The options are endless when you’re looking for the best bottle of Tequila.
You’ll find plenty of top-shelf options, one more expensive than the next. But what you won’t find a guide to really help you break down and understand which brand of Tequila you never knew you wanted.
This is that guide.
Tequila Might not be your first choice for an on-the-rocks sipper.
But on this list, you’ll find absolutely divine flavors, and you will learn to enjoy Tequila like you never have before.
And of course, if you prefer a nice cocktail instead, our recommendations will work brilliantly with all your favorite mixes.
Below, you’ll find our list for the top brands in the world and a buyer’s guide to Tequila as well as answers to how it’s made and what types are there.
Finally, we’ll round off this article with tips on how to drink and really enjoy Tequila as well as the key tasting notes and vocabulary you’ll need to become a true aficionado.
The 30 Best Tequila Brands you can buy
Before we list down the 30 best Tequila brands, here are our top 5 tequila brands that you must definitely check out:
| Rank | Brand | Best for: |
| 1 | Santera Tequila | Best Overall |
| 2 | Corralejo | Best High-End Option |
| 3 | Don Julio | Best Value |
| 4 | Cabo Wabo | Best for Brand Prestige |
| 5 | Santera Tequila | Most easy to drink |
Now, the top 30 Tequila brands for you are:
1800
1800 is a Mexican tequila brand that was introduced in 1975 by Beckmann Family. The brand was named after the tequila that aged in oak casks for the first time. 1800 has gained quite a popularity and is sold largely worldwide.
The brand has a variety of tequilas including 1800 Silver (Blanco), 1800 Coleccion, 1800 Reserva Reposado, 1800 Coconut, 1800 Reserva Añejo, and 1800 Milenio of ABV between 35-50% and 70-100 Proof. The tequila from this brand is 100% handpicked and is made from Weber Blue agave harvested from the highlands of Mexico. The sizes available are between 375 ml to 1750 ml.
Avion
Avion is yet another popular tequila brand that was introduced in the year 2009 by Ken Austin. It is a new-age tequila that has won international awards and the hearts of many experts.
Some top-shelf Avion tequilas are Avión Anejo, Avión Reposado, Avión Espresso, Avión Silver, and Avión Reserva 44. The taste of their signature product is commonly popular for its pineapple, olive, rosemary, and lemon zest tasting notes and smooth texture.
The brand has won top awards, including the 2012 Double Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2012 Best Tasting Unaged White Spirit San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and 2012 Best Tasting Tequila San Francisco World Spirits Competition,
Cabo Wabo
Cabo Wabo is a tequila brand established by American singer and songwriter Sammy Hagar in the year 1990. Cabo Wabo is basically a private nightclub that has launched its own alcohol and food, and Tequila is a part of it.
The tequila was 100% handmade and used to come from a distillery owned by a family in Jalisco. The sales of this notorious tequila went crazy worldwide, and it became one of the popular tequila brands in the world.
The tasting notes of Cabo Wabo come with a bitter tone with earthy and spicy tastes. And, the best part about Cabo Wabo is what comes after you take a sip. The aftertaste is what makes Cabo Wabo one of the finest tequilas.
Casamigos
Casamigos tequila was founded by popular American actor George Clooney in 2013. However, in current terms, Diago owns Casamigos since 2017.
The brand produces three different styles of tequila, i.e., Blanco, Añejo, and Reposado. They are made with 100% 7-9 years old Blue Weber agave. In fact, Casamigos is a regular favorite of Hollywood and is known for its smooth texture as well as taste. The brand offers a natural tasting tequila that tastes like a sweet mix of citrus, vanilla, and agave.
Some of the popular bottles by this brand are Casamigos Reposado 750ml, Casamigos Blanco 750ml, Casamigos Añejo 750ml, and Casamigos Joven Mezcal 750.
Herradura
Herradura Tequila, which is also a part of Grupo Industrial Herradura, was founded in 1870 by Félix López. Herradura is a tequila distilling company that was owned by the Lopez family for almost 125 years. However, in recent years, Brown Forman has owned the company. Even so, the production still takes place in its origin, thanks to which it is the 8th Best-selling tequila in the world.
