Tequila, a bold and unconventional liquor, is the embodiment of Mexico. Latin American countries have traditionally been leaders in tequila consumption. However, global demand for this spirit, along with mezcal, whiskey, and other liquors, is on the rise, increasing by an average of 3.2% annually. Tequila enthusiasts in the U.S., Canada, and Europe often enjoy it in various cocktails.
The essence of tequila lies in its meticulous production process. The key ingredient is the agave succulent’s fruit, which boasts long and dense leaves. This plant thrives only in warm climates, and it must mature for 7 to 12 years before processing, accumulating the sap required for production.
Tequila, known for its strength, fuses tradition with craftsmanship. With over a thousand registered brands on the market, finding the finest ones can be challenging. In our article, we will explore the different types of tequila and their distinctions, and we will also compile a list of the top brands of this Mexican drink, including blanco tequila, reposado tequilas, and even cristalino variations.
All tequila must originate from the Mexican Tequila Region, encompassing the states of Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. To earn the title of tequila, it must be distilled from agave plants grown in this region. Besides the geographical origin, another crucial aspect is the four-digit code representing each distillery.
The Norma Oficial Mexicana (or “NOM”) number, assigned by the Mexican government, serves as certification for the authenticity of the tequila and identifies the producer. For instance, Patron Tequilas proudly bears the NOM 1492 label. Absence of the NOM on the bottle signifies a lack of certification by the TRC (Tequila Regulatory Council), indicating that the tequila is not authentic.
The production of tequila involves a meticulous and time-consuming process, requiring a blend of skill, patience, and a touch of luck. Patron, for example, follows a seven-step procedure, which can span up to three years before the tequila is deemed ready.
The traditional tequila-making method comprises agave harvesting, baking the piñas (the plant’s heart) in ovens, grinding them with a tajona (a large stone wheel), and subsequently fermenting and distilling the juice and fibers. However, technological advancements have led some distilleries to adopt modern methods, such as using mills or even diffusers.
Tequila is divided into several classifications, namely by purity of alcohol, and by the time of aging.
Tequila varieties by the purityof alcohol:
Tequila varieties by aging time:
The last two types get a natural dark hue over a long period of aging. The aroma is reminiscent of chocolate and dried fruit.
Don Julio was launched in 1942 and is named after Don Julio Gonzalez. This drink has a beautiful history: at first Don Julio made tequila for himself, treating his friends and family. But then the hobby and hard work turned into a successful commercial product.
The brand uses a time-tested distillation process to create its best-selling spirits and offers fresh agave flavors and citrus notes.
One of the oldest distilleries. the history of this brand began in 1775. Their reposado is aged for four months in three different types of barrels (French, American, and white oak), which give their flavor and aroma completely different shades.
Any tequila must be distilled twice to be officially classified as tequila, but Corralejo has gone one step further by using the triple distillation method. The brand uses a copper distillation cube, then a column distillation method, and finally once more through a copper boiler before bottling and selling its tequila.
Jose Cuervo is another world leader that ranks among the top eight producers of spirits. The brand was founded in 1975 as the first tequila company in Mexico. It now accounts for 40% of the global market.Many people advise beginning their acquaintance with Tequila namely with this brand because tequila José Cuervo has a mild flavor with notes of spices and citrus.
The brand began its ascent in the U.S. in the 1940s during the Prohibition era, when tequila smuggling from Mexico became popular in the Southwest of America.
Olmeca is one of the world leaders in tequila production. For its high-quality products, the company is annually awarded prizes and awards, including the “World’s Best Tequila” award.
Created by bartenders Henry Besant and Dre Masso in partnership with “tequillero maestro” Jesus Hernandez, Altos Tequila produces Plata, Reposado, and Añejo tequilas at Destilería Colonial de Jalisco in Los Altos. The drink is named after an ancient tribe.
Olmeca tequila can be called a legendary Mexican drink. Agave from the Jalisco region is used for its production.
