The very best top-shelf tequilas between $50-$100

Whereas tequila is commonly labeled because the go-to liquor for pictures and because the main ingredient in margaritas, it shouldn’t be restricted to simply these makes use of, as there may be a lot extra to this complicated agave-based spirit.

Too many individuals have blurry recollections of nights fueled by cheap tequila. They usually keep in mind the after results of these price range tequilas which might be typically often known as mixtos, tequilas that comprise a minimum of 51% blue agave, but in addition comprise different components that may result in some tough mornings after a wild evening out. Actual, 100% blue agave tequilas, nevertheless, are one of many best consuming spirits and the perfect tequila may even have among the most inventive flavors with out all that added sugar.

Whether or not you’re on the lookout for one thing to make a margarita, whip up one other cocktail, or take pleasure in as a sipper, tequila could be a lot greater than only a get together drink.

What’s tequila?

To begin with, tequila should come from the juice of the blue agave plant, which is barely present in Mexico. Whereas the perfect tequilas will probably be made with 100% agave, and can prominently say that on the label, as we stated above, some tequilas often known as mixtos, can comprise as little as 51% agave. These tequilas don’t often promote that on the label, but it surely’s simple to inform if a bottle of tequila is a mixto. If it doesn’t say “100% agave” on the label, then it’s a mixto, which could have added sugars and different components.

You can too inform how lengthy a tequila has been aged by checking the label. Right here’s tips on how to inform:

• If it’s marked “blanco,” it’s a transparent tequila aged lower than 60 days.
• If it’s a “reposado,” it’s been aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months.
• Tequila labeled “añejo” is aged in oak or bourbon barrels for a minimum of a 12 months.
• “Further añejo” tequila has been aged over three years.

With all that in thoughts, listed below are among the greatest top-shelf tequilas (and there are not any mixtos on the listing) between $50 and $100.

Greatest tequilas below $60

Milagro Barrel Reserve Silver – round $50

With a gorgeous bottle that incorporates a piña blown into the underside, Milagro Barrel Reserve is a silver tequila with depth. After distillation, it spends round a month in French and American Oak barrels earlier than bottling. This ends in a recent, agave-forward spirit that’s nice by itself.

Casamigos – round $55

Enjoyable reality: This model was formerly owned by George Clooney. Oh, however the tequila is sweet, too. Whereas Casamigos blanco typically finds itself below $55, the model’s reposado (often round $70; options hints of caramel and cocoa ) and añejo (often round $75; extra spicy and oaky) choices can each be counted among the many nice worth tequilas which might be priced over $50.

KAH Tequila Reposado – round $55

This tequila’s fire-eyed cranium bottle is an ideal illustration of the power of the vanilla and caramel accompanying the agave character. Superior flavors and packaging apart, KAH‘s reposado is available in at 110 proof following a 10-month stint in French Limousin Oak casks.

Greatest tequilas between $60-$99

Casa Sauza Tequila Fortaleza Blanco Nonetheless Power – round $60

Handmade by the Sauza household, Tequila Fortaleza boasts a number of many years of heritage (5 generations, to be actual). The Sauza brand was bought in 1976, however the household continues its craft right now. The Nonetheless Power model of Fortaleza’s Blanco varietal boasts an intense vegetal profile with earthy notes of butter, olive, and black pepper. Because it comes straight from the nonetheless, it additionally has the next ABV.

El Tesoro Añejo – round $60

Made by crushing the agave with a big volcanic stone wheel often known as a tahona after which aged between two and three years, El Tesoro’s Añejo is nice and clean — good for sipping on any event. Floral traits on the entrance soften into candy cooked agave and a touch of spice.

Maracame Tequila Añejo – round $60

The makers of Maracame, Casa Camarena, have greater than 250 years of tequila-making expertise.  Aged for 18 months in American Oak barrels, the añejo varietal is a full-bodied spirit harking back to a whiskey. Dried fruits, pepper, and cola are among the flavors you’ll be able to count on from this tequila, which has acquired a number of accolades from the trade.

Tequila Código 1530 Rosa – round $65

The rosé trend is right here to remain, and Código’s Rosa hits all of the excessive notes. Aged one month in uncharred Napa Cabernet French White Oak barrels, this distinctive tequila leads with the same old agave taste you discover in a blanco with a touch of floral notes. Take a look at our full tequila review for extra data.

Greatest tequilas for $100

Casa Noble Single Barrel Reposado – round $100

Whilst you could also be extra acquainted with single-barrel bourbons or Scotch whiskies, Casa Noble has its own iteration, which is aged in French Oak for 364 days (sooner or later in need of being thought-about an añejo, which in addition they have in single barrel type) earlier than bottling. This produces a wealthy tequila expertise that’s in contrast to many others on the market.

Clase Azul Reposado – round $100

We received’t child you, Clase Azul’s bottle steals the present — individually sculpted and painted by hand, how might it not? What’s on the within, although, can also be an ideal expertise. Aged for eight months, their reposado tequila is silky and clean, with oak, vanilla, and toffee flavors that mix nicely with the cooked agave.

Editors’ Suggestions