The best-selling products by this company are Herradura Antiguo (38%), Herradura Añejo (40%) Selección Suprema (40%), Herradura Blanco Suave (40%), Herradura Blanco (46% alcohol), and, Herradura Reposado (40%). The signature tequila offers sweet and fruity tones and is perfectly smooth to drink.
Cazcabel
Cazcabel is a tequila brand that was established by Don Cazcabel in the year 2014. Known as the perfect tequila, the brand offers five tequila variants like Coffee, Honey, Resposado, Blanco, and coconut.
The brand has won several awards including the GOLD at the Tequila & Mezcal Masters in the year 2019, and GOLD at the World Spirit Championships in the year 2016. Cazcabel has also become one of the best-selling tequilas that rank 1 in the ‘’Most Gifted Alcohol’. Moreover, thanks to the long-listed flavors of tequilas, Cazcabel has truly gifted one of the best tequilas in the world!
Don Julio
Don Julio is one of the best-selling and largely manufactured tequilas in the world. The brand was introduced in 1942 by Don Julio González-Frausto Estrada. Don Julio began distilling tequila at the age of 17, and later crafted his own tequila distilling company that is today the best-selling tequila brand. However, in current days, Diago is the owner of the company.
Don Julio offers premium quality tequila variations that are more than just worthy. Some of the popular bottles are Don Julio 70 Añejo Claro, Don Julio Reposado, Don Julio Blanco, and Don Julio 70 Añejo.
Overall, Don Julio is an expensive choice that is worth its price, thanks to its fruity, candy, and floral notes with oak, brown sugar, and agave flavors.
Gran Patron
Gran Patron is a tequila series introduced by John Paul DeJoria in 1989. The brand, Patron was owned by Patrón Spirits Company.
The brand has achieved fame in nightclubs and has become one of the important nightlife members. Even so, the tequilas by Gran Patron is what you call the ultimate premium tequila. Some of the popular bottles are Gran Patrón Platinum, Gran Patrón Burdeos, and Gran Patrón Piedra. Other than that, you can also enjoy flavored tequilas like Patrón Citrónge, Patrón XO Cafe Dark Cocoa, Patrón Lime, Patrón XO Cafe Incendio , and Patrón Mango.
Gran Patron is a great deal with spicy, citrus, and sweet undertones.
Dulce Vida
Dulce Vida was established by Eric Dopkins in 2009 and has become of the fantastic tequila brands in the world. Thanks to their tequila that ages 24 months; the taste, smell, and texture are worth every penny!
Dulce Vida offers a wide range of exclusive tequilas like Extra Añejo Tequila, Organic Reposado Tequila, Real Grapefruit Tequila, Real Pineapple Jalapeño Tequila, Organic Añejo Tequila, and Real Lime Tequila.
The brand has won several popular awards, including The Most Awarded Tequila award. Not just that, Dulce Vida has also influenced the nightlife culture with its amazing tequila base quality.
El Jimador
El Jimador is a series of tequila products produced by Herradura Tequila. The brand is under the ownership of Brown Forman. El Jimador was introduced in 1994 and is distilled at the Casa Herradura Distillery.
This tequila series has quite a number of products that have raised to immense popularity. Out of which, El Jimador Reposado Tequila, El Jimador 100 Agave Repo Tequila, El Jimador 100 Agave Blanco, El Jimador Silver Tequila, and El Jimador Anejo Tequila are the most popular.
The tasting notes, flavor, smell, and texture are commendable and absolutely worth the price.
Santera Tequila
Santera Tequila is a famous tequila brand that was first introduced in 2015. The Santera Tequila is established by a master distiller named Sebastian Melendrez.
The brand offers three exclusive tequila variants named Santera Añejo, Santera Reposado, and Santera Blanco. These variants offer 40% ABV and are made with 100% blue agave. In fact, the brand has also won several awards for each of these bottles.
It is smooth, sweet, earthy, and peppery and tastes delicious too.
Espolon
El Espolon is a tequila brand that was founded by master distiller Cirilo Oropeza in 1998. However, it is currently run by Campari America. The distillery of this brand is located on the land of an agave plantation in Jalisco Highlands and is named Casa San Nicolas Distillery.