Everything Ratgop produces meets premium standards. Ratgop’s production team consists of just 30 people who combine their individual skills to create one of the world’s most beloved drinks. All of the brand’s creations are made at Hacienda Ratgop, where the distillery has been located since 1989.
Patrin has almost caught up with Sauza and Olmeca, the most popular tequila brands in the world, in terms of sales, despite the higher cost. The secret to the Brand’s success is that the 100% blue agave is double distilled and then aged for a year in an oak barrel.
This brand has been on the market for more than a century and is very popular among Mexicans themselves. Espolòn, part of the Campari America family, is an inexpensive version of tequila that is invariably full of agave and spice notes. The distillery is located in the highlands of Jalisco. Barrels made of virgin American oak are used for aging.
This tequila immediately attracts the eye with its design, which depicts living skeletons. Such an unusual design was created in honor of the Mexican holiday “Day of the Dead”.
Despite being one of the cheapest brands on the market, El Jimador uses 100% agave in all of its tequilas. It is currently the best-selling tequila in Mexico.
El Jimador Silver Tequila — is a tequila, filled with fruity and spicy citrus flavors with herbal notes. Expect a pleasant aftertaste that is warming but not scalding. This tequila is beloved by many, winning more than 22 awards over the past decade. At the drink’s grassroots cost, it’s really worth checking out.
Casa Noble Certified Organic Tequila has a fresh, spicy, versatile, and pleasant taste. Their oak reposado and rich extra añejo are two of the best offerings, aged in French oak barrels. Casa Noble is one of the first organic brands to enter the market and prides itself on creating delicious organic tequilas using some of the best production methods.
The company distills its tequila three times and uses nutrients in volcanic soil to enrich blue agave plants, producing complex herbal blends that are free of chemical additives, pesticides, and synthetics.
This brand of tequila is produced in Jalisco. For many years the production has belonged to the same family – the business is already in its fourth generation. So we can be sure that this is good tequila – the family is well aware of the agave cultivation and the production of the drink.
The family invented a special recipe to make tequila. The recipe is kept secret, and all that is known is that the drink consists of tequila aged 5, 4, and 3 years, in the proportion 3:4:3.
The production company uses only itsraw materials. They put information on the label about the year the agave was harvested and the farm where it was grown. The distillery has been producing tequila for 80 years. The drink is made through a slow distillation process and in small batches, so this tequila is considered a craft tequila.
Calle 23 tequila is traditionally made from raw materials that have been heated for 15 hours. The line includes young tequilas and 8 and 16-month-aged drinks. The taste is characterized by notes of oak, figs, and hot pepper.
Herradura – this company has kept all the traditions of production from the begging of its history, in 1870. They still use manual labor and an ancient recipe that does not include any added sugar, syrup, dyes, or flavorings to the alcohol. When you tasteHerradura Tequila, you taste the true flavor of traditional Mexican vodka.
El Tesoro is the first tequila brand to use cognac barrels to age tequila. It has a distinctive flavor. Vegetal notes mixed with the sweet flavor of agave alternate with flashes of vanilla and fruit notes. Blanco is a good base for margaritas, and reposado is also great for cocktails, but if you like sipping more aged tequila, try añejo.
This is one of the youngest tequila brands to emerge on the world scene in the early 2000s. They have established themselves with their silver tequila, which is a surprisingly bright spirit. The taste is very mild, you can also feel a note of dried fruit, cloves, and cinnamon, as well as citrus. A young brand that is gaining ground very quickly. It is also not too well known yet but it definitely, is worth your attention.
Another young member of our list, Milagro, was created by two friends in 1997. They had a vision that worked for them, and the brand quickly gained popularity for its mild floral flavor with hints of spice. Their bottles are also distinctive and easily recognizable. It is now a fairly popular brand.
The Tapatio Tequila is sold in 150 countries across the globe, and its factory has been operating in Mexico since 1937. Tequila is produced here almost by hand according to ancient methods. The drink is famous for its original taste, where the traditional herbaceous and spicy bouquet is mixed with strong minty notes.
