% agave with zero additives. The ideal “ripeness” of agave is somewhere between six to eight years; that’s when the plant has optimal sugar content. One of the first organic-certified brands to come to market, Casa Noble has prided itself on creating delicious organic tequilas by employing some of the best farming and production practices in the biz. Unlike most tequilas, Gran Patron Piedra ("piedra" is Spanish for "stone") is produced using a very traditional process of using a stone wheel (called a "tahona") to slowly crush the agave. You should be able to make this a semi-regular treat or buy bottles at a not too extravagant price point. With bold citrus notes and a fresh agave flavor, Patrón Silver will give your body an electric rush with every shot you down, plus it goes perfectly with lime juice and orange liqueur, just in case the aftertaste is too much for you to handle. It’s truly delicious and has made a name for itself as a bottle that. It’s also formulated to present the best of two tequila types, offering the “brightness of a blanco and boldness of an añejo,” according to Cazadores Master Blender, Jesus Susunaga Acosta. It’s infused with real fruit, too, so don’t expect any of that artificial taste. It is not as flavorful as our other options, nor is it quite as smooth, but will certainly get the job done! Silver tequila is probably the most well-known, and it typically appears perfectly clear in the bottle. If you’re going to buy tequila, here’s what you need to know: 1. George Clooney and Rande Gerber started Casamigos based on their love of sharing tequila at their neighboring houses in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This alone makes it a pop culture icon, but more so, a go-to for adventurous nights out on the town. When asking how much tequila costs, there's a lot you have to put into perspective. The secret to Cenote’s smoothness? Their latest version, made from estate-grown blue agave, is aged for four to five years in ex-bourbon barrels for a complex flavor that brings out notes of chocolate and dried fruit in the tequila. Yea, it's on the pricier side, but it's the best tequila money can buy, so it's worth it. Don’t be afraid to experiment. But there are two reasons why the brand continues to live up to its Best Blanco Tequila title. Just like whiskey, there are different types of tequila that run the spectrum in terms of flavor, color and potency. Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. The easiest mixer is a tequila soda or tequila Sprite. 3 Extra Añejo Tequila, Milagro Tequila Barrel Select Reserve Reposado, Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia Extra Anejo. Housed in a handmade black glass bottle, Espolòn's limited-edition Extra Añejo X is really made for sipping. Añejos are the product of patience, richer and more full-bodied thanks to a painstaking aging process. However, it is the tequila’s incredibly smooth palate with distinct flavors (the caramel undertones are soothing AF) that makes this luxury option such a braggadocious selection. This limited-edition añejo was created for the 60th anniversary of Don Julio. And if you think their entry-level tequilas go down smoothly, try their Select Reserve line for a slightly more refined flavor profile. patrÓn, its trade dress and the bee logo are trademarks. Casamigos Reposado fills all of these needs. Dano’s sells fun and flavorful concoctions that creep up on you and work well for any cocktail or serving style: glass or shot. Priced slightly above the $30 mark, it’s an amazing value and. Best enjoyed chilled, keep a bottle of this tequila in your freezer for a refreshing cocktail. It … It also tells you which tequila producer it comes from. For some of these options, we’ve also made suggestions to pair them with certain foods, just as you would a fine wine. While some tequilas make us pucker, or burn the inside of our mouths and throats, Cenote’s Blanco Tequila is light, mellow and refreshing. The end result is a ridiculously smooth tequila filled with tantalizing notes (e.g. Each bottle is made with 100% agave and has just the amount of heat you want in your sipper. It’s light, soft and crisp, which aren’t exactly characteristics you would expect from a tequila. We love this blanco tequila expression, which is made from 100% blue weber agave in Jalisco’s Arandas Highlands, then distilled through a proprietary method that blends traditional ovens and modern techniques, creating a smooth, refined liquor that’s easy to sip on its own. Take our advice and pair it with a clam bake or lobster roll. Let’s look at the stats, shall we? Silver tequila is great to