Last Updated on: 24th January 2024, 06:54 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.
Explore authentic Mexican tequila brands in this ranking, focusing on those still owned by Mexican companies.
Discover the best in flavor and quality from Mexico’s Tequila industry, from traditional favorites to hidden gems.
Written by: J Highland
Key Takeaways
- Top 7 Ranking: Lists top Tequilas owned by Mexican companies.
- Quality and Flavor: Evaluates each brand based on flavor, quality, and value.
- Variety of Profiles: Includes a range of flavor profiles and characteristics.
- Focus on Mexican Ownership: Highlights the quality of Tequilas from Mexican-owned brands in a predominantly foreign-owned market.
- Criteria for Ranking: Brands are evaluated based on the absence of artificial additives, with top-ranked tequilas being ‘legit’ and pure, reflecting traditional and high-quality production methods.
A Quick Look at Mexican Tequila Brands
| 1. Adictivo |
| 2. Jose Cuervo |
| 3. Corralejo |
| 4. Clase Azul |
| 5. 1800 |
| 6. Lunazul |
| 7. Gran Centenario |
| 8. Riazul |
| 9. Cimarron |
| 10. El Tequileño |
| 11. Arette |
| 12. Don Fulano |
| 13. Tapatio |
| 14. Terralta/G4 |
| 15. 7 Leguas |
| 16. Fortaleza |
16. Adictivo
Adictivo is a Mexican brand owned by Gildardo Partida.
However, I’m not a fan of their releases as they have an artificial flavor due to the use of sweeteners.
These Tequilas taste like Splenda and become cloying after just a couple of sips.
If you enjoy sugar bombs, you might appreciate them, but personally, I struggle to drink more than a few sips due to the overwhelming sweetness.
The Cristalino Extra Añejo is highly sought after for its smoothness and intense sweetness, appealing to those who enjoy this type of flavor profile.
15. Jose Cuervo
Jose Cuervo holds the distinction of being Mexico’s oldest commercial distiller, with roots dating back to 1795.
It stands as the world’s largest Tequila producer.
Within the Jose Cuervo lineup, I only consider their 100% agave Tradicional line, excluding offerings like Jose Cuervo Gold, which may tarnish the brand’s reputation.
While Jose Cuervo has a mixed reputation due to some lower-quality Tequilas, the Tradicional line is respectable and performs admirably in cocktails.
For an affordable mixer in cocktail creations, I recommend the Tradicional Silver.
14. Corralejo
While all the Tequila brands mentioned here are crafted in Jalisco, this particular one is made in the neighboring state of Guanajuato, where I spend a few months every year as I have a place in San Miguel de Allende.
Corralejo Reposado is the best-known release, a bit rough but with a smoky note uncommon to Tequila making it interesting.
Good value for the money for those who want a kick out of their drink.
13. Clase Azul
Owned by Arturo Lomelí aka El Oso (The Bear).
This is another brand whose Tequilas are packed with artificial flavors.
Clase Azul Reposado comes in a beautiful bottle but the juice inside is not that good, to be honest as it basically tastes like Splenda.
If what you want is the bottle for the bragging rights I recommend buying it on eBay.
If what you want is a sweet Tequila I recommend buying a cheap one and adding a sugar cube to it.
You will strike a better flavor and protect your hard-earned money.
12. 1800
1800 Tequila is crafted by Jose Cuervo and in general its releases, except for Reposado, tend to be quite reliable.
Blanco is a dependable workhorse that works wonders in cocktails, Tequila shots, or casual drinking.
Añejo is a good alternative for bourbon drinkers looking to join the Tequila bandwagon as it’s rich in whiskey-like notes and is extremely affordable.
1800 Milenio Extra Añejo is the top release and a great alternative for those looking for an affordable Extra Añejo Tequila.
11. Lunazul
Lunazul Tequila is not the smoothest but it presents a great option for those looking for a super cheap 100% agave Tequila promising a morning free of headaches.
In particular, I recommend Lunazul Blanco which works very well to make Margaritas or any other tasty cocktail.
Not the bottle that you will see winning awards but it will get the job done at a low price.
10. Gran Centenario
You might not know this but Gran Centenario is another brand owned by Jose Cuervo.
Gran Centenario Plata has a light Lifesaver note but drinks nicely on the rocks providing good value for the money given its affordable price.
In particular, I recommend looking at Gran Centenario Añejo which is one of the top cheap Tequilas as it’s packed with the tasting notes you don’t expect to find in a pour at this price range.
9. Riazul
Riazul is a brand about which little is known as it is of relatively recent creation.
It is one of the few that are Mexican-owned since apart from Jose Cuervo most are owned by foreign companies.
I recommend you look at Riazul Añejo which is quite good and an affordable option to Don Julio 1942.
8. Cimarron
Cimarron is another lesser-known jewel crafted by Enrique Fonseca one of Mexico’s top Tequila distillers.
Mr. Fonseca also crafts at the same distillery some of the best Tequilas such as Don Fulano and Tears of Llorona which is the best Extra Añejo Tequila.
On top of being good, Cimarron is free of additives provides legit flavors, and is incredibly affordable making it something you should be drinking.
7. El Tequileño
This Tequila has been crafted at the same place since 1959 when the distillery was established by Don Jorge Salles Cuervo and remains Mexican-owned.
Solid releases, free of additives and incredibly affordable providing superb value for the money.
