Best Tequilas: What To Look For When Buying

Finding the best tequila can feel like navigating a maze of agave, but that's no reason to grab any old bottle off the shelf!

We’ll break down what to look for in your next pour so you can raise a glass without any regrets the morning after. Grab your salt and lime—it’s time to make your tequila game top shelf!

Tequila 101: Stirring Up The Basics

Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant, mostly grown in the sun-soaked Jalisco region of Mexico. To earn the official “tequila” title, this spirited nectar must be at least 51% blue Weber agave.

When you're making your way through the tequila shelf, you'll notice that each brand comes in a specific variety:

• Blanco (Silver): Think of this as tequila in its purest, unaged form. It’s fresh, vibrant, and full of that raw agave flavor.

• Reposado: This one sits in oak casks for 2-12 months, gaining a smooth, rounded flavor.

• Anejo: Aged 1-3 years, this tequila is smooth, rich, and full of character.

• Extra Anejo: Aged for over three years, it’s a flavor bomb with deep, layered notes like dried fruit, oak, and spice.

• Cristalino: This tequila is an añejo or extra añejo that’s been filtered to remove its color but still packs those luxurious aged flavors. 

What To Look For When Tequila Shopping: A Shot Of Good Advice

Shopping for top tequila can be tricky. Here's your cheat sheet on how to spot the good stuff.

1. Check the quality

When shopping for tequila, always look for the phrase “100% Blue Agave.” If it’s not there, it’s a mixto—and that means added sugars and flavorings. Also, check the NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) number on the label—this identifier verifies the distillery's authenticity.

2. Aging matters

Tequila’s flavor journey depends on how long it’s aged:

• Blanco tequila has bright, bold agave flavors with hints of citrus and herbs. It's ideal for mixing, especially if you’re shaking up a margarita.

• Reposado tequila's oak aging adds layers of spice, vanilla, and a touch of caramel, making it great for sipping or enjoying a premium cocktail.

• Anejo and Extra Anejo come with deep caramel, honey, and even smoky notes. They’re smooth and sophisticated—perfect for sipping neat, like a fine whiskey.

• Cristalino is filtered clear, yet aged to perfection. It’s got all the character of an aged tequila with a clean, elegant finish.

3. Location, Location, Location

Just like wine, tequila’s flavor can be influenced by where the agave is grown.

• Highlands (Los Altos) agave: Sweeter, fruitier tequila

• Lowlands (Valley) agave: Earthy, herbaceous tequila

4. Traditional Techniques

If you’re all about flavor, look for brands using traditional methods like brick ovens or tahona wheels to crush the agave. These slow-cooking techniques bring out more character and a fuller body, leaving you with a tequila that’s as rich in flavor as it is in history.

5. ABV: How strong are you pouring?

Most tequilas are bottled at 38-40% ABV, but some high-proof tequilas go beyond this. Higher ABV tequilas have more intense flavors and are great for sipping neat, while lower ABV options work well in cocktails.

The 7 Best Tequilas On The Market

Here’s a breakdown of the best tequilas for different tastes and budgets.

1. Best overall: Mijenta Blanco Tequila

Mijenta Blanco is celebrated for its balanced, artisanal touch. Its flavor is an elegant mix of citrus, vanilla, and peppery notes with a floral undertone.

What stands out is Mijenta’s commitment to sustainability. They use agave from the Highlands of Jalisco, known for producing sweeter agave piñas, which gives the blanco tequila its signature smoothness. Expect a well-rounded profile that’s as perfect for sipping as it is for crafting high-end cocktails.

2. Best value: Tres Agaves Blanco Tequila

When it comes to value, Tres Agaves Blanco is hard to beat. It’s affordable without cutting corners on quality.

This tequila is produced with organic blue agave and has a refreshingly clean flavor that highlights bright citrus and herbaceous tones. Thanks to its crisp, natural sweetness, it's ideal for margaritas and pairs well with mixers. You won’t feel guilty using it in a cocktail, but its quality is also high enough for a straight pour.

3. Best celebrity: Gran Coramino

Celebrity tequilas have flooded the market, but Gran Coramino by Kevin Hart stands out for its unique flavor and quality. A Reposado Cristalino, it’s aged in both American and French oak barrels, giving it a smooth, caramel finish while maintaining a bright, crystalline appearance. There’s a hint of spice that lingers, making it complex enough to appeal to aficionados but smooth enough for newcomers.