drink on its own, but it’s great for mixed drinks as well. Its name commemorates the year Don Julio González opened his first tequila distillery. Blanco has a clean finish that allows it to go down easy, so no one will be wincing. Each bottle is aged 43 months in American oak barrels, then transferred over to small casks for one month to further enhance the spirit’s woody characteristics. However, it is the tequila’s incredibly smooth palate with distinct flavors (the caramel undertones are soothing AF) that makes this luxury option such a braggadocious selection. When buying in bulk, or buying out at a bar, Espolon is an excellent option. Made from 100% blue agave, this Jalisco tequila is aged in oak barrels for two years and then slowly filtered through activated charcoal to give it a crystal-clear look with the rich, nutty, toasted flavor of añejo. Nielsen’s research shows spirits sales have increased across the board during Spring 2020, with tequila sales growing especially fast. There’s something to be said about its golden amber complexion as well, which is alluring, much like the fancy decanter it comes housed in. It's made completely from estate-grown blue agave in Tequila, Mexico, and the brand's maestro tequilero finishes each bottle by balancing the majority of unaged platinum tequila with a hint of ultra-aged extra añejo (the result is known as a "Joven" tequila). Buy: Then again, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try taking a shot of any Partida expression to settle your tummy after meals. This is great on its own or with a splash of soda. Roca Patron Reposado. Estes wanted the best, so he teamed with the best. Impressively consistent year after year with value and quality. Cenote makes a super drinkable tequila that’s flavorful without being overwhelming on the palette. You can enjoy it regularly on the rocks, while out at dinner or at your favorite bar. that’ll warm you and the big guy up any night of the year. Buy It. Barrel-aged for six years and featuring notes of vanilla, nutmeg, white peppercorn, and cocoa nibs. Sure, a tequila shot is a fun party starter (and maybe gives you some liquid courage before stepping onto that karaoke stage), but artists rapping about “shots of Patrón” have really given tequila an undeservedly bad (and, ahem, cheap) rep. Town & Country participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The brand's Reposado Buffalo Trace was aged for 10-and-a-half months in barrels that previously held Buffalo Trace bourbon. Taking this critical acclaim into account, along with its refined taste and supremely collectible bottle, it’s only fitting that Clase Azul Reposado claims the No. 12 Best Tequila Brands to Drink Right Now. We also suggest pairing this with a Tomahawk steak as big as your fridge will allow. “The añejo is aged in used Loire Valley wine barrels, then spends an additional year finished in bourbon casks. Aside from margaritas, you can also use tequila in a Paloma (served with grapefruit juice), a Michelada and a Sunrise (served with OJ). It’s Not Tequila if it’s Not Produced in the Tequila Region. Buy It. Buy: Buy It. Tequila isn’t for everyone. In fact, there are actually quite a few beverages you can mix it with. It has bold vanilla flavors, a smooth sip and little to no burn. ©2021. Don’t be fooled by the “gold” label on gold tequila. Best Tequila for the Wine Lover: ArteNOM Seleccion 1146 Añejo “Just like the reposado 1414, there’s a wine bent [here],” Martineau says. Avion nailed the palate here, enriching its formula with butterscotch, vanilla, roasted agave and marzipan notes for one unbelievable sip. Here’s a newcomer that has already mastered the art of tequila infusions. Look for bottles labeled “100%,” which denotes that it was made with 100% natural sugars from the agave plant. Each aging process will bring out different flavors in your tequila, and result in unique flavor profiles that often call to mind whiskey or scotch. your guests will be ecstatic. Tres Agaves may lack the brand recognition of consumer favorites like Casamigos or Patrón, but its selection of high-quality tequilas has an archetypal smoothness that places them among the elite. More: Facts Every Tequila Aficionado Needs to Know. In fact, Patrón, one of the most well-known and respected tequila brands in the world, offers a diverse portfolio of authentic, carefully-crafted tequilas that you won’t find in nightclubs or seedy bars. Every sip affords you a full and lightly sweet long finish that begs to be savored. Camarena Silver features a robust flavor with notes of rich toasted agave and fresh green herbs, finished by hints of