Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 05:23 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 that you can buy at Total Wine selected with expert assistance and customer feedback.
Written by: J Highland
Choosing the Best Tequilas at Total Wine
- Top Tequilas at Total Wine: Fortaleza Blanco, Don Abraham Blanco, Cimarron Blanco, Legado Blanco, Ocho Reposado Widow Jane, Suerte Reposado, Tequileño Reposado, Fortaleza Añejo, Partida Añejo, El Mayor Añejo, Don Julio 70, Maestro Dobel, Tears of Llorona, San Matias Gran Reserva.
- 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 Total Wine
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
Fortaleza Blanco Tequila: A Sip of Authentic Agave Delight
Fortaleza Blanco offers a complex taste profile unlike any other. The aroma explodes with rich green olive, cooked agave, and hints of citrus. On the palate, expect an oily mouthfeel bursting with olive, agave sweetness, ripe fruit, and a touch of black pepper. The finish is a warm embrace of lingering pepper, anise, and of course, agave.
This Blanco Tequila embodies the true essence of tequila. Bold cooked agave flavors mingle with pleasant olive undertones, balanced by a natural sweetness that agave enthusiasts will love. Fortaleza Blanco is best enjoyed neat to savor its full complexity, making its higher price point a worthy investment, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Don Abraham Blanco Tequila: Organic Smoothness with Agave Charm
Don Abraham Blanco boasts a delicate aroma of subtle agave, vanilla, and a touch of citrus. The pleasingly thick texture delivers a satisfying mouthfeel, mirroring the taste with notes of agave, vanilla, and orange. Subtle hints of pepper and minerals add complexity. The finish lingers with balanced warmth, accented by peppery notes and lingering minerals.
This organic Blanco Tequila offers a smooth and nuanced experience at an attractive price point. Don Abraham Blanco is a delightful choice for tequila lovers who appreciate a touch of sophistication without breaking the bank.
Cimarron Blanco Tequila: Unmatched Value with Authentic Taste
Cimarron Blanco might surprise you!
While the initial aroma presents a bold ethanol note, it quickly gives way to reveal the rich agave spirit, accented by hints of pepper and cinnamon. The full-bodied texture translates to a satisfying mouthfeel, preparing you for a flavor explosion. The first sip delivers a symphony of baking spice, earthy agave, and a touch of orange. The finish lingers pleasantly with a hint of black pepper, leaving you wanting more.
Cimarron Blanco stands out as a champion in the sub-$30 Blanco category. It offers exceptional value with its authentic, additive-free flavor profile, a rare find at this price point.
This makes Cimarron Blanco an excellent and affordable choice for crafting cocktails or enjoying neat.
Legado Blanco Tequila: Surprisingly Smooth Agave at a Great Price
Legado Blanco might not be the most complex tequila, but its true value lies in its price. As a 100% agave tequila on TotalWine.com, it offers a rarity – affordability without sacrificing quality. Surprisingly smooth, Legado Blanco defies expectations for budget-friendly tequilas.
The aroma starts with a hint of alcohol, quickly giving way to inviting notes of agave, orange, and black pepper. The palate is surprisingly satisfying, with a smooth entry and no harsh alcohol burn. The flavor profile is clean and straightforward – agave sweetness takes center stage, complemented by subtle orange and black pepper. The finish, while short, leaves a lingering warmth and a touch of black pepper.
Overall, Legado Blanco is a great choice for budget-conscious tequila lovers who appreciate a smooth, easy-drinking experience.
Tequila for Bourbon Lovers: Ocho Reposado Widow Jane Barrel Select
Bourbon drinker looking to explore tequila? Look no further than Ocho Reposado Widow Jane Barrel Select!
Aged in used Widow Jane bourbon barrels, Ocho offers a unique sip with familiar whiskey notes like cinnamon and a hint of mint, alongside the rich agave character of tequila. It boasts a smooth, chewy mouthfeel with flavors of pecan, baking spice, and a touch of earth.
For under $100, this Ocho tequila delivers exceptional quality, making it a worthwhile adventure for any bourbon enthusiast.
Suerte Reposado Tequila: Aged in Jack Daniel's Whiskey Barrels
Looking for a top-notch Reposado tequila without breaking the bank? Suerte Reposado delivers exceptional value for under $50.
Aged for seven months in Jack Daniel's barrels, this additive-free tequila offers a smooth, authentic experience. Expect a nose of agave intertwined with earthy vanilla, light oak, and caramel. The palate is thick and satisfying, bursting with flavors of agave, caramel, cinnamon, and a touch of black pepper. The finish lingers with rich baking spice and a pleasant warmth, rivaling pricier options.
Suerte Reposado is a must-try for budget-minded tequila enthusiasts.
Tequileño Reposado: A Top Pick for Budget-Friendly Agave Delight
New to tequila and looking for a budget-friendly option? Look no further than Tequileño Reposado.
This crowd-pleasing tequila delivers exceptional value, making it a champion in the affordable category. Crafted without additives or artificial sweeteners, Tequileño Reposado shines with its genuine agave flavor. Expect a delightful aroma of agave, apple, oak, and vanilla, with a subtle alcohol presence.
The taste profile is rich in agave, complemented by cinnamon, clove, and a touch of oak spice. The finish lingers with warmth and citrus notes, leaving a pleasant and satisfying conclusion.
