Choosing to consume an alcoholic beverage is a way to enjoy moments of relaxation, festivity or just having a good time with friends. Choosing tequila as an option will make you immerse yourself in this atmosphere with an exotic and Mexican touch. With so much variety on the market, we have written this guide to help you find the best tequila.
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With an alcohol content of 40% and aged in oak barrels, Jose Cuervo Especial Reposado is a tequila with a slightly sweet flavor with notes of agave and vanilla.
This tequila is aged in American oak barrels for 2 to 3 months before bottling. 100% agave and 38% alcohol, it presents sweet notes of cooked agave combined with a hint of vanilla, citrus and spices.
With aromas of citrus and vanilla, Don Julio Blanco tequila is made from 100% hand-harvested blue agave. Bottled immediately after distillation, its pleasant aromas and 38% alcohol content make it an ideal base for a good margarita.
Aged up to 3 years in casks, Jose Cuervo 1800 Anejo Reserva has a coppery color with a vanilla and woody aroma evolving on chocolate and caramelized notes. At 38% alcohol, the tequila also reveals notes of sweet spices with aromas of agave.
100% agave and aged 6 months in oak barrels, the Tequila 1800 Reposado signed Jose Cuarvo states aromas of candied fruits, vanilla and cinnamon. The flavor is full-bodied with notes of figs, agave, vanilla and marzipan on a 38% alcohol content.
Enjoy smooth, balanced taste of plum and roasted bell pepper notes with Jose Cuervo's 1800 Reserva Silver Tequila. It is matured for up to 15 days in the barrel and bottled with a touch of old Reserve tequila.
With an alcohol content of 40°, Patron's Mexican Silver Premium Tequila is made in the traditional way. A perfect balance of fresh and cooked agave flavors, it has delicate fruit and citrus aromas and a slight peppery undertone.
Crafted in small quantities and stored for 12 to 15 months in white oak barrels, Patron Anejo tequila has an alcohol content of 40%. With a sweet caramelized and smoked flavor, it delivers a certain delicacy on light aromas of vanilla and oak.
Produced in the famous San Nicolas artisanal distillery in Mexico, Espolon Reposado is a 40% alcohol tequila aged for 3 to 5 months in oak barrels before bottling. Amber in color, the tequila defines an agave flavor with notes of tropical fruits and spices.
Fresh and light, the Blanco version of Casamigos tequila develops notes of citrus, vanilla and sweet agave with an alcohol content of 40°. Aged for 2 months in stainless steel barrels, it is made from 100% blue agave of the weber variety.
Presented in a ceramic bottle in the shape of a skull, this Anejo tequila defines a 40% alcohol content and is aged for 2 years in American oak barrels. It is distinguished by powerful flavors of agave with a nuance of tobacco, coffee and chocolate.
Remembering the Day of the Dead and symbolizing rebirth, this tequila presented in a white ceramic skull defines 40% alcohol. The Kah Blanco is characterized by intense aromas of agave, complemented by aromatic white pepper to leave a pleasant spicy sensation.
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In order to choose the best tequila, it is necessary to determine its formula of elaboration, a criterion that will allow to identify its main qualities. There are two types of tequila, including the superior quality and the so-called mixed tequila. The former defines a spirit made from 100% blue agave with a much more pronounced taste that is used for pure tasting or accompanied. As for the mixed tequila, it is used for cocktails or for cooking. It offers a neutral taste and harmonizes well with different flavors. It is made from a minimum of 51% blue agave and 49% alcohol, usually from sugar cane.
Depending on your preferences, it makes sense to find out what the tequila of your choice tastes like so that you don't get any unpleasant surprises when you taste it. The taste qualities will somehow determine whether the tequila will be drunk in shots or delicately sipped. Indeed, its taste will influence its olfactory qualities and will also characterize its aftertaste. As an indication, a tequila can offer sweet or robust notes of exotic fruits and caramel with a pleasant peppery or spicy nuance. It can also offer different aromas to give it the particularity of tasty notes both from a gustatory and olfactory point of view. The strong and robust tequilas tend to smell pleasantly spicy, even pungent. As for the milder and lighter ones, they will have fruity and sweet notes that are sometimes slightly spicy.