4. Best oldest tequila: Hornitos Reposado Tequila

Hornitos is one of the oldest and most trusted brands in tequila, and their Reposado tequila has been a staple since 1950. Aged for two months in large American oak vats, it’s lighter than your traditional Reposado but carries a unique mix of green agave, herbs, and light wood.

This makes it approachable for those new to aged tequilas while still satisfying longtime fans of the brand. The slight smokiness and pepper make it a versatile tequila, suitable for sipping or mixing.

5. Best luxury tequila: Clase Azul

Few bottles are as iconic as Clase Azul Reposado tequila's hand-painted ceramic decanters. This ultra-premium tequila is known for its smooth, velvety texture. The rich flavors come from slow-cooked agave, producing deep caramel and vanilla notes, followed by a subtle layer of tropical fruits and toasted oak.

It’s a sipping tequila for special occasions, embodying craftsmanship and indulgence. Every sip feels like an event, making it perfect for collectors or those looking to splurge.

6. Best traditional tequila: La Gritona Reposado Tequila

La Gritona is a nod to heritage and traditional tequila-making processes, giving it a rustic, authentic edge. Made by a small, female-owned distillery, La Gritona Reposado is aged for eight months in reused American whiskey barrels.

The result is a crisp and vegetal tequila that highlights the natural agave flavors without overly sweet or woody notes found in many reposados. Its earthy, straightforward profile is refreshing - ideal for purists looking for something with authenticity at its core.

7. Best for cocktails: Casa Dragones Tequila Blanco

Casa Dragones Tequila Blanco is tailor-made for high-end cocktails. It’s ultra-smooth with a light body, showcasing delicate notes of agave, pear, and subtle pepper. Its crisp, clean finish won’t overpower your mix, making it the go-to for a tequila sour or a top-shelf margarita.

Casa Dragones prides itself on small-batch production, guaranteeing quality and consistency every time. If you want to elevate your cocktail game, this is the tequila to reach for.

Other Honorable Mentions

• Corralejo Tequila Silver Blanco: Made using a triple distillation process, Corralejo tequila has sweet agave notes, balanced by hints of white pepper and vanilla.

• Fortaleza Tequila Blanco: Crafted using traditional stone milling and copper stills, Fortaleza tequila offers earthy, olive, and citrus flavors with a creamy finish.

• Deleon Tequila: A luxury brand featuring a smooth blend of highland agave, its Platinum Silver tequila has refined hints of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit.

• Casa Noble Añejo: Aged for two years in French oak, delivering rich, complex flavors of butterscotch, toasted oak, and spice.

• Don Julio Blanco: The purest expression of agave in the Don Julio lineup. It’s crisp, clean, and unaged, allowing the natural flavors of blue Weber agave to shine.

• Roca Patron: Made using traditional tahona stones to crush the agave, achieving a robust tequila with earthy, citrus, and slightly smoky notes.

• Casamigos: Popular for its smooth, sweet profile, with subtle vanilla and oak notes. Co-founded by actor George Clooney, businessman Rande Gerber, and real estate developer Mike Meldman in 2013.

• 1800 Tequila: Known for its smooth, oaky flavor with a touch of spice. Produced by Casa Cuervo, the same family-owned company behind Jose Cuervo.

Mezcal vs. Tequila: The Great Agave Showdown

Mezcal and tequila are both made from agave, but they’re more like cousins that went down totally different paths.

• Agave variety: Tequila must be made from blue Weber agave, whereas mezcal can use any of the 30+ agave species.

• Production: Tequila is steamed above ground, but mezcal is roasted in underground pits, giving it that signature smoky flavor.

• Flavor profile: Tequila’s smooth, mezcal’s smoky and bold.

• Region: Mezcal is made all over Mexico, but tequila must come from specific regions, including Jalisco.

Tequila Buying Mistakes

Not every tequila is created equal, so here’s how to avoid some common buying blunders:

• Don’t be fooled by fancy packaging: A pretty bottle doesn’t always mean great tequila. Look for authenticity (100% agave) and trusted brands.

• Avoid mixtos: These contain as little as 51% agave, with added sugars and flavorings.

• Celebrity tequilas aren’t always top-shelf: Some are high-quality, but others are overhyped. Do your research.

Bottoms Up: Choosing Your Best Tequila

Now you're fully loaded with the know-how to pick a tequila that's truly top-shelf—and much more! Like the difference between anejo tequilas vs. reposado tequilas.

So whether you're raising a glass of Fortaleza tequila for Cinco de Mayo, or just savoring a nightcap of Don Julio Blanco, there's a tequila to match your mood. Cheers!