The currently sold Espolon tequilas are Añejo X, Reposado, Espolòn are Blanco (silver), and Añejo. The tequilas from this brand proudly celebrate Mexican culture and traditions. In fact, the brand itself depicts the strong importance of Mexican history.
Apart from that, Espolon has gained popularity from all across the world, as well as awards from San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2012 International Wine and Spirit Competition, 2020 New York International Spirits Competition. 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and more.
Grand Mayan
Grand Mayan is a tequila brand established by Carlos Monsolve. The brand was introduced in the year 1933. The brand is known for its 100% premium agave tequilas that are extremely smooth in taste and texture. In fact, Grand Mayan is said to be one of the finest tequila brands that taste just perfect for cocktails.
Grand Mayan offers Grand Mayan Silver Grand Mayan Tequila Reposado, Grand Mayan Añejo, and Grand Mayan Extra Añejo. The taste of Grand Mayan tequila is extremely smooth, rich, dark, and sweet in taste. It has a hint of tobacco and citrus as well; truly making it a masterpiece like no other.
Jose Cuervo
Jose Cuervo is one of the best-selling tequila brands that has become the 5th top-selling tequila brand in the world. The company was introduced 226 years ago in 1795 by Don José Antonio de Cuervo. However, today, the company is run by Don José Antonio de Cuervo’s descendant Juan-Domingo Beckmann. Beckmann is also the 6th generation owner of Jose Cuervo.
The brand distills its tequila in La Rojeña distillery. This distillery was founded in 1812 in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. The brand however has two types of tequilas: silver and gold. These are both differentiated by their unique distilling processes. Apart from that, some other popular tequilas by Jose Cuervo are Cinge, Platino, Black, Tradicional, Reserva de ka Familia, 1800, and more.
Kah Tequila
Kah Tequila is a unique brand that was founded by Kim Brandi in 1900. The signature tequila of this brand ages for 10 months in French limousine casks which results in caramel and vanilla undertones. In fact, the brand also uses extraordinary skull bottles that represent or rather are inspired by the Day of the Dead Celebrations.
The brand offers Kah Tequila Blanco, Kah Tequila Reposado, and Kah Tequila Añejo. These tequilas are made with 100% true agave and have managed to become one of the popular, artistic tequila brands worldwide.
Codigo 1530
Codigo 1530 is a tequila brand that was established by Ron Snyder in 1530. This brand offers 100% handcrafted tequilas made by skilled artisans in Mexico. Codigo has five different varieties of tequilas which include Rosa Blanco, Blanco, Anejo, Extra Anejo Origen, and Reposado.
The tequilas come with a very smooth texture as well as flavors. Apart from that, the brand also offers limited-edition collaboration tequilas that are aged in French Oak Napa Valley Cabernet barrels. As of the brand, Codigo has won Tequila Producer of the Year awards as well.
Milagro
Milagro tequila was established by Moises Guindi and Daniel Schneeweiss in the year 1997. It is one of the few tequila companies that are worth the penny, and it is not even that expensive. In fact, Milagro has been stated under ‘’The best Inexpensive Tequila’’ as well as ‘’The best Expensive Tequila’’ list.
Milagro comes in three variants including Aneja, Reposado, and Silver. Other than that, the brand also offers Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Silver, Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Reposado, And Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Añejo.
The brand has also won several awards and hearts, thanks to its fine tequila quality that is suited to be one of the best cocktail bases around the world.
Patron
Patron is a tequila brand established by the Patron Spirits Company. The brand was introduced in 1989 by John Paul Jones DeJori. They produce the best-quality tequilas with the help of 100% pure agave from Mexico. The brand offers bottles, barrels, as well as corks, and they are all specially crafted by hands in the distillery.
Patron offers a wide number of tequila bottles, however, some of the popular amongst them are Roca Patrón Reposado, Roca Patrón Añejo, Patrón Silver, Patrón Añejo, Patrón Reposado, Roca Patrón Silver, Patrón XO Cafe Dark Cocoa Patrón XO Cafe Incendio, and Patrón XO Cafe
Apart from that, you can also enjoy cocktails like Brunch Money, Mexica, Baby Stout, etc from the brand.