sweet vanilla, savory brown spices and black pepper that give the spirit a graceful, warming finish. Hornitos has one of the oldest reposado tequilas on the market and for good reason — this stuff is truly delicious. Cinco de Mayo likely played a major factor as well, with alcohol E-commerce platforms like Drizly reporting massive increases in tequila sales. Just like a fine wine, tequila also goes through an aging process. heads, even among the best tequila brands. In fact, the grandson of founder Don Felipe Camarena oversees production today. EVERY TUESDAY IS TACOS AND WEDNESDAY IS TACOS AND TEQUILA BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN SALISBURY / TACOS AND TEQUILA THURSDAY From its distillery just outside of Guadalajara, Patrón produces more than 20 different types of tequila, and it’s serious business. We suggest a few fresh squeezed limes with this one and then pairing it with your favorite bar foods, such as wings, sliders or nachos. Cenote Blanco Tequila Jose Cuervo is a legacy among the best tequila brands, one that has been synonymous with the spirit for over two centuries. to pass up on the Pineapple Jalapeño infusion, which has a sweet vanilla and pineapple entry and leaves the mouth with a zesty aftertaste. It’s been, Listen, Patrón has practically built its legacy on giving young adults their wildest nights and most regrettable, . In our humble opinion, we've stated Clase Azul Reposado Tequila as the best tequila money can buy. 1942 is more than just a decor piece that accentuates any bachelor’s at-home bar. Because, well, what else were you planning on doing? At over $100, this is a true premium liquor, with a bottle design and flavor profile worthy of its high price. The aging process will also change the color of a tequila. We also find 1800 Coconut to be a great alternative, especially if you like spirits more on the sweet side. The Longer a Tequila Is Aged, The More Expensive It Will Be. Each batch is aged for a minimum of 18 months in bourbon barrels, producing strong agave notes that remain prominent with every sip. Buy: It’s less harsh on the tongue and won’t give you as strong as a hangover… provided that you’re sipping responsibly, of course. It’s truly delicious and has made a name for itself as a bottle that turns heads, even among the best tequila brands. Using a unique distillation process, only the very purest of the liquid is chosen. You get an amazing balance of sweet and salty with every swallow, and the oaky Reposado is a highlight. It garners a robust flavor that can hold its own against mixing from a 12-15 month aging in oak barrels and a subtle sweetness from baked agave. While we may be used to drinking clear tequila, many expensive tequilas are more caramel in color, due to being aged in wooden barrels. The best tequila brands include many lesser-known distilleries and top-shelf spirits, but when it comes to sugary cocktails and shots, 1800 is the true champ. The company’s master distiller and blender, Francisco Alcaraz, still creates tequila from this process as well as tequila from the more modern “roller mill process,” blending them together to create Patrón. This white ceramic, hand painted decanter holds some pretty tasty reposado tequila. "It grew in popularity, driving refinement, and a few pioneer brands have successfully positioned high-end tequila on par with Scotch and Cognac in terms of sipping appeal, especially in the añejo category. The company distills its tequila three times and uses nutrients in the volcanic soil to enrich its blue agave plants, producing complex and herbaceous blends free of chemical additives, pesticides, and synthetics. Patrón Silver Tequila We recommend asking the waiter for a glass of Blanco when indulging in crispy fish tacos or Reposado when feasting on a nice pulled pork platter. Listen, Patrón has practically built its legacy on giving young adults their wildest nights and most regrettable mornings. Buy It. Another thing to look for aside from region of origin: a four-digit number that represents each distillery’s unique code. Qui is the world's first platinum (clear) extra-añejo. Don Julio is a terrific heritage brand that creates smooth, tasty and not too exorbitantly priced tequilas, which makes Blanco a perfect choice when buying a round for your compadres at the local pub. We’ll also give you a peek inside Patrón’s historic distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. The Buffalo Trace distillery, by the way, also produces the nearly impossible-t0-find Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, so you could say this robust and and creamy liquid is as close