Tequileño Reposado is a must-try for budget-conscious tequila lovers seeking a true agave experience.
Fortaleza Añejo: A Top-Shelf Tequila Experience
Fortaleza Añejo is consistently lauded as one of the finest Añejo expressions available.
Aged for 18 months in American oak barrels, this tequila boasts a complex aroma of caramel, vanilla, oak, and roasted agave, reminiscent of a fine bourbon. The texture is luxuriously buttery, coating the palate with a smooth and soothing sensation. The flavor profile explodes with rich agave notes, beautifully balanced by hints of vanilla, butterscotch, and a touch of oak spice. The finish lingers warmly, leaving behind a delightful medley of blue agave, pineapple, caramel, and oak.
Fortaleza Añejo is a must-have for any tequila aficionado, particularly those who appreciate the complex flavors of bourbon. Its pleasant heat and diverse flavor profile make it a perfect exploration for bourbon enthusiasts seeking a foray into the world of agave spirits.
Partida Añejo: Aged for Complexity, Crafted for Smoothness
Partida Añejo spends 18 months in ex-Jack Daniel's barrels, creating a unique flavor profile beyond the whiskey's familiar punch.
Expect smooth sweetness – oak, cinnamon, and vanilla – with a hint of aged leather. The taste unfolds with baking spices, agave, and ripe fruit, leading to a lingering oaky finish with minimal heat.
Enjoy Partida's authentic Añejo experience free from additives.
El Mayor Añejo: Sweet Heat for Cocktails or Sipping
El Mayor offers a bourbon-kissed nose with light caramel, vanilla, oak, and a hint of raisin. The taste explodes with fruit, balanced by smooth vanilla, caramel, and toasty oak. The finish lingers pleasantly with a touch of pepper, free from harshness.
This value tequila shines in classics like Old Fashioneds or Margaritas, thanks to its sweet agave mingling with a peppery kick. Enjoy it neat or mixed – the price makes it perfect for both.
Don Julio 70: Cristalino Luxury for Savoring
Don Julio 70 offers a unique experience. This Cristalino tequila boasts a Blanco appearance yet delivers Añejo complexity.
The aroma is a delightful mix of florals, honey, agave, and vanilla. The taste is equally smooth, with rich vanilla, oak, and caramel notes complemented by a subtle agave undertone. The finish is gentle, lingering with vanilla, oak, and a touch of black pepper.
Charcoal filtration ensures a refined spirit, perfect for newcomers seeking a smooth tequila experience. While its price might make it less ideal for cocktails, it shines neat or on the rocks.
Maestro Dobel: A Symphony of Smoothness
Maestro Dobel's aroma entices with lemongrass, vanilla, agave, and a touch of warmth. The first sip reveals a velvety mouthfeel, exploding with rich agave alongside vanilla, oak, and a hint of black pepper. The finish lingers with a pleasant warmth, showcasing oak and subtle pepper.
This Cristalino tequila, a unique blend of Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo tequilas, achieves a remarkable balance. The peppery spice complements the sweetness of agave and vanilla, creating a truly satisfying experience.
Enjoy it chilled to further enhance the agave's sweetness, or savor it neat to appreciate the full spectrum of flavors.
Tears of Llorona: A Deep Sipping Sensation
Tears of Llorona boasts a light, smooth mouthfeel that lets its complex flavors shine. Smoky and oaky notes intertwine with hints of sweetness and spice, creating an exceptional sipping experience. While the finish is short, the higher proof (86) adds a pleasant kick.
This award-winning Extra Añejo matures for five years in a unique combination of Scotch, sherry, and cognac casks. The aging process infuses the tequila with smoky depth while maintaining smoothness. Tears of Llorona surpasses the standard 80-proof tequila with its extra kick, making it a standout choice.
San Matias: Sweet Introduction to Extra Añejo (Great Value)
San Matias Extra Añejo welcomes you with an agave aroma, followed by hints of cinnamon, oak, and ripe fruit. The taste starts smooth and sweet with caramel and vanilla, transitioning to oak and aged leather on the medium-bodied palate. The finish lingers pleasantly with subtle black pepper and lingering caramel sweetness.
Priced around $50, this tequila offers exceptional value. While the agave presence takes a backseat, San Matias Extra Añejo delivers a smooth, approachable sweetness, making it a perfect introduction for those new to Extra Añejo tequilas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick FAQ:
What is the focus of this guide on Tequilas at Total Wine?
- This guide explores the top Tequilas available at Total Wine, covering a range from Blanco to Añejo, Cristalino, and Extra Añejo, as selected by Tequila expert Neil Coleman and customer feedback.
How were the top Tequilas chosen?
- The selection process involved expert input from Neil Coleman and customer reviews, focusing on quality, reputation, and value of each Tequila variety.
What are the top Tequila picks available at Total Wine?
- Top choices include Fortaleza Blanco, Don Abraham Blanco, Cimarron Blanco, Legado Blanco, Ocho Reposado Widow Jane, Suerte Reposado, Tequileño Reposado, Fortaleza Añejo, Partida Añejo, and El Mayor Añejo, among others.
Can these Tequilas be used for cocktails as well as sipping?
- Yes, many of these Tequilas, like Don Abraham Blanco and Cimarron Blanco, are versatile and can be used for both cocktails and sipping.