It should be noted that one tequila differs from another depending on how long it has been stored in the barrel or cask before bottling. However, the strongest and most alcoholic tequila will be the one that is bottled after a few hours to a few days of distillation. They are called "Blanco" or "Silver" because of their transparent or slightly grayish color. At this level, there is also the Gold tequila elaborated in the same way, but with the addition of colorants or aromas to soften its robust notes. The one aged 2 to 12 months in oak barrels, "Reposado", will have a more golden color than the first one mentioned, with an aroma with woody, sweeter and fruity notes. Then the tequila ages from one to three years, "Anejo" a darker colored tequila with a more pronounced woody flavor and a very subtle agave taste. And finally, the most concentrated tequila, also called "Extra Anejo" or "Reserva". This tequila is distinguished by an aging of more than 3 years.
Labeled in degree ° or percentage % of its volume, the alcohol content of your tequila is a criterion that will influence its robustness as well as its sweetness in tasting. As with all alcoholic beverages, the alcohol content will be stated according to the fermentation and distillation of the main ingredient of the tequila. In general, tequilas have an alcohol content ranging from 35% to 50% of its volume. According to several consumer reviews, the best tequilas have an alcohol content of 38% to 40%. Knowing the alcohol content before consumption will allow you to set your own limits on how often and how much you take during your tasting.
The quantity or volume of your bottle of tequila will also be a significant criterion for being able to evaluate the rate of consumption per glass. It should be noted that a glass of tequila varies from 3 to 5 cl when consumed and the most common bottle size is 70 cl. This will offer 14 to 24 glasses of consumption per bottle. In general, the variety of tequilas is offered in sizes of 35 cl, 70 cl and 1 L. As for the design of the bottle, it is a matter of style and aesthetics to leave no detail to comfort and pleasure. It is also a detail that will set your choice of tequila apart and will act as decoration, either in your bar or on your table. Tequila is available in different shapes, including glass, ceramic and leather bottles... in classic, rounded, elongated and square formats.
Representing the spirit of all of Central America, tequila is a spirit obtained from the fermentation and distillation of the agave fruit, a plant that reaches maturity after 6 to 10 years. When mature, the heart or fruit is extracted by cutting the long leaves with sharp machetes. Then the heart is cut into several pieces to be cooked in an oven for 48 to 72 hours.
After this cooking, the baked fruit is crushed and pressed to obtain a well textured juice which in turn is mixed with fermentation yeast. Once the fermentation is completed after 5 to 6 days, the juice will be filtered and then placed in a still to be distilled once to obtain a tequila with 70° of alcohol. In order to have the quality of tequila to be consumed and marketed, the product from the first distillation will be distilled a second time until obtaining the adequate alcohol content around 38 to 42%.
In order to determine the type of tequila to be produced, the tequila will be bottled directly or will follow a maturation in oak barrels for a certain period of time to diversify each tequila.
Sometimes called Plata or Silver, Blanco tequila is bottled directly after distillation and takes on a transparent color. Unaged, this tequila is considered the purest and most neutral with an alcohol content ranging from 35 to 55%. To its taste, it is harder and bolder, perfect for making Margaritas or enjoyed neat with olives or semi-firm cheese at an aperitif.
Gold tequila comes from Blanco blended with oak essences or caramel for a balanced flavor. Also called Joven or Oro for its slightly golden color, it can be a blend of blanco tequila with aged tequila or aged up to 60 days in oak barrels. This type of tequila is one of the most popular and most exported without a doubt because of its much sweeter taste for direct consumption.
It is the most consumed tequila in Mexico. The particularity of the Reposado tequila comes from its aging from 2 to 12 months in oak barrels. It offers a more exquisite and delicious taste than the first two because of its less pronounced impact on alcohol and with woody notes of oak and a little fruity. But don't be fooled by its sweetness in the mouth, as its alcohol content remains the same with a level ranging from 35 to 55 degrees.
