Best Tequilas in the UK

Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 01:07 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.

Key Takeaways

• Blanco: Fortaleza Blanco
• Reposado: ArteNOM Seleccion 1414
• Añejo: Don Julio 1942
• Budget Blanco: Cimarron Blanco
• Budget Reposado: Espolon Reposado
• Top Extra Añejo: Tears of Llorona
• Selection Criteria: Running a pub (cantina) and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits. I assess them using customer feedback, tequila experts' opinions, and online research, focusing on aroma, taste, finish, and value. Packaging matters, but liquid quality takes priority.
• Price Guide Included: The article offers a price guide, covering a range of budgets.
• Research Methodology: Selection involved extensive research, including a vast catalog from Whisky Exchange.
• 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.

And just to be clear, these Tequilas aren't just the mutt's nuts in the UK – they're top-notch wherever you go.

Quick Look at the Top Tequilas to Buy in the UK

Prices are approximate and stated in Sterling:

Fortaleza Blanco Tequila: A Top Choice for UK Blanco Enthusiasts

Looking for a top-notch Blanco Tequila in the UK?

Fortaleza Blanco might be your perfect match! Known for its intense agave flavor and smooth taste, this Tequila offers a true taste of Mexico.

On the nose, expect a delightful mix of green olives, citrus, and a hint of mint. Take a sip and discover a velvety texture with flavors of sweet agave, ripe fruit, and a touch of black pepper. The finish starts peppery, then transitions to subtle anise and agave notes, leaving a lingering warmth.

Fortaleza Blanco is a great choice for Tequila lovers who appreciate a pure, authentic experience with a balanced sweetness, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.

Casamigos Blanco Tequila: A Sweet and Smooth Introduction

Casamigos Blanco offers a welcoming taste profile for Tequila newcomers.

The aroma is rich in vanilla with subtle hints of agave and mint. It boasts a velvety smooth texture and a delightful flavor dominated by vanilla and refreshing mint, with a creamy character. The finish is pleasantly long, leaving a warm sensation with lingering notes of vanilla and mint.

While Casamigos leans towards sweetness, possibly due to added sweeteners, this characteristic makes it a great choice for those new to Tequila. Its smooth and approachable profile makes it perfect for introducing friends to the world of Tequila, living up to its reputation as a top Celebrity Tequila.

Cimarrón Blanco Tequila: Bold Flavors, Budget-Friendly Price

Cimarron Blanco packs a punch upfront, thanks to its high alcohol content. But wait! It quickly reveals a delightful surprise: inviting aromas of agave with hints of pepper and cinnamon. On the palate, it boasts a full-bodied, satisfying mouthfeel. The first sip offers a rich tapestry of flavors: baking spice, earthy agave, and subtle orange notes. The finish lingers with a warming sensation and a touch of black pepper.

Cimarron Blanco stands out for its affordability and impressive flavor profile. Free from additives, it delivers an authentic Blanco Tequila experience. This Tequila shines in classic cocktails like Margaritas or even enjoyed straight for those who appreciate bolder flavors.

Maestro Dobel Tequila: A Smooth Cristalino with Agave Sweetness

Maestro Dobel offers a unique and smooth Tequila experience. The aroma is inviting, hinting at lemongrass, vanilla, agave, and oak with a subtle alcohol undertone. The taste follows suit, with dominant agave sweetness balanced by vanilla, oak, and a hint of black pepper. The finish is warm and slightly sweet, lingering with oak and peppery nuances.

This Cristalino Tequila, crafted by Jose Cuervo, blends Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo tequilas for a complex flavor profile. A special filtration process creates a smooth and easy-drinking experience. Enjoy it neat or on ice, where the peppery notes soften, allowing the agave sweetness to shine.

ArteNOM 1414 Reposado Tequila: A Bourbon-Kissed Reposado for Tequila Connoisseurs

Born from founder Jake Lustig's love for Mexico, ArteNOM selects releases from esteemed distilleries. This Reposado, crafted by Feliciano Vivanco, takes tequila to new heights. Aged for 10 months in ex-bourbon barrels, it offers an alluring aroma of honey, agave, vanilla, and a subtle alcohol note.

The first sip delivers a delightful surprise - a creamy texture followed by flavors of agave, hints of caramel and vanilla, and a touch of oak influence from the barrel. The finish is warm and lingering, leaving you wanting more.

If you're a Tequila connoisseur looking for a unique Reposado experience with a touch of bourbon character, ArteNOM is a must-try.

G4 Reposado Tequila: Agave Forward with Hints of Citrus and Spice

G4 Reposado is a delightful Reposado Tequila that showcases a balance between classic agave and subtle aged influences. The aroma entices with fresh agave notes complemented by hints of grapefruit, caramel, and a touch of black pepper.

On the palate, G4 Reposado delivers a creamy texture with a flavor profile that highlights agave alongside black pepper, subtle butter, citrus, and oak. The finish is long and warming, with lingering hints of cinnamon.

Aged for six months in ex-bourbon barrels, G4 Reposado takes the base of G4 Blanco and adds intriguing layers of caramel, vanilla, oak, grapefruit, and buttery notes. This Reposado Tequila is a great choice for those who enjoy a complex agave spirit with hints of citrus and spice.