This is the best tequila in the world. Very few people can afford such a drink, so this brand of tequila does not participate in all sorts of competitions. Despite the stunning taste, the high cost of tequila is also caused by a luxurious bottle, which can be sold empty for a considerable sum of money. The fact is that it is made of platinum and gold (white). The logo on the bottle is also made of platinum. The cost of such tequila is 225 thousand USD.
Sauza is a premium brand of tequila. The company’s factory is located in the city of the same name in the Mexican state of Jalisco. The history of Sauza dates back to 1873, when Senobio Sauza, popularly nicknamed “the father of tequila”, founded the La Perseverancia distillery. He was the first to name the drink tequila and organized its export to the United States.
Sauza tequila is made using a unique method known as gentle extraction. The producer uses nectar from carefully selected Weber blue agave grown without treatment with chemical compounds. The drink does not contain artificial colors and flavorings, preserving a pure and natural taste.
Sauza Hornitos tequila is the brand of the legendary Mexican producer created by Francisco Javier Sauza. The premium line includes spirits made from 100% agave, which is baked in special small brick ovens. After that, the finished agave is crushed and sweet juice is extracted, from which Mexican tequila is then produced.
Sauza Hornitos Reposado is matured for about a year in large American oak barrels, which minimize the contact of tequila with wood while preserving the sweet shades of agave. The sweet tones characteristic of Hornitos tequila, which have made the drink popular all over the world, are achieved by adding a small amount of corn sugar. This sweetness and mildness are unique and have won the love of tequila connoisseurs all over the world.
In 2021 Famous American model and younger sister of Kim Kardashian Kendall Jenner released her brand of tequila “818”. Tequila was created for 4 years, but hid the process and presented it anonymously at various competitions. And it was this drink that won Best Reposado 2020 at the World Tequila Awards. The judges liked the earthy flavor in “818” which hints at pecan pie, sweet potato, and caramel.
The tequila bottles bear a label with the simple words “818” on them – hinting at the zip code of the California town of Calabasas, where Kendall was born and raised. The brand has three types of tequila in its arsenal: Blanco Tequila, Reposado Tequila, and Añejo Tequila.
The 1800 Anejo is an ultra-premium tequila, part of the “1800” line, the name of which is derived from a historically important event – in 1800 the first successful tequila aged in oak barrels was mass-released. Añejo’s “1800” tequila is made from selected blue agave. After distillation, the tequila is aged in small French oak barrels for one to three years.
A relatively young brand, first released in 1975, 1800 Tequila can compete with the most elite and revered spirits. High-quality ingredients, classic vintage techniques, and years of experience with craftsmen influenced the result: gourmets from all over the world recognized the drink as premium. The brand belongs to the Beckman family. The alcohol is produced at the same Casa Cuervo factory where Jose Cuervo, Gran Centenario, Maestro Dobel, and Tanampa tequilas are produced. The brand was originally known as Cuervo 1800 Tequila, but the first word soon disappeared.
Jose Cuervo is the number one tequila producer in the world, and the Cuervo brand itself is one of the world’s eight greatest spirits brands.
Casamigos Tequila is an original Mexican alcohol produced since 2013 in the state of Jalisco. The brand was created by the famous actor, director, and producer George Clooney together with impresario Rand Gerber and entrepreneur Mike Meldman. The friends tried about seven hundred varieties of tequila from different producers over several years, but could not find the perfect one for themselves. Then Clooney decided to create an author’s drink with an unusually mild flavor.
Initially, the purpose of the brand was to create tequila for consumption in the circle of friends. This is exactly what the name of the drink says, which was formed from two Spanish words: “casa” – home and “amigos” – friends.
However, things didn’t go according to plan and tequila entered the international market. Today, the brand’s collection includes drinks aged from 2 to 14 months. The exclusive strong drink is presented in elegant glass bottles, the label of which is decorated with George Clooney’s signature.
