Best Tequilas in Canada LCBO

Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 05:39 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.

These are the top Tequilas to buy at Canada's LCBO, according to tequila expert Neil Coleman and valuable customer feedback.

Written by: J Highland

Choosing the Best Tequila in LCBO

• Top LCBO Tequilas: Tromba Blanco, Alida, Casamigos Blanco, 1800 Silver, Tesoro Reposado, Tequileño Gran Reserva Reposado, Espolon Reposado, Don Julio 1942, 1800 Añejo, Don Julio 70, Tapatio Excelencia.
• Selection Basis: Curated with expert Neil Coleman and customer feedback, focusing on quality and variety.
• Diverse Options: Includes easy sipping Blancos, smooth Reposados, and refined Añejos.
• For All Palates: Suitable for both newcomers and Tequila enthusiasts.
• Canada's Choice: A carefully chosen range despite limited Tequila availability in Canada.
• Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Quick Look at the Best Tequilas to Buy in LCBO

Prices are approximate and stated in CAD:

Discover Tromba Tequila: A Canadian-Owned Mexican Spirit

Tequila lovers in Canada, rejoice! Tromba Tequila is crafted in Mexico by Canadian-born Eric Brass and Marco Cedano, leveraging 17 years of experience at Don Julio.

This Blanco tequila boasts a unique aroma profile featuring roasted agave, black pepper, and a touch of sweetness like cantaloupe. On the palate, it delivers a smooth, oily texture with flavors of agave, warm cinnamon, refreshing mint, and a hint of vanilla, finished with a lingering brown sugar sweetness and minimal peppery heat.

While Tromba Blanco might not be the most complex tequila, it offers a consistently enjoyable experience from the first sip to the smooth finish, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.

Alida Tequila: Smooth and Sweet Agave Spirit

Crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, Alida Tequila is the brainchild of Canadian entrepreneur Craig Shaw. Interesting fact: Alida shares its distillery with celebrity tequilas from Elon Musk and Michael Jordan.

Alida offers a light and inviting aroma with hints of agave, vanilla, and a touch of black pepper. The first sip is smooth and sweet, featuring delicate agave flavors alongside vanilla and orange notes. A subtle peppery kick adds a touch of complexity.

The finish is smooth and lingers pleasantly, offering a touch of warmth, sweetness, and a hint of pepper.

Alida delivers a consistently enjoyable experience for those seeking a smooth and sweet agave spirit at a competitive price.

Casamigos Blanco: A Smooth Vanilla-Forward Tequila

Casamigos Blanco is a celebrity-owned tequila known for its easy-drinking profile. Made in Jalisco, Mexico, it features a pleasant aroma where vanilla takes center stage, complemented by subtle hints of agave and mint.

The taste is smooth and creamy, echoing the vanilla and mint from the nose. The finish is long and warming, leaving a lingering sweetness of vanilla and mint.

While Casamigos Blanco leans on the sweeter side, it makes a great option for new tequila drinkers due to its smooth and approachable profile. So, if you're curious about exploring tequila, Casamigos Blanco is a worthy place to start.

1800 Silver Tequila: Smooth Agave for Cocktails and Shots

Known for its smoothness, 1800 Silver Tequila offers a pleasant aroma of velvety agave with hints of black pepper, citrus, and a subtle alcohol note. The taste is soft and sweet, featuring the essence of agave alongside a touch of orange and black pepper.

While the finish is light, it leaves a lingering sweetness with a hint of peppery warmth. This balance of sweetness and subtle pepper complexity makes 1800 Silver a great choice for mixing cocktails like Margaritas or Mangoritas. Additionally, its smooth profile makes it enjoyable for those who prefer tequila shots without the harsh burn.

Important to note: Compared to some high-end Blanco tequilas, 1800 Silver might offer less complexity. However, it shines in its smoothness and mixability, making it a versatile option for various tequila preferences.

Tesoro Reposado: A Treasure Trove of Agave Flavors

Tequila connoisseurs, rejoice! Tesoro Reposado, crafted by the Camarena family (renowned as one of Mexico's top tequila producers), delivers a delightful experience.

The aroma is all about the agave, with whispers of cinnamon, lime, and a hint of chocolate for intrigue. The taste follows suit, offering a rich agave base layered with vanilla, oak, mint, and a touch of smoky depth.

The finish is where Tesoro truly shines - pleasantly long, leaving a satisfying sweetness balanced with oak spice. This balance highlights the exceptional qualities of Tesoro Reposado: pronounced agave, delicate oak influence with hints of caramel, and a gentle warming sensation.

Within the Reposado category, Tesoro stands out as a top contender, showcasing the Camarena family's expertise.

Tequileño Gran Reserva: A Smooth Reposado Tequila

Tequileño Gran Reserva might just become your new favorite reposado tequila. Crafted with 100% blue Weber agave and free of additives, it boasts exceptional quality at an attractive price.

The aroma is light and inviting, offering subtle hints of agave, vanilla, caramel, and a touch of orange. The first sip delivers a satisfyingly oily mouthfeel, showcasing flavors of agave, caramel, and baking spices like vanilla and orange.

The finish is smooth and gentle, leaving a lingering sweetness with minimal warmth. This balance makes Tequileño Gran Reserva a great choice for those seeking a smooth and enjoyable reposado experience without an overpowering burn.

Espolon Reposado: A Friendly Reposado with a Hint of Irish Charm

Espolon Reposado offers a welcoming aroma that combines agave sweetness with hints of citrus, baking spice, and a touch of alcohol. The taste is smooth and inviting, featuring agave as the star, followed by creamy butterscotch, vanilla, and a surprising sugar cookie note. Oak spice adds a touch of complexity.

The finish is smooth and lingers pleasantly, offering a balance of sweetness and oak with a gentle warming sensation and a subtle peppery kick.

This balance makes Espolon Reposado an easy-to-drink tequila, reminiscent of the smooth drinkability of Irish Whiskey but with a unique warming character from the agave.

Don Julio 1942: A Luxurious Tequila Aged to Perfection

Don Julio 1942 takes tequila to a luxurious level. Aged for 30 months in bourbon barrels, it picks up unique whiskey-like characteristics. The aroma is captivating, featuring prominent notes of vanilla and caramel alongside roasted agave and a touch of oak.

The first sip is a revelation, offering a velvety smooth mouthfeel. Flavors of caramel, chocolate, and agave mingle beautifully with the oak influence. This tequila boasts a remarkable balance, achieving smoothness without any harsh burn. A subtle smokiness adds intrigue, while the long finish leaves a satisfying warmth and lingering notes of agave, oak, and cinnamon.

Don Julio 1942 is a fantastic choice for tequila enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The approachable sweetness of vanilla and caramel makes it enjoyable, while the complexity of aging creates a truly memorable tequila experience.

1800 Añejo: A Sweet and Smooth Tequila for Easy Sipping

Craving a smooth and approachable Añejo tequila? Look no further than 1800 Añejo. Aged for an average of 2 years, it picks up some interesting whiskey-like characteristics, offering familiar notes of vanilla, spice, and caramel. These flavors combine with a subtle sweetness and a touch of fruitiness, making it ideal for sipping neat.

The finish is smooth with a hint of bitterness and minimal burn. While 1800 Añejo might not be the most complex añejo on the market, it makes up for it with its affordability and easy-drinking nature. This balanced profile appeals to a wide range of drinkers, including those new to tequila and seasoned enthusiasts seeking a smooth and reliable Añejo.

Don Julio 70: A Crystal-Clear Tequila with Añejo Luxury

Don Julio 70 is a true innovator in the world of tequila. This Cristalino expression utilizes charcoal filtration for an incredibly smooth flavor profile.

The aroma is light and inviting, offering hints of floral notes, honey, and subtle blue agave alongside a touch of vanilla. The first sip lives up to the smooth promise, showcasing rich flavors of vanilla, oak, and caramel, all balanced with a subtle presence of agave.

The finish is as smooth as the entry, leaving lingering notes of vanilla, oak, and a touch of black pepper for a touch of complexity.