Tanteo
Tanteo is a popular tequila company established by Jonathan Rojewski. The company was introduced in the year 2007. In fact, Tanteo has gained quite a popularity amongst cooks. The tequila has such fine quality, it makes cooking more exclusive. It is one of the spicy tequilas made with 100% pure agave.
Some of the popular variants of Tanteo are Tanteo Cocoa, Tanteo Habanero, Tanteo Jalapeño, Tanteo Blanco, and Tanteo Chipotle. All bottles come with smoothly blended flavors that offer you the ultimate taste of spicy tequila.
El Tesoro
El Tesoro is a tequila brand that was established in 1937 by Don Felipe Camarena. The tequila from this popular brand is distilled in La Alteña distillery.
El Tesoro offers 5 tequilas named El Tesoro Añejo, El Tesoro Blanco, El Tesoro Reposado, El Tesoro Paradiso, and El Tesoro Extra Añejo. The tequilas are made from 100% highland agaves and give off earthy undertones. They are naturally aged in oak barrels and serve the best-tasting tequilas you will ever have. It is also easy to drink, affordable, and exclusive.
Fortaleza
Guillermo Erickson Sauza established the brand Fortaleza in 2005. Even so, Sauza’s family from the last four generations own a family distillery known La Perserverancia in Jalisco. In 1873, the family distillery began distilling Tequila Fortaleza under the guidance of Don Cenobio, the great-great-grandfather of Guillermo Erickson Sauza.
In current days, the brand offers Fortaleza Añejo, Fortaleza Blanco, Fortaleza Reposado, and Fortaleza Blanco Still Strength. Thanks to this, the brand has won the Best New Spirit 2020 by the Spirited Awards of Tales of the Cocktails.
Casa Dragones
Casa Dragones is a small batch tequila producing brand that was established by Bertha González Nieves in 2006. Bertha is also known to be the first woman who is named the ‘Maestra Tequilera’ by the infamous tequila organization.
Casa Dragones offers three exclusive variants of tequilas named Casa Dragones Blanco, Casa Dragones Joven,and Casa Dragones Añejo. The tequilas have also won several awards including The Best Spirits and Cocktails of 2019 award, 17 Best Sipping Tequilas award, The Best Tequilas You Can Buy, and many more features. As a matter of fact, Casa Dragones is also one of the favorite tequilas preferred by popular celebrity Oprah Winfrey.
Azunia
Azunia Tequila is a brand established by professional racer Jim Riley. Jim founded Azunia Tequila in 2009 and today, the brand has become one of the largest tequila importers worldwide.
Azunia offers tequilas that are extremely smooth to drink, and clean in texture. You can also say Azunia has the best sipping tequila in the whole world. We don’t say so, but the experts do.
The brand offers Blanco, Anejo, Black, and Reposado tequilas. In fact, you can also enjoy their premium collection Azunia Black Tequila that is made with 100% pure blue agave. Thanks to its quality, taste, and originality, the Azunia was awarded for achieving the highest score in the Ultimate Beverage Challenge 2019.
Teremana
Teremana is a popular tequila brand established by none other than the popular star Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. The brand was newly launched in the year 2020 along with Fast and Furious stars Jenna Fagnan, Dany Garcia, and Ken Austin.
The brand offers Blanco, Anejo, and Reposado tequilas. All the tequilas are made from 100% pure agave, that is roasted in the traditional ovens made with bricks. In fact, the tequilas are distilled in copper stills crafted in hands.
The brand is new to the game but has still managed to become the biggest tequila launching brand in the history of tequila. The brand has sold over 30,000 bottles in the first year itself. Starting from the taste, to the quality, Teremana is surely one of the best new choices for you.
Tromba
Tromba Tequila is a tequila brand established by master distiller Marco Cedano. The company was launched in the year 2019 and is owned by Eric Brass. Tromba is known to be the smoothest ever tequila you will ever experience in your lifetime.
The Tromba tequila comes with fluent flavors of toasted nuts, orange, cacao, and pineapple. In fact, the brand offers Tequila Tromba Reposado, Tequila Tromba Blanco, and Tequila Tromba Añejo.
Tromba is surely one of the finest tequilas made with 100% pure agave, best-sold for its premium quantity.
