Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 01:42 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 valuable customer insights, I have assembled a list of the top Tequilas under $40.
Written by: J Highland
Choosing the Best Tequila under $40
Blanco (Under $40):
- Suerte Blanco: Earthy & Affordable (Sipping/Cocktails)
- Dulce Vida Blanco: Bold & Full-Flavored (Cocktails)
- Hijole Blanco: Smooth & Subtle (Sipping)
- 3 Amigos Blanco: Affordable & Peppery (Mixing)
- Tapatío Blanco: Authentic & Natural (Sipping)
- Insolito Blanco: Smooth & Nuanced (Sipping)
Reposado (Under $40):
- Cimarron Reposado: Affordable & Smooth
- Tres Agaves Reposado: Organic with Agave & Spice
- Suerte Reposado: Budget-Friendly with Whiskey Influence
Añejo (Under $40):
- Don Pilar Añejo: For Bourbon Fans (Sipping)
- Olmeca Altos Añejo: Earthy with a Hint of Sweetness (Sipping/Cocktails)
- Espolon Añejo: Bridge Between Agave and Bourbon (Sipping/Cocktails)
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 Best Tequilas under $40
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
Suerte Blanco: Earthy & Affordable Tequila for Sipping or Cocktails
Looking for a quality tequila under $40? Suerte Blanco delivers!
The aroma is earthy with hints of agave and orange zest. The taste is rich and robust, offering a balance of agave sweetness with peppery and earthy notes. Expect a medium-length finish with mineral and orange touches.
Suerte Blanco is great for sipping or mixing cocktails. Its initial warmth can be tamed with ice.
This tequila stands out for its quality and affordability, making it a great choice for those exploring tequilas or adding a versatile Blanco to their collection, mentions tequila expert Neil Coleman.
Dulce Vida Blanco: Bold & Full-Flavored Tequila (100-Proof)
Dulce Vida Blanco is a unique tequila with a higher alcohol content (50% ABV) compared to most tequilas (40% ABV). This means a bolder flavor profile and a stronger kick.
The aroma starts with a touch of alcohol but gives way to agave, orange, and cinnamon notes. The taste is warm and peppery with prominent agave and cinnamon flavors.
This Blanco is ideal for those who prefer a more intense tequila experience or for creating full-bodied cocktails. A large ice cube can help mellow the heat if enjoyed neat. The finish is long and warming with lingering pepper spice.
Hijole Blanco: Smooth & Subtle Tequila for Sipping
Hijole Blanco offers a smooth and easy-drinking tequila experience, perfect for those who prefer a subtler taste.
The aroma is light with a touch of alcohol fading to agave and orange notes. The taste is smooth and sweet with rich agave flavor balanced by hints of black pepper, cinnamon, and a touch of fruit.
Expect a moderate finish with lingering sweetness and a touch of pepper spice. This well-crafted Blanco avoids harshness, making it enjoyable for sipping neat.
If you're looking for a smooth and approachable tequila, Hijole Blanco is a great choice.
3 Amigos Blanco: Affordable & Peppery Tequila for Mixing
3 Amigos Blanco offers a budget-friendly option for those looking for a tequila for cocktails or shots.
The aroma starts with a touch of alcohol but gives way to roasted agave and black pepper. The taste is warm and peppery with agave and lime flavors.
While not the smoothest tequila, it's perfect for mixing due to its bold, peppery character. An additional benefit is that 3 Amigos Blanco is organic and affordable, making it a great value choice for mixing.
Tapatío Blanco: Authentic & Natural Tequila Experience
Tapatío Blanco, from the respected La Alteña Distillery, promises a genuine and additive-free tequila experience.
This Blanco offers a natural taste that starts with an aroma of fresh agave, followed by unexpected hints of pineapple, melon, and brine.
The flavor profile is centered on agave with a touch of spice, anise, and a mineral earthiness. The finish is warm and slightly sweet, leaving a lingering tequila taste.
Overall, Tapatío Blanco is a great choice for those who want to explore authentic, unadulterated tequila.
Insolito Blanco: Smooth & Nuanced Tequila with Agave & Spice
Insolito Blanco breaks the mold of celebrity-endorsed tequilas, offering a genuine and flavorful experience.
The aroma is interesting, with roasted agave notes complemented by unexpected hints of bell peppers, olives, and a touch of saltiness.
On the palate, expect a velvety texture with a blend of agave, orange peel, and black pepper flavors. The finish is smooth and lingers with agave sweetness and a touch of pepper spice.
Overall, Insolito Blanco is a pleasant surprise, offering a unique and enjoyable tequila experience for those looking for something beyond the standard agave profile.
Herradura Reposado: Classic & Balanced Reposado Tequila
Herradura Reposado holds a special place in tequila history, being the first Reposado ever launched in 1974. It remains a solid choice for those seeking a well-rounded aged tequila experience.
The aroma is inviting with hints of agave, vanilla, caramel, and oak. The taste is a delightful balance of sweet and spicy notes, featuring prominent agave sweetness balanced by fruity hints, black pepper, and a touch of oak spice.