Los Arango Tequila is a premium tequila that is traditionally handcrafted in limited quantities from 100% Weber blue agave harvested after 8-12 years of growth in Guanajuato, Mexico. After harvesting, the agave is sent to slow roast in clay ovens for 38 hours followed by a 12-hour rest, then fermented using a special yeast strain developed in-house.
The production uses the double distillation method in a copper cube of the Charente type to make each small batch of Los Arango tequila traditionally. Aging takes place in American oak barrels.
Los Arango tequila got its name in honor of the national hero of Mexico – revolutionary and fighter for independence Jose Doroteo Arango Arambula, known under the nickname “Pancho Villa”. He earned the respect of his people when he defended them from the tyrants of the Mexican Revolution in 1820. Therefore, they honored him by making this tequila, which took his last name.
The tequila is released to the market in original handmade square bottles with an unusual leather label and Los Arango brand symbols.
Volcan de Mi Tierra Anejo Cristalino is a rich, vibrant tequila that is a blend of Añejo and Extra Añejo tequila made exclusively from Weber blue agave from two different terroirs in Jalisco. The tequila was fermented with champagne yeast in stainless steel tanks and double distilled in copper cubes. Old French oak barrels from cognac and whiskey barrels were used for aging. This aging gave the tequila deep creamy notes of vanilla, caramel, and chocolate and a unique complexity. After using a new charcoal filtration technique to remove color, Anejo Cristalino is clear and transparent.
Volcan de Mi Tierra tequila is named after a volcano that is located in the lowlands of Jalisco. All this is backed up by history, as 200,000 years ago a volcanic eruption took place in what is now Mexico, creating the landscape of the Jalisco region, which is characterized by fertile volcanic soils ideal for growing blue agave.
Volcan de Mi Tierra is not just a tequila, but a unique assemblage of the intense aromas and flavors of agave grown in Mexico’s Los Altos and Los Valles regions. It is an unrivaled blend of past and present, enhancing the unique character of each region.
The Clase Azul brand was founded in 1997 by Arturo Lomeli, an honorary citizen of Mexico, with a mission to change stereotypes about tequila by sharing the magic of Mexican culture with the world. This goal is embodied in the creation of a unique decanter dedicated to agave, the country’s iconic fruit.
Each decanter is handcrafted by Mexican artisans over seven days. Seven days are seven stages of transformation from clay to a work of folk art. This process consists of many steps: creating the mold, processing the inside, baking in ovens, processing the outside, decorating, and hand-painting each decanter.
Blue agave from the highlands of the state of Jalisco, 6 to 8 years old, is used to produce tequila. After harvesting, it is roasted in stone ovens for 72 hours and double-distilled in copper distillation cubes. The result is a vibrant example of unaged tequilas with a unique aroma and flavor profile. This Tequila is kosher.
Fortaleza is a tequila that is created in the best traditions of Mexican culture. Selected blue agave piñas are first roasted in a brick oven and then crushed with stone millstones. The juice squeezed from the raw material is diluted with spring water, fermented in open-air wooden tanks, and distilled in copper cubes.
Destileria La Fortaleza is a Mexican company with more than 100 years of history that begins with the La Perseverancia distillery, founded by Don Senobio in 1873 in the town of Tequila in the Jalisco region. It was Senobio who began exporting the ethnic agave beverage to the United States, shortened the name “mezcal de tequila” to “tequila” and suggested steaming agave instead of the traditional baking in clay pits. With the help of Senobio’s grandson, Francisco Javier, tequila was given a regionally protected name. After buying a plot of land at the highest point of the city, the entrepreneur built a new plant, La Fortaleza (Spanish for “fortress”).
Casa Dragones is a tequila that captivates with rich shades of baked agave and spices. It has a surprisingly soft and smooth taste, complemented by elegant fruity shades of aroma. It is recommended to serve tequila “Casa Dragones” Blanco in its pure form after the main meal, having cooled it slightly beforehand.
