Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 05:22 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 at the ABC Store, selected with expert assistance and customer feedback.
Written by: J Highland
Choosing the Best Tequilas at ABC Store
- Top Tequilas at ABC Store: Fortaleza Blanco, Mijenta Blanco, Dulce Vida, Fortaleza Reposado, Casa Noble Single Barrel Reposado, Espolon Reposado, Casa Noble Añejo, Gran Centenario Añejo, Don Julio 70, Tears of Llorona, Avion Reserva 44.
- 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 at ABC Store
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Fortaleza Blanco | $54 |
| Mijenta Blanco | $45 |
| Dulce Vida | $26 |
| Fortaleza Reposado | $64 |
| Casa Noble Single Barrel Reposado | $45 |
| Espolon Reposado | $29 |
| Casa Noble Añejo | $53 |
| Gran Centenario Añejo | $39 |
| Don Julio 70 | $78 |
| Tears of Llorona | $290 |
| Avion Reserva 44 | $130 |
Fortaleza Blanco Tequila: A Blanco Tequila Masterclass

Fortaleza Blanco offers a unique taste profile. On the nose, you'll find aromas of green olive, agave, and citrus. The tequila itself is smooth and oily, with flavors of olive, agave sweetness, ripe fruit, and a hint of black pepper. The finish is warm and peppery, with lingering notes of anise and agave.
A Blanco Tequila for Agave Lovers
Fortaleza Blanco is a true expression of what tequila should be. It stands out among other blancos with its bold agave flavor, hints of olive, and natural sweetness. This well-balanced tequila is perfect for sipping neat, allowing its full character to shine through, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Mijenta Blanco Tequila: A Smooth Expression with Agave & Citrus Notes (Under $50)

Aromatic & Flavorful Blanco
Mijenta Blanco offers a delightful aroma of salted butter, roasted agave, and bright floral notes. On the palate, the tequila is smooth and creamy with a sweetness from the agave balanced by refreshing orange and lime flavors. Hints of salted butter continue through the taste. The finish is long, warming, and leaves a touch of anise on the tongue.
A Premium Blanco at an Accessible Price
Mijenta Blanco is a fantastic tequila for those seeking a smooth and flavorful experience. Made with 100% agave and free of additives, this Blanco delivers a genuine taste profile with notes of agave, citrus, and subtle anise. Plus, Mijenta Blanco is crafted with sustainability and community focus in mind, making it an excellent choice for under $50.
Dulce Vida Tequila: Budget-Friendly Blanco with Agave & Apple Notes

Exceptional Value Under $30
Looking for a top-notch silver tequila without breaking the bank?
Look no further than Dulce Vida! This award-winning tequila offers exceptional value for under $30. It boasts a smooth, balanced flavor profile free of harshness and finishes with a satisfying warmth. As an added bonus, Dulce Vida is certified organic.
Great for Sipping or Cocktails
Dulce Vida's inviting aroma features green apples and agave with a subtle alcohol note. The taste is rich with agave, complemented by a touch of black pepper, green apple, and a hint of olive. The finish lingers with a pleasant warmth, with the agave sweetness balancing out the pepper for a truly enjoyable sip. The affordability of Dulce Vida also makes it perfect for experimenting in cocktails.
Fortaleza Reposado Tequila: Agave & Oak Perfection (Sip Neat)

Bourbon-Kissed Aroma & Flavor
Fortaleza Reposado stands out with an aroma of toasted agave, vanilla, oak, and florals, rivaling aged spirits. The taste is equally impressive, a balanced blend of agave, olive, butterscotch, vanilla, oak, and minerals with a velvety mouthfeel. The finish is medium-long, warming, with lingering agave, oak, vanilla, and a hint of pepper.
Top-Shelf Reposado for Tequila Lovers
Fortaleza Reposado offers a perfect marriage of agave and bourbon barrel character. This smooth tequila boasts minimal heat, making it a favorite among Reposado connoisseurs. Enjoy it neat or chilled to savor its unique profile. Skip the mixers to appreciate its full complexity.
Casa Noble Single Barrel Reposado: Budget-Friendly Luxury (Rich Chocolate & Agave)

Exceptional Value: Single Barrel, Organic Reposado
Casa Noble Single Barrel Reposado offers an unbeatable combination of quality and affordability. This triple-distilled tequila is crafted from 100% organic agave and aged in single barrels, resulting in a unique and flavorful experience—all at a surprisingly attractive price point.
Rich Chocolate & Agave Notes
The Casa Noble Single Barrel Reposado boasts a captivating aroma of dark chocolate, followed by agave, subtle oak, and a hint of vanilla. The medium-bodied palate is satisfying, and the initial sip explodes with delicious dark chocolate, black pepper, hints of toasty oak, caramel, and a touch of orange. The finish truly shines, with a pleasant burn that gradually subsides, leaving you wanting more.
This unique tequila is a must-have for any collection.
Espolon Reposado Tequila: Smooth & Easygoing (Agave, Spice & Great Value)