Corralejo
Corralejo, or Hacienda Corralejo was established by Don Pedro Sánchez de Tagle in 1755. However, the modern-era of Corralejo began since 1994, with its current owner Leonardo Rodríguez Moreno.
The brand offers Corralejo Reposado Tequila with 40% ABV in750 ml, Corralejo Blanco Tequila with 40% AB in 750 ml, and Corralejo Blanco Añejo with 40% ABV in 750 ml. Corralejo has also launched a special edition on its 25th Anniversary. The brand unveiled their Extra Añejo Tequila
This old brand of tequila has offered some of the best tequilas in the world.
T1
T1 Tequila was established by German Gonzalez Gorrochotegui in the late 1970s. The brand not only belonged to a master distiller but also to the descendants of General Manuel González, the former President of México between the years of 1880 – 1884.
The distillery occurs in the same old place of Jalisco. The T1 tequila is undoubtedly one of the few brands that offer natural and premium tequilas.
Calle 23
Calle 23 is yet another tequila brand established by a successful woman distiller. Sophie Decobecq established Calle 23 in the year 2009. Ever since its introduction, the brand has skyrocketed and become one of the very popular tequila brands in the world.
The brand offers a smooth, fresh, and vibrant bottle of tequila that comes with cinnamon, citrus zest, pepper, and pear aromas. Not only you will experience a smooth sip of this tequila but also completely fall in love with its packaging and quality.
Casa Noble
Casa Noble is a premium tequila brand established by Tequilero Jose “Pepe” Hermosillo. Casa is made with 100% blue agave tequila and was first introduced in 1776.
This Mexican tequila brand offers Anejo, Blanco, and Resposado tequilas, made with traditionally cooked agaves. The brand also distills its products thrice. Perhaps that is why Casa Noble has one of the best tequila tastes in the world. In fact, Casa has won numerous awards including the 2006 Silver Medal Packaging Winner Blanco, 2004 Bronze Medal Anejo, 2008 Gold Medal Reposado, 2011 Gold Medal Blanco, 2006 Silver Medal Packaging Winner Reposado, and many more.
Clase Azul
Clase Azul is a Mexican tequila brand established by Arturo Lomeli in 2000. This brand proudly claims to offer one of the finest tequilas in the world. Not just so, the brand also gained quite a popularity amongst experts for its exclusive, super-rich, and aromatic tequila quality. Even though the brand is exclusive on its own, Clase however also offers tequilas that are exclusively made and only 100 bottles of the drink are made and sold.
Some of the popular tequilas by Clase Azul are Clase Azul Mezcal Guerrero, Clase Azul Tequila Día de Muertos, Clase Azul Tequila Gold, Clase Azul Mezcal Durango, Clase Azul Tequila Ultra, and Clase Azul Tequila.
It truly is a fantastic choice for parties and exclusive meetings.
The Beginners Buyer’s Guide to Tequila
Now that we have introduced you to the best tequila brands around the world, here is a quick and short mini-guide that will help you to understand more about tequila as alcohol and everything you must know about it before trying or purchasing it from the market. Read the following points mentioned below for a better idea:
- As a newbie, drinking tequila can be different from drinking other alcoholic beverages. So, the best way to enjoy tequila is to take a neat, with some lemon and a pinch of salt. At the first two sips, you may feel like this is your worst decision, but after the third shot, you will love it, and for the rest of your life choose to drink tequilas over other drinks.
- There is no need for you to gulp a shot of neat tequila. Instead, you can try other mixes like coconut water, grapefruit juice, lime, club soda, aloe vera juice, tomato juice, jalapenos, etc.
- You are not necessarily required to chill your tequila before consuming it. Unless you really want a cold shot, you can always enjoy a shot of tequila at room temperature.
- You can also mix tequila with coke. And before you think of a name, other experts have already named the deadly combo as ‘Batanga’.
- It’s better to not refrigerate the bottle of tequila. Even, or even if it is not opened yet. Store the bottles at normal room temperature for a better experience.
- No matter what tequila you choose, if you have brought a bottle of Blanco tequila, avoid mixing it with any other ingredient. You can try to feel the real taste, texture, and aroma of Blanco when consumed raw, in a shot.