Classified as a luxury tequila, Anejo tequila is aged in oak barrels for a period ranging from 1 to 3 years. It has a darker amber color with more pronounced woody aromas and flavors. The taste of the alcohol is quite mellow, but with a content at the standard of a good tequila. It also has a tendency to offer notes of nuts, cherries and pepper as well as curry. However, this type of tequila is less recommended for cocktails, but rather as a neat or with spicy meat or even seafood.
Considered the most sophisticated with an alcohol content of 40%, Extra Anejo tequila is aged in oak barrels for 4 to over 8 years before bottling. This type of tequila is obtained from a very intense distillation to increase its alcohol content and extract more water than possible. Defining a very deep golden color, it offers a strong woody and sweet flavor. Extra Anejo tequila is recommended for pure tasting to enjoy the maximum of its aroma and flavor. It is also recommended to accompany desserts such as chocolate mousse, crème brulée, caramelized apricot with honey or other.
Exclusively produced in Mexico, real tequila is made mainly in the state of Jalisco and some municipalities of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit and Tamaulipas. Tequila is an alcoholic beverage obtained from the fruit called "Pinas" of the blue agave plant grown in Mexico, which resembles aloe vera. Much different from Mezcal, it is much more refined with an alcohol content ranging from 35% to 55% and comes in 5 categories depending on the time of storage before bottling. Each product of different brands is distinguished by the proportion of agave used where a true tequila formula must contain at least 51% agave.
Frequently used for the Margarita cocktail, tequila is distinguished by its complex aromas enhanced by oak and spice. It is also characterized by its ability to age in barrels or casks to offer a wide variety of flavor and olfactory notes.
Vodka is an alcoholic beverage originating from Russia and Poland made from ethyl alcohol obtained by fermentation of potatoes, cereals or even fruits. Defining a very limpid aspect like the clarity of water, vodka is made up of an alcohol content ranging from 37 to 55%, with the best at 40% of its volume. Taking the origin of its name from the word "Slavic vodka" literally meaning water, vodka is distilled several times for a high strength purity. The latter will be mixed with water for a distinct taste of the spirit that is vodka. The particularity of the different vodkas is expressed in the selection and the formula of the main ingredients associated with the aromatization in search of a maximum purity of the spirit.
Distinguished by its extreme purity, vodka is odorless, colorless with very bland tastes. It should be noted that despite the lack of flavor, a vodka can have a nuance of sweetness when it contains rye. There is also the one with a creamy taste that was made from potato. To its advantage, vodka is a perfect spirit to prepare cocktails. For cooking enthusiasts, it can also be used in the composition of many sweet and savory dishes, especially to enhance a sauce to accompany pasta and others.
The choice between tequila and vodka will depend on your own preferences and individual tastes. To enjoy the woody and pleasantly spicy flavors, tequila will be a better option, even for making the best margaritas. But if you prefer a fairly bland alcoholic drink and are making a cocktail for more pronounced blending flavors, vodka will be ideal. Be careful, to take advantage of the experience, it is strongly recommended to consume the alcoholic beverage responsibly and to set limits.
Among the great diversity of spirits or alcoholic beverages, tequila stands out in several ways. Here are 5 good reasons to choose tequila.
Tequila can be enjoyed neat or with a sparkling drink or fruit juice, mainly citrus. For cocktail lovers, it would make one of the best compositions or mixtures. It is especially recommended for the Margarita or the Paloma, a cocktail made with a sparkling drink flavored with grapefruit. Or, if you are a fan of Coca-Cola, tequila is one of the spirits that will make you enjoy excellent tasting cocktail.
In order to fully enjoy the gustatory and festive experience, it is always recommended to consume an alcoholic beverage in moderation and to set your own limits. However, while considering this rule, tequila could have beneficial effects on health according to some consumers and Internet users. It can help relieve colds and stomach problems. It even has the ability to stimulate insulin production and reduce cholesterol levels in the body. During a slimming diet, tequila is the most recommended alcohol because of its low sugar content.