Balanced Aroma & Agave Flavor
Espolon Reposado offers a pleasant aroma of agave, citrus, and baking spice. The taste follows suit, highlighting agave with butterscotch, vanilla, and a hint of oak.
Sweet & Warming Finish
The finish is smooth and enjoyable, with a touch of sweetness, oak, and a gentle warmth.
Versatile & Affordable
Espolon Reposado's approachability makes it a great choice. It boasts agave sweetness with a touch of Irish whiskey warmth, all without overpowering flavors or additives. A great value for sipping or cocktails.
Casa Noble Añejo Tequila: A Smooth Añejo with Agave & Spice (Triple-Distilled)

Sweet & Spicy Aroma
Casa Noble Añejo entices the nose with a delightful blend of sweet vanilla, caramel, mint, and oaky undertones.
Honey Graham Cracker & Nutmeg on the Palate
The taste takes a delicious turn with flavors reminiscent of honey graham crackers, accented by nutmeg and a touch of oak. A subtle hint of alcohol is present but doesn't overpower the experience.
Smooth Finish with Vanilla & Coffee
The finish is medium-length, offering a pleasant combination of vanilla and coffee notes with a touch of bitterness and a gentle warming sensation.
Triple-Distilled Smoothness with Agave Character
Casa Noble Añejo's unique quality lies in its triple-distillation process, resulting in remarkable smoothness. This Añejo strikes a perfect balance between robust agave flavor, restrained sweetness, and rich, complex notes.
Gran Centenario Añejo Tequila: Affordable Añejo with Classic Notes (Great for Cocktails)

Bourbon-Inspired Aroma & Flavor
Gran Centenario Añejo offers an aroma reminiscent of bourbon, with notes of oak, caramel, vanilla, and roasted agave. The taste continues the theme, featuring blue agave, apple juice, oak, vanilla, and caramel with a touch of oak spice.
Smooth Finish & Everyday Value
The finish is smooth with minimal heat, showcasing rich caramel and a hint of mild oak bitterness.
Añejo on a Budget
While Gran Centenario Añejo doesn't boast extraordinary complexity, it remains a solid choice for budget-minded tequila drinkers. This smooth and pleasant Añejo is free of harsh flavors, making it a great option for cocktails or even shots. It offers unmatched value in its price range.
Don Julio 70 Cristalino Tequila: A Smooth Añejo for Newcomers (Honey, Vanilla & Oak)

Unique Añejo Twist
Don Julio 70 offers a unique twist on tequila. It boasts the aroma of a well-aged Añejo (honey, blue agave, vanilla) with the clear appearance of a Blanco.
Smooth & Approachable
The taste is smooth and approachable, featuring rich vanilla, oak, and caramel with a subtle agave touch. The finish is gentle with lingering vanilla, oak, and a hint of pepper, lacking heat.
Perfect for Sipping Neat
Don Julio 70's filtration creates exceptional smoothness, ideal for Añejo beginners. Enjoy it neat or on the rocks to appreciate its refined character.
Tears of Llorona Extra Añejo Tequila: A Complex & Smooth Sipping Experience

Layers of Flavor & Smoke
Tears of Llorona Extra Añejo offers a light and smooth mouthfeel, allowing its complex flavors to shine through. This well-balanced tequila features smoky and oaky notes that mingle beautifully with sweetness and spice, making it a superb sipping experience.
Powerful Finish
While the finish is short-lived, the higher proof (86) delivers a satisfying kick.
Extraordinary Extra Añejo
The unique aging process of Tears of Llorona sets it apart. This Extra Añejo spends approximately five years in a combination of Scotch, sherry, and cognac casks before blending. The result is a tequila unlike any other.
Beyond Standard Proof
Clocking in at 86 proof, Tears of Llorona surpasses the standard 80-proof tequila, offering a touch more complexity without sacrificing smoothness. This is a truly extraordinary Extra Añejo and a premier choice for those seeking a top-shelf Mexican tequila.
Avión Reserva 44: Agave & Luxury (Extra Añejo Tequila)

Rich Agave & Butterscotch Aroma
Avion Reserva 44 boasts a rich agave aroma with grassy notes and a hint of butterscotch.
Smooth Sipping Experience
The tequila is smooth and buttery, with an initial sweetness that transitions to agave, vanilla, lime, caramel, and oak. The extended finish offers warmth without unpleasantness.
Distinct Agave with Subtle Sweetness
Despite aging 44 months, Reserva 44 maintains a distinct agave character balanced by vanilla and butterscotch. Enjoy neat or on the rocks for a luxurious Extra Añejo experience. Highly recommended.