How is it made
Just like any other alcohol, tequila too goes through distillery and aging. Even so, we have mentioned the 6 steps of producing tequila:
- Before the production of tequila begins, the harvest of agave takes place. The actual production begins when blue agave plants are traditionally harvested. Once done, the leaves are cut down with the help of coa. Coa is a special type of knife used to cut out the agave pina bulb.
- Once the materials are picked up, the pina bulbs are then baked till they extract sugars. One can bake the pina bulbs on large steel ovens, rock ovens, or clay and brick oven.
- After the bulbs are properly baked, they are shredded in order to extract the sweet sugary juice. The juice is known as mosto, and there are two ways to extract them. One, the traditional method that uses a large stone wheel to crush the pina and extract the juice. At the same time, the second option is to use a modern shredding machine.
- Once the sweet juice is extracted, the mosto needs to be fermented to ethyl alcohol. This process will lead to making the mosto into a spirit. To perform this fermentation technique, you need to mix mosto with water and yeast. The process takes place in wooden barrels or steel tanks.
- Once done, the spirit needs to be distilled. During this process, the tequila will purify and lose all its impurities. It will also concentrate the amount of alcohol in the liquid. Typically, tequilas are distilled twice and sometimes thrice in order to achieve the best possible quality.
- Lastly, once the liquid is properly distilled, it is left to age for a minimum of 14 to 21 days. The time limit may extend depending on the type of tequila. Ie., Anejo, Blanco, and Reposado.
The Most Expensive Bottle of Tequila in the world
The Most Expensive Bottle of Tequila in the world is Tequila Ley 925 Diamante. The estimated price of this exclusive and premium tequila bottle costs $3.5 million.
Tequila Ley 925 is undoubtedly one of the finest tequila bottles that are aged for seven total years in oak barrels. It is also a special Extra Anejo bottle that was created in the Hacienda La Capilla distillery in Jalisco. The Tequila Ley 925 Diamante is also mentioned in the Guinness book of world records. Not because of the aging, but because of the price tag. Surprisingly, Tequila Ley 925 Diamante is one of the most expensive tequila bottles to be ever sold. It truly smells, tastes, and looks very exclusive.
Glossary of terms. What you need to know for Tequila
Sometimes, tequila is not all about drinking. Ever since years, drinking and anything associated with alcohol has been termed under passion. Thanks to this, the world has also come across important tequila terms that every tequila drinker must know! The following are some of the popular tequila terms you must know about:
- Oro or Gold – These are different types of tequilas that come along with artificial coloring.
- Blanco, Silver, Plata, or Platinum – These are the quickly bottled tequilas that are most popular for cocktails like Paloma and Margarita.
- Anejo – The tequilas that are aged in oak casks for at least a year, fall under this category. These tequilas are best served on rocks.
- Extra Anejo – The tequilas that are aged for three years or more in oak barrels fall under this category. As a result, these tequilas are mostly costlier than other tequilas.
- Reposado – The tequilas that age in oak casks between two months to one year fall under this category. Reposado tequilas are generally rich in taste and have a vanilla-like aftertaste.
- Blue Weber – Blue Weber is a type of agave. This agave is the only legal type one can use to produce tequila. In fact, Blue Weber is one of the 136th agave species in Mexico.
- The highlands – If the agaves come from the highlands, your tequilas will carry a gentle sweetness and floral aroma.
- The Lowlands – If the agaves come from the lowlands, you can expect your tequila to be spicy and earthy in taste and flavor.
- Pinas – Pinas is the heart of agave plants. They look like larger versions of pineapples and play an important role in the manufacturing process of tequila.
Methodology, how we select the best
There are more than thousands of tequila brands in the world, but only a few make it to the top. Here are our top points to follow while we choose the best brands for you:
Smoothness
The quality of any tequila also depends on its texture, flavors, and smoothness. The brand we choose for you offer some of the smoothest, easy-to-drink tequilas in the world.
The ones with exclusive choices
Even though a lot of brands offer tequilas, only a few offer exclusive, limited edition bottles that are worth your attention.
Best overall
No matter what brand or how expensive, the quality remains the central aspect of tequila. So, we choose the best choice brands that have won hearts worldwide.