Free of depressants and low in sugar, tequila has the benefit of giving you a fresh look when you wake up after a long evening of drinking it. Unlike some types of alcoholic beverages, tequila specifically made from 100% agave, such as blanco or silver, has the power to minimize hangovers. This is undoubtedly due to the absence of congeners and chemical impurities that can harm your organ system.
Each manufacturer has a unique flavor profile on a wide range of different and delicious tequilas. Tequilas include a certain depth of flavor and aroma depending on how they are made. Some are bottled directly after distillation, others are formulated with aromas and still others are aged in barrels to offer a particular flavor and sweetness. Indeed, the most popular tequilas are divided into a few categories, including Blanco or Silver: unaged tequila, Reposado, Anejo and Extra Anejo: aged in new or used oak barrels. And finally, the most expensive of the market is the Platinum tequila, less talked about by consumers because of its high price. It is a new trend of tequila aged in oak barrels and is triple distilled and filtered to obtain a pure color of a smooth white spirit.
Tequila is produced from the juice of the blue agave, a plant that is grown only in Mexico and requires 6-8 years of maturation before it can be processed. The manufacturing process, and the fact that it is only produced in Jalisco and 4 other municipalities in Mexico, make it one of the most sophisticated and classy spirits available. Tequila has become a national emblem for Mexico and is very popular internationally.
In our opinion, the best brands of tequilas in 2022 are :
Founded in 1989, Patron Spirits Company is a tequila producer based in Las Vegas, USA. Presenting itself as a luxury brand in Mexico, Patron tequilas are developed and produced in Atotonilco El Alto in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It is distinguished mainly by the traditional methods used for the elaboration of the best spirit. Patron offers a prestigious range of tequilas known for its great sweetness and exemplary balance. The Patron brand offers quality in all categories and this on a wide variety of tequilas.
José Cuervo is a historical label created in 1795 that had its beginnings in the production of tequila after the independence of Mexico declared by the Spanish crown in 1758. Since then the brand has evolved with the same experience, know-how and recipes from generation to generation. Produced in the central Mexican city of the state of Jalisco, tequila is made from a careful selection of the best agaves to be fermented and distilled meticulously. A tequila that stands out for its rich and generous bouquet with a beautiful finesse hiding a powerful and tempered expression.
Owned by Campari America, Espolon is a tequila brand from Los Altos in Jalisco of Mexico. First produced in 1998 and made entirely from 100% blue Weber agave, Espolon tequila impresses above all with its refinement combined with aromatic richness. The brand reflects its identity with bottles labeled with Mexican culture and imagery featuring a fighting rooster and living skeletons. In its catalog, Espolon tequila features 4 varieties of spirits including Blanco directly bottled, Reposado aged up to 6 months, Anejo aged up to 1 year and Anejo X aged up to 6 years.
A true pioneer in premium tequila production, Don Julio was founded in 1949. It defines one of the best references in luxury tequila. The brand makes its name in controlling the entire process of its own production from the agave plantation to the bottling of the tequila. Offered in short, paunchy bottles, Don Julio tequila is characterized by a fine woody flavor added to different aromas depending on the type of spirit. Its repertoire offers a range of tequila including Blanco, Reposado, Anejo, Real, 70 and 1942.
Produced in Amatitan in the state of Jalisco, El Jimador is a tequila brand introduced in 1994 with the vocation of producing high quality tequila accessible to all. Made from 100% blue agave, the tequila is naturally fermented with wild yeast from fruit trees and agave plants. It is best known for the silver tequila distilled with sparkling clarity and fresh, crisp notes with a hint of citrus. Then the Reposado offering warm flavors and seasoned with sweet agave. The Anejo, an El Jimador tequila with rich, full-bodied notes characterized by deep spice flavors.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Stoking your tequila correctly
Like all alcoholic beverages, tequila requires a condition of temperature and light. Indeed, tequila is hypersensitive to extreme heat, which could cause the alteration of the taste of the drink. In these conditions, the tequila could even lose its alcohol content. For this reason, it would be better to keep your tequila at a cool temperature, but not to freeze it. Freezing may also change its taste. Also, it is recommended that you keep your bottle of tequila away from sunlight or electric light. Light greatly affects the taste and color of the tequila. For the record, an opened bottle of tequila cannot be kept for more than two to three months, at the risk of losing its own aromatic characters.
