Finding the best tequila in the world is harder than it sounds. In this article, we’re going to take you through understanding tequila’s soul–the agave, the aging, and the places where it’s made.
We’ll also look at the best ones in each category of tequila, from the pure agave punch of a Blanco to the depth of an Extra Añejo. If you’ve been on the hunt for the best possible tequila, keep reading to learn what really makes a tequila better than any other.
What You Need to Know About Tequila
Tequila is a spirit distilled from the Blue Weber agave plant. It brings with it a world of flavors to try, which can be the crisp agave punch of a Blanco or the rich, aged complexity of an Extra Añejo. There’s a lot that goes into it, which we discuss in the following section:
Tequila: An Overview
The start of any tequila comes from its blue agave plant. This succulent, native to Mexico, defines from the very start what the tequila’s character will be like. The heart of the blue agave, the piña, is harvested, cooked, and crushed to get its sugary juices out, which are then fermented and distilled to create the base spirit. The story doesn’t end there, though.
The magic really unfolds from here: the type of tequila and its aging process. You’ll find tequila typically falling into four types: Blanco (Silver), Reposado (Rested), Añejo (Aged), and Extra Añejo (Extra Aged). With Blanco tequilas, you get bottled, unaged tequila, which is the purest expression of the agave. Blanco flavors are usually grassy, vegetal, or peppery.
Moving up the spectrum, breweries start to age their tequilas. Reposados are the first in this category, with tequilas spending up to a year in oak barrels that introduce subtle hints of vanilla, caramel, and spice to the agave flavor.
Añejo tequilas take this a step further, resting for one to three years in a barrel. This gives it more pronounced oaky notes and a smoother, richer taste throughout. Then there’s Extra Añejo tequilas, which are aged for at least three years. These have the most complex flavor profiles of any tequila, with deep oak and even hints of dried fruit or chocolate in there.
How to Choose the Best Tequila?
We believe that before anyone decides on the best tequila in the world, they need to know what actually goes into a good tequila. Unlike vodka or grain alcohol, tequila gets its flavors from a lot of different things, starting from the plant all the way to the serve. From our overview on tequila, once you understand all of these things, you’ll be able to select the perfect tequila for you.
The type of tequila you choose will drastically change how it tastes. If you enjoy the bright, fresh flavors of the agave plant, a Blanco tequila is probably your go-to, but if you prefer a smoother, more complex spirit with hints of oak and vanilla, a Reposado or Añejo will hit the spot. For the more discerning drinker, Extra Añejos will provide a luxurious, aged spirit taste with deep flavors for you to enjoy.
Tequila production regions can change the taste of it, too. Agave grown in the highlands tends to be sweeter, while those from the lowlands produce tequilas with earthier flavors. While not as significant as the type and aging, understanding the region is a nuance that tequila aficionados should be aware of.
What Does Tequila Cost?
Tequilas range widely in price, but a typical bottle can cost anywhere from $20 for a basic Blanco to well over $100 for an Extra Añejo or a celebrity-endorsed brand. Most good ones fall between $64 and $279.
Where Can You Buy Tequila?
You’ll typically get tequila at liquor stores, but some well-stocked supermarkets and convenience stores often have a selection of popular brands on their shelves. We also sell tequila here at Speakeasy Co.
The Best Tequilas
In this section, we’re going to take you through five of the best tequilas out there, explain why we think they’re the best, how much they cost, their proof, and more. This is a highly curated list, so you can’t go wrong with any of these options:
JFC Extra Anejo – Wise Caldwell
Price: $204.99
Proof: 80
Tasting Notes: Expect a rich flavor profile with prominent notes of oak, vanilla, sweet spice, herbs, toasted brioche, cinnamon, chocolate, citrus, and crème brulee.
Our Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
The JFC Extra Añejo tequila is tailor made for the luxury tequila enthusiasts. To age it, they start with a high-quality base tequila from Jalisco and keep it in specially crafted barrels made by a master cooper for an additional 30 months.
These 200-year-old French oak barrels are said to impart a flavor profile unlike any other, with notes of oak, vanilla, and hints of sweet spice, toasted brioche, and even chocolate. JFC goes beyond just aging with this one as they give extra attention to detail and use only rare, high-quality barrels for a truly exceptional tequila.
Pros:
- Exceptional aging
- Amazing drinking experience
Cons:
- On the expensive side
Cierto Private Collection Extra Añejo – Cierto Tequila
Price: $279.00
Proof: 80
Tasting Notes: This limited-edition Añejo is absolutely stunning as it’s been aged in wet cider barrels. Expect the classic Añejo characteristics of caramel and vanilla to be joined by hints of apple, pear, and other cider notes.
Our Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If we define the best tequila in the world as the one with the most awards, the winner is by far Cierto tequila. The brand has grown an impressive collection of awards over the years–more than 900 and counting according to their website. The awards aren’t the only reason Cierto is good, though; it has the tequila to back it up.
