Best Tequilas for Beginners

Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 10:39 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 Tequila expert Neil Coleman and customer feedback, I have assembled a list of the top Tequilas for new drinkers.

Written by: J Highland

Choosing the Best Tequila for a New Drinker

• Selected Tequilas:
• 1800 Silver, Altos Plata, Don Julio 70, Maestro Dobel Diamante, 1800 Cristalino Añejo, Kirkland Añejo, Ocho Plata
• Quality and Affordability: These Tequilas have been chosen for their quality and affordability, making them suitable for individuals new to Tequila.
• Importance of 100% Agave: It's recommended to choose Tequilas labeled as "100% agave" for better quality and to avoid unpleasant hangovers associated with lower-quality Tequilas.
• Diverse Flavor Profiles: The selection includes smooth, affordable options for easy drinking, as well as more unique choices with nuanced flavors for a broader tasting experience.
• Avoiding Pre-Made Mixes: Caution is advised against pre-made Tequila mixes for cocktails like Margaritas, which often contain high sugar levels and can lead to adverse effects.

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.

List of Best Tequilas for Beginners

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

1800 Silver: A Smooth Tequila for Beginners

Looking for an easy-drinking tequila? 1800 Silver offers a smooth agave flavor with hints of citrus and black pepper. It's perfect for mixing cocktails or enjoying neat - its sweetness makes it ideal for those new to tequila, states agave spirits expert Neil Coleman.

Olmeca Altos Plata: Crafted for Cocktails

Olmeca Altos Plata boasts a unique flavor profile. Earthy agave mixes with hints of orange and mint on the nose. The taste is herbal, transforming into spicy agave sweetness. The finish is warm with a peppery kick, a slight burn, and a salty aftertaste.

This tequila wasn't designed for sipping neat. Created by bartenders, it excels in cocktails. The traditional tahona method and brick ovens used in production contribute to a complex flavor that elevates any mixed drink.

Don Julio 70: A Smooth Cristalino Tequila

Don Julio 70 offers a luxurious experience. The aroma is floral with hints of honey, agave, and vanilla. The taste is incredibly smooth, rich, and complex, featuring vanilla, oak, caramel, and subtle agave. The finish is equally smooth, with lingering vanilla and oak notes with a touch of black pepper.

This Cristalino tequila is dangerously easy to sip due to its smoothness and delightful flavors. While it lacks the strong agave presence of traditional tequilas, the notes of vanilla, oak, and spice create a rich taste profile reminiscent of an Añejo.

Perfect for sipping neat, its premium price tag makes it less ideal for cocktails. This trendsetting Cristalino remains a favorite among connoisseurs.

Maestro Dobel: Smooth Tequila for New Drinkers

Popular in Mexico for its approachability, Maestro Dobel offers a smooth and affordable tequila experience.

The aroma is inviting, featuring lemongrass, vanilla, agave, and a touch of oak. On the palate, it's velvety smooth with rich agave flavors balanced by hints of vanilla, oak, and black pepper. The finish is pleasant and lingering, with warmth, sweetness, and subtle oak and pepper notes.

Standing out for its genuine taste, Maestro Dobel avoids artificial flavors. Enjoy it neat for its full character, or try it on the rocks for an even smoother experience. At a great price point, Maestro Dobel is a delightful choice for sipping or mixing.

1800 Cristalino: Sipping Tequila with a Sweet Side

1800 Cristalino offers a smooth, sweet sipping experience at a reasonable price.

The nose entices with vanilla and a touch of licorice. The taste is dominated by cherry with hints of vanilla, oak, and black pepper. The finish is short and sweet with lingering black pepper, with no harsh burn. This Cristalino is ideal for those who enjoy sweet and smooth tequilas, thanks in part to the influence of ex-port barrel aging.

Kirkland Añejo Tequila: Budget-Friendly Sweet Tequila

Kirkland Añejo offers a unique twist on tequila, resembling bourbon with a sweet agave finish.

The aroma is dominated by caramel and vanilla with hints of oak and agave. The taste follows suit, with strong caramel leading the way, balanced by oak, vanilla, agave, and a touch of black pepper. The smooth mouthfeel is light-bodied, and the finish is long and sweet with minimal warmth.

This tequila delivers exceptional value for its price. Be aware, it's only available at Costco and requires a membership.

Ocho Plata: A Balanced Tequila for Sipping

Ocho Plata boasts a complex aroma of powerful agave intertwined with fresh, fruity notes like pineapple, grapefruit, and lime. The taste is smooth and velvety, showcasing cooked agave alongside ripe fruit, cinnamon, and a touch of anise. An intriguing earthiness adds depth to the profile. The finish lingers with warmth, featuring lingering agave and a touch of black pepper.

Exceptionally smooth and delightful, Ocho Plata offers a perfect balance of flavors. It avoids harshness and provides a satisfying warmth, making it ideal for sipping neat. Enjoy it chilled over rocks or straight from the fridge to fully appreciate its complexity.

How to Choose a Good Tequila for Beginners

When starting your Tequila journey, consider these points:

• Go for 100% Agave: Ensure your Tequila is labeled as "100% agave" for quality assurance and a smoother experience.
• Blanco or Reposado: Beginners may prefer Blanco for its purity or Reposado for a hint of oakiness. Añejo can be more complex and might be better appreciated with some Tequila experience.
• Affordability Matters: There's no need to splurge on expensive bottles. Quality Tequilas are available at reasonable prices.
• Taste Profile: Look for Tequilas that are smooth and not overly complex, making the introduction to this spirit more pleasant.
• Avoid Mixtos: Steer clear of Tequilas not labeled as 100% agave, commonly known as "Mixtos", as they might lead to a less enjoyable experience and hangovers.