to Pappy tequila as you can get. BEST FOR BOURBON LOVERS. In fact, many brands add artificial sugars or sweeteners to their tequila, which may taste good at first but will also leave you with a nasty hangover the next day. We mentioned above that tequila comes from the agave plant, but not all tequilas are made with 100% agave sugar. The Norma Oficial Mexicana number (or “NOM”) is assigned by the Mexican government and certifies that the bottle you’re holding is authentic tequila produced in Mexico. Trust us, you’re going to want a second glass. This classy spirit is also one of the priciest options on our list, and one that you’ll find on the top shelf at bars and restaurants, well-deservedly. Most decent tequilas will cost you anywhere in the $20 to $60 range depending on bottle size, but the best tequilas might even cost you over $100 a bottle. There is a nice spicy yet soothing consistency in this bottle that we’re sure you’re going to enjoy with each and every sip. Patron ages Roca Reposado for around five months in a bourbon barrel to create this rather unique and complex flavor. You’ve also probably seen flavored tequila, which is tequila infused with things like coconut, lime, strawberry or jalapeno. This uncommon Extra Añejo made from pure Weber blue agave takes a cue from some of your other favorite nightcaps for a truly singular sipping experience. After baking for 79 hours, Patrón uses a time-honored “tahona” process that then takes the roasted agave and places it into a giant pit, where a large stone wheel is used to break down the agave to extract the juice. Now, you can get your favorite tequila in a cucumber jalapeño version with 21 Seeds blanco tequila. Spend big on it if you have a little extra coin to throw around, and your guests will be ecstatic. The agave (essentially a plump, cactus-like plant) can only be harvested at a precise time to give off the optimal amount of sweetness without being too tart, bitter or bland. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. One glass of Cazadores’ latest creation was all the convincing we needed to claim it the best tequila in this sub-category. This tequila is complex, full-bodied and is recommended for sipping, though it works great for tequila-oriented takes on classic drinks like a Moscow Mule or Negroni as well. Best Tequila Under $100. It's made from the best blue agave plants in Mexico and features notes of cream soda, spice, apple cider, jasmine, cinnamon and honey. At $400, Herradura Selección Suprema isn’t a bottle you’ll find in most bars or people’s homes, nor is it common amongst the drinking community. Many people like tequila with ginger ale as well. 1800 Silver is an affordable option made from 100% Weber blue agave –– aged for 8 to 12 years and harvested at its peak. The unique barrels, made from wood indigenous to a forest in burgundy noted for naturally ingrained vanilla tannins, separate this tequila from the rest of the bunch. At $299, this isn't something you're going to shoot or mix in a margarita. Our suggestion: pick up a few different bottles with different aging processes to see which one you like best. El Tesoro Añejo is aged in American oak bourbon barrels for up to three years, which results in a perfect mix of agave and oak flavors. Buy: Each bottle is has a flavor that’s been mastered at this point by baking 100% blue agave in tiny ovens, then smashing, fermenting and finally double-distilling to get the excellent taste you crave. If you want to discover an authentic Mexican tequila with a bold yet traditional flavor, then order a bottle of El Tesoro tequila. Sales of this spirit have risen by 55% during the recent COVID-19 outbreak. Sure, the long, slender bottle does immediately jump out at you, and the fact that it’s made in small batches also adorns it, exclusivity. Drizly representatives told SPY that tequila sales on the platform grew by an incredibly 882% over the last few months. And just like wine, tequila can be aged in a number of different containers, from oak barrels to steel drums. Enjoy the shot of tequila but before taking a breath, drink the pineapple juice. The resulting juice is then fermented and distilled along with crushed agave fiber. A proprietary filtration system transforms the dark amber color the liquid takes on after the aging process (after three-and-a-half years in American whiskey and French Bordeaux barrels) back to a clear liquid. For countless bartenders, it’s the tequila of choice for margaritas, and for good reason. Clase Azul Reposado Tequila has been a classic top-shelf tequila for its deliciously refined taste and gorgeous collectible bottle.