Identifying authentic tequila
In principle, a real tequila is only produced in Mexico whose main production is in Jalisco and 4 other regions in the municipalities of Nayarit, Michoacán, Tamaulipas and Nayarit Another point to question is the label marked with a legend 100% agave of a tequila. Beware that alcoholic beverages or spirits labeled "100% Agave Distillate" or "100% Natural Agave Distillate" are only similar to tequila even though they are produced in Mexico.
Preparing a familiar contaritos
Contaritos is a cocktail made from tequila, a refreshing and relaxing drink that is drunk from a clay pot in the form of a mug or carafe. The drink is prepared with ice cubes, grapefruit juice, lime juice, orange juice and grapefruit soda. To do this, mix 70 cl of Reposado tequila with 70 cl of orange juice, 250 ml of lime juice and then add 1.5 liter of grapefruit soda or Squirt plus a spoon. After assembling these ingredients, stir for 10 to 15 seconds. Finish preparing your drink by pouring it into a container filled with ice cubes and garnish it with orange, grapefruit and lime slices.
Making a Margarita for one
The Margarita is a tequila-based cocktail created by Americans in Mexico. To make it, you need 4 cl of white tequila, 2 cl of lime juice, 2 cl of citrus liqueur, fine salt and a piece of lemon. To prepare, start by rubbing the lemon wedge around the rim of the glass and then glazing it with fine salt. Then pour all the other ingredients into a shaker with 4 to 6 pieces of ice cubes and shake it hard for 10 seconds. To finish, strain the mixture by pouring it into the previously prepared glass to serve it by adorning a slice of lime on the rim.
Making a tequila-based bloody Mary glass
Mostly prepared with vodka, the Bloody Mary cocktail looks even better with tequila for those who love cocktails with spices. To prepare a glass of this one, you need 5 cl of white tequila, 7 cl of pure tomato juice, 3 cl of squeezed orange juice, 1 cl of lime juice, 0.5 cl of Worcestershire sauce, 0.5 cl of Tabasco, 0.5 cl of acacia honey, 1 pinch of salt and 7 ice cubes. To make the cocktail, just mix all the ingredients in the glass by stirring it with a spoon or in a shaker. Then you can serve it directly or garnish the cocktail with a few leaves of pickled vegetables and a slice of lime.
This necessity is for tequila lovers who drink it in its pure form like some types of Blanco or Silver tequila. In its pure form, tequila is very strong and hard because of its natural taste freshly bottled after distillation. Thus the trio method of "salt, shot and lemon" makes it easier to swallow and get the taste of tequila through.
Because of its low sugar content, tequila is a spirit that can be diluted in a wide variety of cocktails. Embodying a fairly high alcohol content between 38-40%, making it into a cocktail will help to soften its imposing taste and also lighten the effect of alcohol on the body. But this will not be the case for other types of tequila such as Reposado and Anejo. In order to enjoy their quality and flavor, they will not be too recommended for cocktails.
Consumedneat or in cocktails, tequila also finds its place in cooking. It will make an excellent ingredient in the preparation of certain dishes for a personalized touch or for tasty sauces and marinades. Tequila can also be used in fruit salads, custards and pies. In most cases, tequila is often associated with the preparation of seafood and desserts.
Thelargest concentration of tequila production is in the state of Jalisco in Mexico, with two main regions being "Tequila Valley" and "Los Altos". These two regions are also home to the largest agave fields and are distinguished by the quality of their production. The tequilas elaborated in Tequila Valley are distinguished by their sweeter and fruitier notes, while those in Los Altos will identify woody flavors nuanced with vegetal and earthy taste.
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