Casa Dragones is a Mexican producer of premium tequila. The company was founded in 2009 by Robert W. Pittman, one of the creators of the MTV channel, and Berta G. Nieves, one of the top 50 most influential women in Mexico. Remarkably, Berta G. Nieves became the first woman to be certified as a Maestra tequila. The joint venture was named Casa Dragones in honor of the elite cavalry of the city of San Miguel de Allende, which once served a huge role in the war of independence from Spain.
El Tequileño was founded in 1959 by legendary tequila industry pioneer, Don Jorge Salles Cuervo. The brand is ranked as the third-best distillery on tastetequila.com and is still guided by the Salles family. The company is led by third-generation master distiller, Jorge Antonio Salles. The entire production process takes place at La Guarreña Distillery, Jalisco’s historic distillery.
The agave for El Tequileño comes from the Los Altos region of Jalisco, which is considered a premium region for growing blue agave. The fruit grows on clay, similar to red soil, which gives the drink more floral and fruity notes with a higher sugar content. The artisans use only pure natural spring water straight from Volcán de Tequila to create a great tequila with exceptional flavor.
El Tequileño, Reposado Gran Reserva is an exclusive limited edition Mexican tequila that combines only 100% blue agave from the highlands of Jalisco with mineral-rich water from El Volcan de Tequila. The agave is cultivated on red clay-like soil, which imparts floral and fruity notes to the flavor palette.
Avion tequila is an elite drink, the complex taste of which is woven with shades of ripe fruits, citrus fruits, red berries, and flowers. The harmonious flavor intertwines notes of vanilla, agave, fruit, and oak. All drinks of the Avion range are recommended pure or accompanied by South American cuisine.
Tequila is produced by Productos Finos de Agave, a company that combines tradition and modern technology. Agave aged 7-10 years, grown in Jalisco, is used in the production of the line. The distillery uses small cubes for distillation, which allows to increase in the concentration of agave juice in the drink. Slow filtration increases the production time of the beverages but allows for a quality that competitors do not have.
The history of Avion tequila began in the small Mexican town of Jesus Maria. It is there that the Lopez family has been growing blue agave for several generations. The plantations are located at a considerable altitude and the agave bushes are seven to ten years old when they are harvested. Now the Lopez family, in collaboration with master distiller Ken Austin, continues to create tequila in the old-school tradition.
Corazon tequila has been produced by the artisans of Casa San Matías in the highlands of Jalisco for over 130 years. The producer adheres to the tradition of high quality as well as the original family recipe. 100% Weber’s agave is used to produce the tequila. After fermentation, the fermented juice undergoes two stages of distillation at a very low temperature, followed by a process of oxygenating the tequila to enhance the flavor profile. Corazon Tequila has won a huge number of awards and popularity in different parts of the world. Corazon Reposado is aged in oak barrels for 6-8 Months before bottling
Award-winning Corazon tequila has been produced for over 130 years in the highlands of Jalisco from 100% Weber agave. Casa San Matías artisans adhere to high standards and the original family recipe. Corazon translates to “heart” in Spanish – created with love from the heart of the agave. The tequila undergoes two phases of distillation in a distillation cube at low temperature and is then oxygenated to perfect the flavor and aroma. Corazon Blanco is a crystal clear, aromatic tequila, with notes of sweet baked agave, fruity and floral hints
Kirkland Signature is a tequila that can be found in any Costco supermarket. The thing is that like many other large retail chains, Costco turns to third-party manufacturers who supply products to their stores, under their own brand. The advantage of such goods is usually a more favorable price, and this applies to tequila, the producer of which today is Corporate Distillery Santa Lucia, SA de CV.
This Mexican company has been known on the international market since the early 1940s and is characterized by the excellent quality of its products and good reputation. Santa Lucía exports tequila all over the world, including North and Latin America and Asian countries.
Maestro Dobel is a premium tequila created by Juan-Domingo Beckmann, the head of the sixth generation of tequila producers. The brand is known for its crystal purity and great aging. In honor of the founder’s 50th anniversary, Maestro Dobel has released a special release, a golden tequila made from 100% agave and aged in French, American oak, and cherry wood barrels.