Espolón Reposado Tequila: Approachable Agave with Hints of Caramel

Espolón Reposado offers a welcoming aroma for Tequila enthusiasts. Expect a delicate balance of agave sweetness, citrus, baking spice, and a subtle alcohol note. The taste follows suit, highlighting agave alongside delightful flavors of butterscotch, vanilla, and a hint of sugar cookie, all complemented by warming oak spice. The finish brings sweetness, oak, warmth, and a touch of pepper for a satisfying conclusion.

This approachable Reposado is reminiscent of Irish Whiskey's caramel richness, making it a great choice for those new to aged tequilas or those who enjoy a smoother agave experience.

Don Julio 1942 Tequila: A Luxurious Añejo with Hints of American Whiskey

Don Julio 1942 steps into the realm of luxury Tequilas, boasting an impressive 30 months of aging in bourbon barrels. This extended ageing process imbues it with rich, American whiskey-like characteristics. The aroma is a delightful blend of fragrant vanilla, caramel, roasted agave, and subtle oak notes.

The first sip is a treat for the senses - a velvety texture delivers a smooth experience with flavors of caramel, chocolate, agave, and delicate oak dancing on the palate. Nicknamed a "trophy Tequila," Don Julio 1942 can hold its own against top-shelf whiskies like Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

While it might not be the pinnacle of Tequila tradition, it offers a distinct, undeniably smooth, and well-balanced profile. The finish is long and lingering, blending agave, oak, and hints of cinnamon, making it a compelling choice for a wide range of drinkers, from Tequila enthusiasts to those who appreciate a luxurious aged spirit.

Gran Centenario Añejo Tequila: Affordable Añejo with Hints of Fruit

Gran Centenario Añejo offers a budget-friendly Añejo Tequila experience. The aroma is inviting, reminiscent of bourbon with notes of oak, caramel, vanilla, and roasted agave.

On the palate, the blue agave takes center stage, complemented by refreshing apple juice alongside oak, vanilla, and caramel flavors. A subtle oak spice note adds complexity. The finish is smooth with minimal heat, offering lingering caramel sweetness and a touch of oak bitterness.

While Gran Centenario delivers solid quality at an attractive price point. This Tequila is a great choice for those looking for an affordable Añejo to enjoy in cocktails or even shots.

Tears of Llorona Extra Añejo Tequila: A Legend in a Bottle

Tears of Llorona Extra Añejo Tequila isn't just a name, it's a tribute to a Mexican legend. The dark hue hints at the complexity within, a product of nearly five years of aging in various barrels. Scotch, sherry, and cognac casks all contribute to its depth and character.

This Extra Añejo offers a smooth and easy-drinking experience despite its higher proof (86). The flavor profile is a captivating blend of smoky, oaky, sweet, and spicy notes, perfect for sipping and savoring. While the finish may be slightly shorter than some Añejos, the extra strength adds a touch of excitement for some palates.

Tears of Llorona stands out for its authenticity – free from additives, it lets the aged tequila shine. This top-tier Extra Añejo is considered one of today's finest Tequilas, making it a must-try for serious Tequila enthusiasts.

Avion Reserva 44 Tequila: A Sweet and Balanced Añejo for Tequila Lovers

Avion Reserva caters to Tequila enthusiasts seeking a rich, enjoyable Añejo experience. Unlike some aged spirits, Avion Reserva avoids an overpowering oak presence, achieving a delightful balance.

The aroma and taste boast rich flavors without the harsh oakiness. Although the finish is on the shorter side, a lingering sweetness makes it a pleasant sip.

Aged for 43 months and then given an extra special touch with a one-month finish in small barrels, Avion Reserva delivers a smooth and effortless experience. This Añejo Tequila strikes a perfect balance between affordability and quality, making it a great choice for both experienced and novice Tequila lovers.

How to Choose Tequilas to Buy in the UK in Every Category and Price Range

Selecting the right tequila in the UK involves considering various categories and price points. Here are key factors to guide your selection:

• Understand Tequila Categories:
  • Blanco: Choose for its pure, unaged flavor. Fortaleza Blanco is a top pick for its intense cooked agave flavors and subtle olive notes.
  • Reposado: Ideal for a smoother, slightly aged profile. ArteNOM Seleccion 1414 offers a bourbon-like charm with creamy texture and warm finish.
  • Añejo: Opt for deeper, more complex flavors. Don Julio 1942, with its rich American whiskey-like qualities, is a premium choice.
  • Extra Añejo: For a luxurious, deeply aged experience, Tears of Llorona offers complexity from varied barrel aging.
• Budget-Friendly Options:
  • Budget Blanco: Cimarron Blanco stands out for its affordability and authentic flavor.
  • Budget Reposado: Espolon Reposado balances nuanced flavors at a reasonable price.
• Seek Expert and Customer Feedback: Rely on expert insights and customer reviews to ensure a quality selection.
• Taste and Alcohol Content: Consider the taste profile and alcohol content that suits your preference. For instance, Ocho Plata is excellent for its smooth, velvety texture and ripe fruit flavors.
• Price Guide: Refer to the provided price guide for a budget-friendly choice. For example, Espolon Reposado and Cimarron Blanco are excellent choices in their respective categories.
• Research Methodology: Trust tequilas selected through extensive research, including exploring a vast catalog from sources like Whisky Exchange.
• Universal Appeal: Remember, these tequilas aren't just great in the UK; they're top-notch globally.