Tequileño Reposado is the best Reposado under $30 you can buy, but despite the low price, it has a taste that goes toe to toe with pours that double it in price.
Tequileño Reposado Rare is the best in the lineup and one well adding to the cabinet.
The rest of the gang is just as good!
6. Arette
Arette is another old Tequila brand established at the beginning of the past century and still in the hands of the founding family which is positively correlated with the quality of Tequila.
The distillery is owned by the Orendain brothers (Eduardo and Jaime) representing the fifth generation producing Tequila.
Arette offers a range of solid releases with no weak links, although the Arette Gran Reserva Extra Añejo stands out above all, which is an extraordinary Tequila bottled at a high proof that does not feel.
5. Don Fulano
Don Fulano “Don John Doe” is a little-known brand crafted by Enrique Fonseca who went from agave producer to master distiller when he found himself with 40,000 tons of unsold agave.
He bought the distillery in 1990 from Bacardi and turned it into one of Mexico’s top distilleries.
Don Fulano Blanco is one of the easiest sipping Tequilas and the best Silver Tequilas and one I recommend for those looking for a legit and smooth Tequila.
4. Tapatio
Tapatio is crafted at La Alteña, founded by Don Felipe Camarena in 1937, and has turned into the house of good Tequilas.
All the releases are pretty good with no black sheep in the family making it hard for me to recommend anyone in particular.
Rest assured that when you see a Tequila with the identification number NOM 1139 you are buying one of the best Tequila brands as it is crafted by Carlos Camarena.
3. Terralta/G4
El Pandillo, another of the best Tequila distilleries in Mexico is owned by Felipe Camarena (brother of the aforementioned Carlos Camarena).
Felipe Camarena is currently producing G4, and Terralta which are 2 of the best Tequila Brands.
This brand is also free of additives and legit which is a must to be considered good as there is no room for cheaters on the top positions of this roundup.
G4 Blanco is my everyday unaged Tequila and the one I recommend.
Pure agave flavor, with no heat or peppery notes, makes a great drinker.
The rest of the lineup is quite solid and something to be considered by serious aficionados.
2. 7 Leguas
Siete Leguas (7 Leagues) honors the horse of the Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa.
The distillery just turned 70 in 2022 and I am going to tell you a story:
Patron Tequila was produced at this distillery from 1989 to 2002 when they opened their own distillery in Jalisco.
Patron copied the production methods of 7 Leguas but did not copy the recipe because Siete Leguas is much better.
Siete Leguas Reposado is my favorite reposado, Blanco and Añejo rank high in their respective categories and Extra Añejo is one of the best Tequilas.
It remains under the ownership of the founding family which is a good sign.
1. Fortaleza
Leaving the best for last we have Fortaleza Tequila which for legal reasons goes beyond the scope of this post is known as Tequila Los Abuelos in Mexico.
Fortaleza is a brand created in 2006 by Guillermo Erickson who is heir to the Sauza Tequila dynasty.
Sauza was acquired by Beam Suntory (Jim Beam) and Erickson decided to rebuild the old distillery and craft Tequila using old methods that are proven to be the best.
The result is the best Tequila brand with an incredible range of offerings in which an Extra Añejo is missing, BTW!
Fortaleza Añejo is the best to have as it makes the best Añejo Tequila yet the rest are just as good.
Mexican-owned Tequilas are a rarity
Most of the most famous tequila brands have been acquired by foreign conglomerates or were created in the United States; this chart will make it clear.
| Tequila | Owner | Country |
| Don Julio | Diageo | UK |
| Casamigos | Diageo | UK |
| Patron | Bacardi | Bermuda |
| Herradura | Brown-Forman | United States |
| Espolon | Campari | Italy |
| Sauza | Beam Suntory | Japan |
| Avion | Pernod Ricard | France |
| Casa Noble | Constellation Brands | United States |
| Cabo Wabo | Campari | Italy |
Even the beer industry is no longer Mexican as Modelo who crafts Corona was acquired by AB InBev from Belgium and XX by Heineken from the Netherlands.
I did not include in my selection of the best Mexican-owned tequilas Casa Dragones which is owned by Bertha Gonzalez from Mexico and ex-MTV’s Robert Pittman.
There are other minor brands such as The Rock’s Teremana, Michael Jordan’s Cincoro, and Kendall Jenner’s 818 which were created in the United States.
The Value of Mexican Ownership in Tequila Production
In the Tequila industry, Mexican-owned companies, especially those where the founding family is still involved, often produce superior Tequilas.
This is because these families take great pride in their heritage and the quality of their product, as opposed to corporate executives who might prioritize meeting quotas and earning bonuses.
This personal investment and dedication to tradition often result in a tequila that is not only authentic but also of higher quality, preserving the rich legacy of Mexican tequila-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Patron a Mexican Brand?
- The brand was established in 1989 by John Paul Dejoria and Martin Crawley, and sold to Bacardi in 2018.
Who Owns 1800 Tequila?
- 1800 Tequila is owned by Jose Cuervo, a Mexican company.
- The brand was introduced in 1975 as a premium sipping Tequila, named after the year Tequila was recognized as a spirit.
Is Don Julio Tequila Produced in Mexico?
- Yes, Don Julio is made in Jalisco, Mexico.
- However, it’s owned by Diageo, a British conglomerate.
What is the Ownership Status of Jose Cuervo Tequila?
- Jose Cuervo is a Mexican-owned company and remains family-operated.
- Established in 1795, it is Mexico’s oldest commercial distillery.