This tequila brand is not easy to find in chain supermarkets, because it works for a more elite segment, which is supported by the highest quality of Maestro Dobel tequila and the exquisite design of its packaging.
This is how tequila is usually drunk: soak the outside of your palm between your thumb and forefinger with saliva, pour a pinch of salt on the spot, take a slice of lemon or lime, lick off the salt, drink a shot of tequila and snack on the citrus. It is believed that this “tradition” has deep historical roots. In 19th-century Mexico, doctors treated flu patients this way. But was it really so, it is now impossible to know.
In general, many connoisseurs of strong alcohol say that it simply tastes better this way. Thanks to salt and lime, tequila opens up differentlyand becomes more peculiar and full-bodied.
But apart from this spectacular method, tequila can also very often be found in cocktails.Thus, the most popular Tequila-based cocktails are:
The Margarita is the most famous tequila-based cocktail. Not only is this cocktail delicious, which was first the main purpose of its creation, but it also has thousands of variations that are fun to explore.
Tequila Sunrise belongs among the favorite tequila-based cocktails because of its superior taste and appearance. The pomegranate liqueur adds a subtle sweetness to the orange juice and tequila and becomes more pronounced as it approaches the bottom of the glass. The history of the drink states that it was first served in Cancun and Acapulco in the 1950s to welcome tourists.
Paloma is a refreshing tequila-based cocktail in a tall glass best suited forleisurely afternoon relaxation. Grapefruit juice and lemon-lime soda pair perfectly with tequila, and this cocktail can be made quickly and easily in front of guests.
The dark-colored Brave Bullcocktail lacks the fruity flavors often found in tequila. But it is characterized by an intense coffee flavor. The cocktail is quick to make because all you need is a shot of tequila and Kahlua liqueur.
The Envy cocktail is a wonderful drink with strong flavors of tequila, Blue Curacao, and pineapple. Whipped up and served in a tall glass, the cocktail would be the perfect accompaniment to a gathering with your friends.
It is easy to guess that the main tequila production is concentrated on Mexican shelves. Almost every country in the world imports tequila from Mexico.
According to Mexican laws, this sweet drink, often likened to liquid gold, can only be made in five states – Jalisco, Nayarit, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, and Guanajuato. Of these, the first “town” accounts for up to 80% of production. It is there that the raw material in the form of blue agave for the future tequila is grown.
Apart from Mexico, very small batches of tequila, including unique honey-infused variations, are produced in the USA, Germany, and other countries. Interestingly, some Hollywood celebrities like George Clooney have ventured into the tequila business, adding their personal touch to the shelves of tequila options available to consumers worldwide.
To purchase high-quality and delightful añejo tequila, you don’t need to unravel many secrets. Primarily, you should focus on the details provided on the labels.
Take note of the information displayed on the label concerning the percentage of blue weber agave juice. If it states “100% Blue Agave,” then the liquor is crafted entirely from the juice of this plant. This will undoubtedly be the prime choice for your purchase. You can also come across products labeled “DO” and “NOM.” “DO” signifies that the manufacturer has meticulously adhered to all the standards and technical requisites of the production region, while “NOM” denotes conformity with international quality benchmarks.
It’s equally essential to examine the aging period (the longer it is, the more refined and consequently more expensive the spirit becomes) and the presence of sediment. The sediment forms due to storage in cool environments and might suggest that the alcohol has not undergone the filtration process, potentially impacting its delicate taste, including notes of vanilla and other distinctive flavors.
Blue agave, often regarded as a medicinal plant, offers a range of beneficial properties. It is known for its expectorant, antipyretic, disinfectant, and analgesic qualities. Consequently, beverages crafted from this sweet agave can be deemed advantageous when consumed in moderation. It is advisable not to surpass the recommended limit of 50 ml per day, as this allows for a balanced and enjoyable palate experience. Additionally, some premium tequilas age in white-oak barrels like those used by Casamigos, which further enhance the drink’s flavors and complexity.
The benefits of tequila: