Best Tequilas 2022

Last Updated on: 15th November 2024, 11:38 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.

You can read the 2023 updated version of this post by visiting: Best Tequila to buy in 2023!

Written by: J Highland

Choosing the Best Tequila 2022

1. Selection Method: The list was compiled with input from tequila expert Neil Coleman and customer feedback, offering a range of tequilas for different tastes and budgets​​.
2. Featured Tequila: Fortaleza Blanco, Casamigos Blanco, Espolon Blanco, G4 Reposado, 123 Organic (2), Siete Leguas Reposado, Don Julio 1942, ArteNom 1146, Don Julio 70, Casa Noble Single Barrel Extra Añejo, Herradura Seleccion Suprema, and Tears of Llorona Extra Añejo.
3. Characteristics of Top Tequilas: The best tequilas are easy to sip, have a distinct character, and offer a satisfying experience, often transporting the drinker to another place with their complex flavors
4. 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 2022

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

1. Fortaleza Blanco

The nose of Fortaleza Blanco is characterized by a rich scent of green olives, accompanied by notes of cooked agave, orange, and lime.

Upon tasting, this Tequila provides a delightful oily mouthfeel with a flavor profile that showcases the richness of olives, the sweetness of blue agave, ripe fruit, mint, a hint of salt, and a touch of black pepper.

The finish is long, initially presenting a peppery kick, followed by subtle hints of anise and lingering agave notes, all accompanied by a pleasant warmth.

Fortaleza Blanco embodies the true essence of Tequila, with its bold cooked agave flavor, the pleasant touch of olives, and the ideal level of sweetness.

It stands out as an exceptional choice and is widely regarded as the finest Blanco Tequila, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.

2. Casamigos Blanco

The nose of Casamigos Blanco is predominantly filled with notes of vanilla, accompanied by a subtle touch of agave and mint.

On the palate, this tequila presents a smooth and flavorful experience, with a rich presence of vanilla and mint that creates a creamy sensation.

The finish is long and pleasantly warm, leaving lingering traces of vanilla and mint.

Casamigos Blanco stands out for its sweetness, smoothness, and easy sipping quality, as it lacks any harshness or burning sensation when consumed.

While it can be enjoyed neat, it also pairs well with ice, allowing the flavors to develop further.

However, its high vanilla note may not blend harmoniously in most cocktails, so it may not be the best choice as a mixer.

I am fond of Casamigos as it serves as a sweet, mellow, and uncomplicated drink.

3. Espolon Blanco

The nose of Espolon Blanco is delicate, showcasing an earthy scent accompanied by a hint of black pepper and a subtle presence of ethanol.

Espolon Blanco initially delivers a slight warmth upon tasting, gradually transitioning into a somewhat sweet profile with fruity notes and hints of vanilla.

The medium-length finish features refreshing citrus flavors and a peppery, warming sensation.

To sum it up, Espolon Blanco presents a pleasing flavor profile with a moderate sweetness level, although it carries some warmth and peppery notes.

However, these characteristics are not overpowering or unpleasant.

The Espolon Tequila brand deserves recognition for its outstanding value, as all its releases are attractively priced and consistently deliver quality.

4. G4 Reposado

The nose of G4 Reposado reveals a moderate agave presence, complemented by a note of grapefruit, along with hints of caramel and a touch of black pepper.

Upon tasting, G4 Reposado delights with its oily body and satisfying texture.

The flavor profile showcases the prominent agave notes accompanied by the distinct presence of black pepper.

Additionally, butter, citrus, and oak nuances contribute to the overall complexity.

The finish is remarkably long, leaving behind a subtle cinnamon note with minimal warmth.

G4 Reposado results from aging G4 Blanco for six months in ex-bourbon barrels.

This aging process introduces a nuanced array of flavors, reducing the agave prominence while incorporating delightful caramel, vanilla, and oak elements.

Unique hints of grapefruit and butter further enhance the overall taste experience.

5. 123 Organic (2) – Made exclusively from Organic Agave!

The aroma of 123 Reposado initially reveals the distinctive scent of agave, followed by inviting notes of vanilla, caramel, and a subtle hint of wood.

It offers a luscious buttery texture upon tasting, contributing to a delightful mouthfeel.

The flavor profile is rich in agave, with prominent hints of baking spice that add to its notable tastiness.

Subsequently, the palate experiences a pleasing transition to caramel notes, complemented by a touch of oak.

The finish is long and leaves a pleasant, warm sensation, with an enjoyable lingering heat gently traveling down the chest.

This Reposado can be savored beautifully neat, as it does not require any chaser or ice to enhance its qualities.

It's sweetness and rewarding character make it one of the finest reposados available on the market, and it is the only organic release in that esteemed category.

Highly recommended for those seeking an effortless and delectable sipping experience.

6. Siete Leguas Reposado

I hold Siete Leguas Reposado in high regard and cannot recommend it enough.

The aroma is understated yet pleasantly sweet, with distinct agave notes and hints of oak, vanilla, and caramel.

Upon tasting, Siete Leguas Reposado exhibits a delightful combination of sweetness and warmth, providing a clean and refined flavor profile.

The roasted agave takes center stage, while subtle undertones of oak, vanilla, caramel, and a touch of black pepper and cinnamon add complexity to the experience.

The finish is long and gratifying, characterized by a lingering sweetness that intertwines with gentle hints of oak and vanilla.

A slight late burn adds an enticing element to the overall enjoyment.

Siete Leguas Reposado not only stands as an exceptional Tequila but is also one of the finest Reposados available in the market today.

Its remarkable quality allows it to drink almost like a Blanco, with the gentle influence of barrel aging contributing subtle notes of vanilla and oak, resulting in a sweet and immensely satisfying profile.

7. Don Julio 1942

Don Julio 1942 presents a captivating olfactory experience with an initial burst of vanilla, accompanied by enticing notes of caramel, roasted agave, and a subtle presence of oak.

Upon the first sip, this Tequila unveils a velvety and creamy body that imparts an exceptionally smooth and luxurious mouthfeel.

The flavor profile is a testament to its quality, delivering a delightful interplay of rich caramel notes at the forefront, followed by nuances of chocolate, the distinct essence of agave, and a subtle oak influence.

The balance achieved in this Tequila is noteworthy, with no harsh burn but a gentle smokiness that provides a characteristic kick inherent to Tequila.

The finish is long and remarkably inviting, emanating a pleasant warmth that harmoniously combines the flavors of agave, oak, and cinnamon.

Don Julio 1942 stands as an extraordinary tequila, suitable for connoisseurs of all levels and especially appealing to bourbon enthusiasts, as there are specific tasting notes that may evoke a sense of familiarity.

It excels as a sipping Tequila, boasting a remarkable absence of alcohol burn or any undesirable bite. It is best enjoyed neat to appreciate its intricacies fully.

8. ArteNom 1146

ArteNom stands out for its unique aging process in ex-Cabernet Franc barrels, known for imparting rich dried fruit flavors.

The batch undergoes a meticulous aging process, with 60% aged for two years and the remaining 40% for 3 years in these barrels.

Finally, the Tequila is married in ex-bourbon barrels for one year.

Although the process may seem complex, the result is a well-rounded sipping Tequila with a deep complexity that seasoned enthusiasts will appreciate.

The palate offers a balance of flavors, not overly sweet, yet reminiscent of the distinctive tasting notes found in Don Julio 1942, all at an attractive price point.

For those seeking an alternative to Don Julio 1942, ArteNom Tequila is a great choice.

9. Don Julio 70

The aroma of Don Julio 70 reveals a delightful bouquet of vibrant flowers, honey, blue agave, and vanilla.

When tasted, it impresses with its remarkable smoothness, offering a rich combination of vanilla, oak, caramel, and a subtle touch of agave on the palate.

The finish maintains its smooth character, with lingering notes of vanilla, oak, and a hint of black pepper, accompanied by minimal warmth.

Don Julio 70 possesses the aromatic and flavor profile of an Añejo Tequila while maintaining the appearance of a Blanco.

This is achieved through a unique process of charcoal filtration, which effectively removes any harsh elements from the spirit, resulting in an exceptionally drinkable and enjoyable Tequila.

Referred to as a Cristalino tequila, Don Julio 70 is a perfect choice for those seeking a smooth and easy-to-drink experience without sacrificing flavor.

10. Casa Noble Single Barrel Extra Añejo

Extra Añejo Tequilas often have a higher price tag due to the extended aging process requiring significant resources and storage space.

However, there are exceptional options available for less than USD 100!

Casa Noble Extra Añejo offers a delightful smoothness that will captivate the palate, showcasing the pronounced flavors of vanilla and oak derived from the French Oak barrels.

These characteristics will especially appeal to bourbon enthusiasts.

When sipped, the Tequila delivers a soft and full mouthfeel, exhibiting complexity without overwhelming alcohol burn. It truly stands out as a remarkable sipping experience.

If there is one aspect to note, the relatively short finish could benefit from a bit more warmth.

Nonetheless, Casa Noble Extra Añejo remains a solid offering and is arguably the best Extra Añejo available below the USD 100 price point.

11. Herradura Seleccion Suprema

Herradura Seleccion Suprema is a truly remarkable Tequila, offering an exceptional drinking experience.

Renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and remarkable depth of flavor, this tequila stands out as one of the finest and most complex I have ever encountered.

Herradura's craftsmanship shines through with a creamy body that provides a gentle mouthfeel, delivering a seamless and satisfying texture.

The flavor profile is incredible, captivating the palate with its richness and nuance.

The finish is notably long, leaving a pleasantly warm sensation that lingers.

It is worth noting that Seleccion Suprema garnered an impressive score of 94 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2014, earning the esteemed title of Best Extra Añejo Tequila in the World.

Herradura Tequila, a venerable distillery with a storied history, meticulously ages this expression for 49 months in American white oak barrels.

12. Tears of Llorona Extra Añejo

The distinctive dark color of Tears of Llorona signifies its uniqueness, further confirmed by its exceptional flavor profile.

With its depth and complexity, Tears of Llorona showcases the influence of the various barrels in which it was aged.

Despite its light mouthfeel, this Tequila delivers a harmonious blend of smoky, oaky, sweet, and spicy notes, making it an excellent choice for sipping.

While the finish may be relatively short, the higher proof of 86 adds to its appeal.

Tears of Llorona spent nearly five years maturing in a combination of Scotch, sherry, and cognac barrels before being expertly blended.

With its higher proof of 86, Tears of Llorona offers a smooth experience without harsh biting.

Consider further options by visiting my post containing the best Tequilas under $50, where you will find Blancos, Reposados, Añejos, and one Cristalino.

Hence, you stock your cabinet with acceptable and affordable options.

What Makes the Best Tequilas Stand Out?

1. Ease of Sipping

• Smooth Drinking: Top-quality Tequilas are easy to sip, not requiring additional mixers or ice.
• Maintained Character: Even when drunk neat, these Tequilas retain their unique character.
• Personal Experience: To truly understand this quality, one must try various Tequilas.

2. Character and Depth

• Unique Personality: The best Tequilas have a distinct "character" that sets them apart.
• Sensory Journey: A great Tequila should transport you to another place through its taste.
• Emotional Response: The character of a Tequila should leave you satisfied and longing for another sip.

3. Flavor and Taste

• Aromatic Experience: A good Tequila hits you with an enticing aroma and taste.
• Quality Ingredients: High-quality, fully-grown agave and pure water contribute to its potential.
• Beyond Quality: Even the highest quality Tequila needs a distinct character to truly stand out.

4. Complexity and Balance

• Delicate Harmony: Achieving a balance of flavors while maintaining complexity is key.
• Influence of Terroir: Factors like soil, topography, and climate play a significant role in defining Tequila's complexity.
• Depth of Experience: The overall experience should be profound and pleasurable, not just focused on taste.

5. Affordability

• Value for Money: Great Tequila doesn't necessarily have to be expensive.
• Accessible Quality: It's possible to find excellent Tequila that offers a transporting experience without a high price tag.