Expect a long and warming finish with lingering oaky flavors. This Reposado is best enjoyed on the rocks with a large ice cube to tone down the heat and allow the complex flavors to shine.
Cimarron Reposado: Affordable & Smooth Reposado Tequila
Cimarron Reposado is a great choice for those looking for a smooth and affordable aged tequila.
Made by the respected distiller Enrique Fonseca at Tequileña, Cimarron Reposado boasts a lineage connected to premium tequilas like Fuenteseca and Tears of Llorona.
The aroma is agave-forward with hints of vanilla and oak. The taste is rich and smooth with prominent agave flavors balanced by caramel, oak, and a touch of black pepper.
This Reposado offers a pleasant warmth and is known for its smoothness, especially considering its price point. It's a great choice for sipping neat or using in cocktails.
Tres Agaves Reposado: Affordable Organic Tequila with Agave & Spice
Tres Agaves Reposado is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a smooth and flavorful reposado tequila. Made with organic agave and aged for 9 months in Tennessee whiskey and Kentucky bourbon barrels, it offers a unique taste profile.
The aroma is a blend of agave, oak, and vanilla. The taste starts with a peppery note that transitions into a smoother profile with flavors of caramel, oak, and agave. Expect a smooth finish with lingering spice.
Overall, Tres Agaves Reposado is a great choice for those who want to explore aged tequilas without breaking the bank. Its organic production and unique flavor profile make it a standout option in its price range.
10. Suerte Reposado
Suerte Reposado is a budget-friendly Reposado tequila aged in Jack Daniel's barrels for seven months.
This unique aging process adds subtle whiskey notes to the agave base, without any artificial flavors or sweeteners.
Suerte Reposado offers a delicious and affordable alternative to pricier Reposados, making it a great choice for those looking for a smooth and flavorful tequila under $40.
The aroma is a blend of agave, vanilla, oak, and caramel, while the taste is rich in agave with hints of caramel, cinnamon, and a touch of pepper. The finish is pleasantly spiced and warming.
Overall, Suerte Reposado is a strong contender in the Reposado market, delivering exceptional value and flavor.
Tequila for Bourbon Fans: Don Pilar Añejo
If you're a bourbon drinker curious about tequila, Don Pilar Añejo might be a great place to start.
Its aroma has hints of familiar bourbon notes like vanilla and caramel, along with some oak and spice. The taste is smooth and medium-bodied, with a mix of sweetness from the agave plant and more bourbon-like hints of vanilla and almond.
This tequila finishes smooth, with lingering flavors of agave, vanilla, and a touch of oak spice.
Olmeca Altos Añejo: Earthy Tequila with a Hint of Sweetness
Looking for an affordable Añejo tequila? Olmeca Altos Añejo offers a unique twist. Its aroma is earthy and sweet with hints of fruit, oak, and vanilla. On the palate, the sweetness continues with caramel, balanced by oak char and subtle notes of almond, cinnamon, and even mint.
Standing out among other budget-friendly Añejos, Olmeca Altos seems to be free of artificial additives. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy the natural taste of tequila. Plus, its flavor profile makes it perfect for cocktails, especially those inspired by bourbon classics with a tequila twist.
Espolon Añejo: A Tequila Bridge Between Agave and Bourbon
Espolon Añejo offers a flavor profile that bridges the gap between tequila and bourbon. Aromas of oak, agave, butterscotch, and vanilla entice the senses. The taste is a delightful mix of sweet agave balanced by grassy notes and a subtle hint of oak, reminiscent of bourbon barrels. The finish is warm and smooth, lingering with oak and a touch of caramel.
Espolon Añejo's affordability makes it a great choice for both sipping neat and mixing into cocktails. Aged for 12 months, including time in barrels previously used for Wild Turkey bourbon, it caters to both tequila and bourbon enthusiasts. This makes it a popular pick for both experienced and new Añejo tequila drinkers.
How to Choose a Good Tequila Under $40
Selecting a quality Tequila for less than $40 involves a few key considerations:
- Authentic Agave Flavor: Look for Tequilas that highlight the natural flavors of agave, avoiding those with excessive additives. This ensures a more authentic and pure Tequila experience.
- Distillery Reputation: Choose Tequilas from well-known and respected distilleries. A reputable distillery often indicates a commitment to quality and traditional production methods.
- Flavor Balance: Opt for Tequilas with a well-rounded flavor profile. Whether you prefer Blanco, Reposado, or Añejo, the Tequila should offer a harmonious balance of agave, oak (if aged), and other tasting notes.
- Versatility: Consider Tequilas that are versatile in use. A good Tequila under $40 should be enjoyable both neat and in cocktails, providing flexibility for various occasions and preferences.
- Expert and Consumer Reviews: Pay attention to recommendations from Tequila experts and customer feedback. Tequilas that are highly rated within the budget category are likely to offer a good experience.
By focusing on these aspects, you can find an excellent Tequila that provides both quality and value, ensuring a satisfying sipping or cocktail-making experience without breaking the bank.