Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 10:43 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.
I have analyzed for You the Tequilas offered at Mexico's airport Duty-Free Shop and these are the best deals available so you decide which Tequila to bring back home from Mexico!
Written by: J Highland
Choosing the Best Tequila to Buy at the Mexican Duty-Free Shop
- Best Duty-Free Tequila Deals: Notable deals include Herradura Seleccion Suprema and Maestro Dobel 50. Don Julio 1942 is evenly priced in Mexico and the United States. However, some like Cuervo Reserva de la Familia are surprisingly more expensive compared to US stores.
- Quantity Limit: US Customs allows one liter of alcohol per adult, equating to one 750ml bottle plus a small 250ml bottle.
- Buying in Mexico: Duty-free shops at airports offer competitive prices. Big box stores like Walmart or Costco in Mexico, along with online platforms like Amazon, are reliable for purchasing authentic Tequila.
- Selection Criteria: 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 from Neil Coleman, and online research, focusing on aroma, taste, finish, and value.
Mexico Tequila Duty-Free Prices vs Total Wine
This chart compares the Duty-Free price vs Totalwine.com to see if there is a real benefit.
(Prices stated in USD)
| Tequila | Mexico | Total Wine |
| Don Julio 1942 | $144 | $147 |
| Maestro Dobel 50 | $105 | $143 |
| Don Julio 70 | $53 | $64 |
| Herradura Ultra | $38 | $43 |
| Patron Silver | $35 | $40 |
| Patron Añejo | $40 | $52 |
| Don Julio Blanco | $31 | $38 |
| Herradura Seleccion | $210 | $370 |
| 1800 Milenio | $117 | $209 |
| Cuervo Reserva de la Familia | $210 | $130 |
| Gran Centenario Leyenda | $105 | $140 |
Surprisingly, Cuervo Reserva de la Familia is priced higher in Mexico compared to Total Wine, which is disappointing considering it is regarded as the best Tequila from Cuervo.
This pricing anomaly makes Don Julio 1942 a more reasonable choice, as it is priced similarly.
While the selection of Tequilas at Mexico's Duty-Free Shop may not be extensive, you can still find some decent options to enjoy.
Herradura Seleccion Suprema: A Luxurious Extra Añejo Tequila
Hailing from Mexico, Herradura Seleccion Suprema is a top-shelf Extra Añejo tequila known for its complex flavor profile.
Aged for over four years, it boasts whiskey-like notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, balanced by hints of leather, tobacco, and dried fruit. The finish is smooth and long, with lingering caramel and a touch of oak spice.
This tequila is a perfect choice for bourbon lovers, offering a luxuriously easy sipping experience, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Maestro Dobel 50: A Smooth Cristalino Tequila
Celebrating the Cuervo's CEO 50th, Maestro Dobel 50 is a unique Cristalino tequila.
Aged for 3 years and charcoal filtered, it offers a smooth, vanilla-forward experience. Light agave and oak notes on the nose lead to a sweet palate with vanilla, dried fruit, and subtle oak. The finish is clean and lingers with vanilla, making it a luxurious and easy-to-sipping tequila.
Gran Centenario Leyenda: An Oak-Forward Extra Añejo Tequila with a Sweet Side
Gran Centenario Leyenda is an Extra Añejo tequila known for its complex flavor profile dominated by oak.
The aroma starts strong with oak but mellows to reveal caramel, vanilla, and a hint of banana. Similarly, the taste is oak-forward at first, giving way to caramel, vanilla, citrus, and a touch of black pepper. The finish lingers with oak, caramel, and spice, with a smooth and sweet aftertaste.
Despite the oak influence, Gran Centenario Leyenda remains enjoyable and is surprisingly affordable for an Extra Añejo tequila.
1800 Milenio: A Cognac-Inspired Extra Añejo Tequila
1800 Milenio offers a unique Extra Añejo experience reminiscent of Cognac.
The nose is warm with hints of agave, butterscotch, vanilla, and oak. The taste explodes with oak, raisins, chocolate, caramel, and spice, with minimal agave. This is followed by a dry, warm finish rich in caramel and oak, leaving a smooth and satisfying aftertaste.
This complexity comes from its aging process: 36 months in American oak barrels followed by 4-6 months in French oak cognac barrels. Launched in 2000, "Milenio" celebrates both the new millennium and this special tequila.
Patron Añejo: A Solid Tequila Leaning Towards Caramel
Patron Añejo presents an inviting aroma of oak, vanilla, and roasted agave. On the palate, caramel takes center stage, complemented by hints of almond, tobacco, and a subtle oak presence. Agave influence is modest. The finish is warm and satisfying with lingering caramel.
Expect more caramel than agave flavor compared to other Extra Añejo tequilas. Overall, Patron Añejo is a solid choice within the Patron lineup.