While crystal-clear in appearance, Don Julio 70's flavor profile leans towards an aged Añejo tequila. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy the smoothness of a Blanco but appreciate the richer taste profile of aged tequilas.

As the original Cristalino tequila, Don Julio 70 sets the bar high. Its exceptional quality caters to both tequila connoisseurs and newcomers alike, making it perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks.

Tapatio Excelencia Extra Añejo: A Celebration of Agave with a Twist

Tapatio Excelencia Extra Añejo is a treat for agave purists. This aged tequila prioritizes the rich agave flavor, complemented by oak barrel influence in a supporting role.

The aroma is captivating, offering a warm embrace of cooked agave alongside hints of vanilla, caramel, and a surprising yet delightful apple pie note.

The taste follows suit, featuring a satisfying mouthfeel without being overly oily. Luscious agave takes center stage, interwoven with flavors reminiscent of apple pie, baking spices, and delicate oak. The long finish is smooth and warming, leaving lingering notes of oak and almond.

This focus on pure, additive-free agave is what connoisseurs appreciate about Tapatio Excelencia. The unique apple pie twist adds another layer of intrigue, making it a truly standout Extra Añejo tequila.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick FAQ:

What criteria were used for selecting these Tequilas at LCBO?

• The selection was based on extensive testing, expert feedback from Neil Coleman, customer insights, and a focus on providing quality and variety for Canadian Tequila lovers.

What are the top Tequilas available at LCBO in Canada?

• The selection includes Tromba Blanco, Alida, Casamigos Blanco, 1800 Silver, Tesoro Reposado, Tequileño Gran Reserva Reposado, Espolon Reposado, Don Julio 1942, 1800 Añejo, Don Julio 70, and Tapatio Excelencia.

Why is Tromba Blanco a recommended choice for Tequila in Canada?

• Tromba Blanco, created by a Canadian and a former Don Julio distiller, offers a balanced flavor profile suitable for various uses, from sipping to mixing in cocktails.

How does Alida stand out among LCBO Tequila selections?

• Alida, known for its smooth and sweet profile, is praised for its affordability and approachable taste, making it a good option for those new to Tequila.

What makes Casamigos Blanco a popular choice at LCBO?

• Casamigos Blanco is recognized for its smooth, vanilla-forward flavor, making it an excellent entry-level Tequila for new enthusiasts or those who prefer a sweeter profile.

Why choose 1800 Silver for Tequila cocktails and shots?

• 1800 Silver's smooth and sweet profile, coupled with subtle black pepper notes, makes it a versatile choice for both cocktails and shots.

What are the key attributes of Tesoro Reposado?

• Tesoro Reposado is valued for its rich agave flavor, complemented by vanilla, oak, and a hint of smoke, making it a standout Tequila for sipping and cocktails.

How does Tequileño Gran Reserva Reposado excel?

• Tequileño Gran Reserva Reposado is appreciated for its smoothness and authentic tequila-tasting notes, offering exceptional quality and a pleasing drinking experience.

What distinguishes Espolon Reposado in Canada's Tequila market?

• Espolon Reposado offers a harmonious blend of agave sweetness, baking spice, and oak, making it an enjoyable and affordable Reposado option.

Why is Don Julio 1942 a top Añejo choice at LCBO?

• Don Julio 1942, aged in bourbon barrels, is renowned for its exceptional smoothness, balanced flavor, and prestigious reputation, appealing to a wide range of Tequila drinkers.

How is 1800 Añejo positioned in the Canadian Tequila market?

• 1800 Añejo offers a sweet and smooth profile with bourbon-like flavors, suitable for sipping neat and providing great value for its quality.

What makes Don Julio 70 a suggested Cristalino at LCBO?

• Don Julio 70, a Cristalino Tequila, stands out for its enhanced smoothness and rich vanilla, oak, and caramel flavors, making it an excellent choice for both sipping and mixing.

Why is Tapatio Excelencia recommended as an Extra Añejo?

• Tapatio Excelencia offers a unique apple pie flavor profile with rich agave and baking spices, providing an authentic and pure Tequila experience for connoisseurs.