Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 05:56 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.
With the assistance of spirits expert Neil Coleman and customer feedback, I have reviewed and ranked every El Tesoro Tequila release and determined which is the best.
Written by: J Highland
Choosing the Best Tesoro Tequila
El Tesoro tequilas are known for their exceptional quality and focus on pure agave flavor. Here's a breakdown to help you find the perfect El Tesoro for your taste:
Top Shelf Sipping:
- El Tesoro Paradiso Extra Añejo: Highly complex and well-balanced with tropical fruits, agave, oak, and spice notes. Aged in ex-cognac barrels for an extra luxurious experience. (Consider the price point)
- El Tesoro Extra Añejo: Rich and complex with a smooth taste. Offers a great balance of sweet and peppery notes. Aged for almost five years in ex-bourbon barrels.
- El Tesoro Reposado: Unique and enjoyable Reposado with flavors like mint, lime, and a touch of smokiness. Aged for up to 11 months in ex-bourbon barrels.
Blanco for Savoring:
- El Tesoro Blanco: A top-tier Blanco with a pure and citrusy flavor. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks to appreciate its full taste. (Pricier than other Blancos)
Other Options:
- El Tesoro Añejo: If you enjoy a peppery and oaky profile, this Añejo might be worth a try. However, it might be considered less smooth than other El Tesoro tequilas. Aged for up to 3 years in ex-bourbon barrels.
Remember, these are just recommendations. The best way to find your favorite El Tesoro is to try them yourself!
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.
Buying Guide
| Tequila | Price | Rating |
| Tesoro Blanco | $48 | 84 |
| Tesoro Reposado | $52 | 78 |
| Tesoro Añejo | $60 | 77 |
| Tesoro Extra Añejo | $120 | 85 |
| Tesoro Paradiso Extra Añejo | $155 | 86 |
El Tesoro Blanco
El Tesoro Blanco is a top-tier Blanco Tequila, renowned for its exceptional quality.
With a pure, sweet, and citrusy flavor, it offers a smooth taste and a lingering aftertaste of blue agave.
Ideal for sipping, it provides a long and satisfying finish, delivering a pleasant warmth without any harshness.
Due to its higher price, it is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, rather than being mixed into cocktails.
This authentic Tequila is free from additives, artificial sweeteners, or other gimmicks, ensuring a truly genuine experience, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
El Tesoro Reposado
El Tesoro Reposado offers a pleasing cinnamon scent followed by lime and a hint of chocolate.
With a buttery texture and rich agave flavor, it presents notes of vanilla, mint, lime, and a subtle smokiness on the palate.
The long and warm finish carries a refreshing hint of menthol.
Aged for up to 11 months in ex-bourbon barrels, El Tesoro Reposado stands out with unique flavors like mint and lime, setting it apart from other Reposado Tequilas.
Smooth and enjoyable, it is best savored neat or on the rocks.
In summary, El Tesoro Reposado is an excellent choice and one of the finest Reposado Tequilas available.
El Tesoro Añejo
El Tesoro Añejo has a nose full of rich oaky notes, followed by hints of vanilla, agave, and a touch of pepper.
On the palate, it starts with a bit of a peppery kick, followed by notes of vanilla, chocolate, and a subtle hint of pineapple.
The texture is creamy, providing a smooth mouthfeel.
The finish is long, with a bit of heat and a high presence of oak spice.
Compared to the other El Tesoro offerings, this Añejo is more challenging due to its peppery and oaky profile, with a bite on the finish.
While still a good Añejo, it may be considered the weakest sibling in the El Tesoro family.
El Tesoro Añejo is aged for up to 3 years in ex-bourbon barrels.
El Tesoro Extra Añejo
El Tesoro Extra Añejo is a highly complex spirit that offers a perfect balance of sweet and peppery notes.
The sweet blue agave flavor is prominent and complemented by subtle earthy and mineral notes.
The smooth buttery taste and rich citrus notes add to the complexity of the drink.
The finish is long and pleasant, with sweet oaky notes and a warm sensation.
This Tequila is remarkably good as it is rich and complex yet smooth providing a great experience.
El Tesoro is an exceptional Tequila that comes from the prestigious La Alteña Distillery and is aged for almost five years in American oak ex-bourbon barrels.
El Tesoro Paradiso Extra Añejo - Top Tesoro Tequila
The aroma of Paradiso Extra Añejo reveals a richness of tropical fruits, roasted agave, and wood.
Its well-balanced flavor profile showcases initial sweetness from tropical fruits and agave, accompanied by subtle notes of cinnamon and nutmeg.
The addition of minerality and earthiness provides a harmonious contrast to the fruity elements.
The finish is long and satisfying, offering indulgent caramel notes with a hint of pepper at the end.
Paradiso Extra Añejo undergoes aging for up to 5 years in ex-cognac barrels, resulting in a complex and layered taste.
While it may lack a bit of body, this dram is undeniably delicious and ranks among the finest Extra Añejos available.
Frequently Asked Questions: El Tesoro Tequila Review
What Makes El Tesoro Tequila Stand Out in the Industry?
- Traditional Production: El Tesoro's commitment to traditional methods, like cooking agaves in brick ovens and using a tahona stone, enhances the authenticity and quality of their Tequila.
- Additive-Free: Their avoidance of additives and sweeteners ensures the purity and genuine taste of their products.
How is El Tesoro Tequila Best Enjoyed?
- Consumption Recommendation: Ideal for sipping due to its pure, sweet, and citrusy flavor. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its quality.