Cierto prides itself on making tequilas from 100% Blue Weber agave, harvested at peak maturity. With purity in mind, they’ve created a whole range of expressions that include Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and even Extra Añejo, all aged in different cask types. Their method of making top quality tequila is simply focusing on the quality of ingredients and the aging process, which has undoubtedly worked quite well in their favor.
Pros:
- Exceptional aging
- Highly awarded
- Good flavor profile
- Really smooth
Cons:
- Can be hard to find
- On the expensive side
Fortaleza Blanco
Price: $89.00
Proof: 80
Tasting Notes: This Blanco comes with citrus and cooked agave aromas, along with butter, earth, olive, black pepper, and a vegetal complexity. Flavors are more or less the same, with a long and deep finish.
Our Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Fortaleza Blanco is loved by purists everywhere for its raw, unadulterated taste of the Blue Weber agave. Fortaleza roasts their agave hearts in traditional stone ovens, which most large-scale producers (typically using fast-cooking methods) do not go for. The slow roasting makes all the difference for this Blanco as it allows the agave’s natural sugars to caramelize gently. The result is a subtle earthiness and a hint of smokiness that’s unlike anything else.
That’s not all, Fortaleza goes a step further by also using the tahona method for crushing the cooked agave. This is a pre-industrial technique which uses a large, volcanic rock millstone pulled by a horse or tractor. The tahona method is time-consuming, but it takes a gentler approach than modern shredders. This is important for preserving the agave fibers and leaving a nice textural touch on the tequila.
The resulting Blanco has a vibrant, grassy aroma along with hints of black pepper and olive. The first sip will be a burst of fresh agave flavor, followed by light vegetal notes and a lingering peppery finish. If you enjoy a nice, pure Reposado made in the best possible way, this tequila is for you.
Pros:
- Purely focused on agave
- Really high quality
- Traditionally made
Cons:
- Can be a bit intense
- Not the best for cocktails
Siete Leguas Reposado
Price: $64.00
Proof: 80
Tasting Notes: On the nose, sweet and mixed gently with classic agave notes. First sip is a delightful balance between the agave’s character and the hints of vanilla and spice. That is eventually followed by the kind of smooth and long-lasting finish that leaves a warm, pleasant feeling on your palate.
Our Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
We like to think of Siete Leguas Reposado as the embodiment of the balance between the vibrancy of a Blanco and the richness of an aged tequila. This particular tequila is made with 100% Blue Weber agave grown in the highlands of Jalisco. Like Fortaleza, Siete Leguas also uses a seldom used way of making tequila.
Starting with a double distillation process, their Reposado expression spends a minimum of eight months resting in previously used ex-bourbon barrels. This aging period softens the edges of the tequila and absorbs a bit of the characteristics from the barrels which include hints of vanilla, caramel, and baking spice.
The final product is a silky smooth tequila with the most beautiful golden hue to it. The Siete Leguas Reposado is loved most because it shows just how much aging can enhance the taste of a tequila.
Pros:
- Aging makes it amazing
- Siete is known to make some of the best tequila
- Entry level price
Cons:
- None
Casa del Sol Añejo
Price: $102.99
Proof: 80
Tasting Notes: Expect a smooth first sip where the agave flavor remains ever-present, complemented by notes of dark cacao, chestnut, and hints of raisin or prune. The taste of the oak is definitely there too, but it’s subtle, just enough to still be noticeable with its depth. Finally, the drink finishes off with a smooth and sweet lingering taste.
Our Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
On the subject of aging, Casa del Sol Añejo is another option for people that really love a good, aged tequila. They source their agave from mature plants grown in the lowlands of Jalisco that are specifically known for producing piñas with a higher sugar content. After distillation, their Añejo expression rests for a minimum of one year in American oak barrels, which gives it a nice, deep amber color and a complex flavor to go.
The experience of enjoying this tequila starts right from the aroma; an intoxicating blend of cooked agave, caramel, dried fruit, and hints of oak spice. The Casa del Sol Añejo is another masterpiece of aging and we couldn’t recommend it enough if you’re searching for one of the best.
Pros:
- Añejo profile is complex and nuanced
- Aged for 14 months
Cons:
- Can be a bit hard to find
Sipping the Best Tequila in the World
It’s hard to pick just one bottle of tequila as the best in the world. In the end, we firmly believe it’s the one that speaks to your personal palate, which might not be the same as the next person’s. We hope you now have all the knowledge you need to find your best tequila!
Whether that is a Reposado or an Extra Añejo, or something specific from the list we discussed, you can be sure that you won’t go wrong with your choice. While we highly recommend the ones included in this article, feel free to experiment with new ones. In fact, that’s one of the best ways that you can find hidden gems in the world of tequila. Just remember that when you’re going for new brands, look for the 100% Blue agave label, and check reviews if possible.
