Best Widely Available Tequilas

Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 01:38 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.

With the assistance of Tequila expert Neil Coleman and valuable customer insights, I have assembled a list of the top widely available Tequilas.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• The selection includes options for different preferences, from sipping neat to using in cocktails.
• Some standout Tequilas include Ocho Plata for its robust agave aroma, Tesoro Blanco for its smooth, pure taste, and Casamigos Reposado for its rich and smooth profile.
• Don Julio Añejo and Don Julio Blanco are reliable choices for both new and experienced Tequila drinkers.
• Espolon Reposado is highly recommended for its versatility and affordability.
• 1800 Añejo is a budget-friendly option suitable for those transitioning from whiskey to Tequila.
• 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.

Quick Look at the Best Widely Available Tequilas

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Beyond Basic Blanco: Ocho Plata

Ocho Plata breaks the mold for Blanco tequila. Expert Neil Coleman hails its complexity. Aroma explodes with agave, citrus, and tropical fruits. The taste is smooth, layered with cooked agave, ripe fruit, and a hint of spice. Earthy notes add depth. The finish lingers warmly with agave and black pepper. Savor neat or chilled to appreciate its richness. This is Ocho quality at its finest.

Tesoro Blanco: Elevated Agave Experience

Tesoro Blanco isn't your average Blanco. It boasts a rich aroma of roasted agave, balanced with vanilla, citrus, and pepper. The taste is smooth with sweet agave, citrus, pepper, and a touch of earth. The finish lingers with agave, pepper, and lime zest. Savor neat to appreciate the pure, smooth taste of blue Weber agave. No wonder it's a top-rated Blanco!

Espolon Blanco: Budget-Friendly Tequila for Mixing

Espolon Blanco is a steal! Subtle agave, black pepper on the nose. Starts warm, then sweet with fruit and vanilla. Refreshing citrus finish with lingering pepper. Great for cocktails (vanilla, agave, citrus) due to its mixable flavor profile. Widely available and affordable!

Don Julio Blanco: Reliable Everyday Tequila

Don Julio Blanco offers a classic Blanco experience. Aroma is clean with a hint of alcohol. The taste is smooth, sweet, and balanced with citrus, earth, minerals, and black pepper. Easy on beginners due to minimal heat. Long finish with lingering sweetness and pepper. Reliable choice for new and experienced drinkers at a fair price.

Casamigos Reposado: A Symphony of Flavor

Casamigos Reposado reigns supreme in their lineup. Aroma: inviting vanilla and roasted agave. Luxuriously smooth, it offers a complex dance of smokiness, honey, vanilla, spice, caramel, and agave. The finish is warm with lingering spice. Enjoy neat or on the rocks to appreciate its depth (pricey for cocktails). A top Reposado for smooth, flavorful sipping.

Herradura Reposado: Agave Star Shines with Sophistication

Herradura Reposado offers a subtle aroma of agave, balanced with vanilla, caramel, and oak. The rich taste features agave as the lead note, layered with fruit, pepper, and oak spice. The long, warm finish lingers with sweetness and oak. Herradura achieves perfect balance among agave, sweetness, pepper, and oak. Enjoy neat or on the rocks with a large ice cube to savor the full depth.

Classic Agave with a Twist: Altos Reposado's Balanced Charm

Altos Reposado hits the sweet spot between fresh agave and subtle oak. Aroma blends agave with vanilla and a touch of oak. The crisp taste bursts with apple, lime, and bold blue agave. A smooth finish lingers with caramel, pepper, and light oak. Enjoy neat to savor the agave or use it in cocktails for extra depth. A reliable choice for sipping or mixing at a fair price.

Espolon Reposado Tequila: Sweet Agave Meets Oaky Warmth

Espolon Reposado offers great value for your hard-earned money! Aroma: agave, citrus, baking spice. The taste is sweet agave, butterscotch, vanilla (think Irish whiskey) with oaky depth. Warm finish with lingering sweetness, oak, and pepper. Enjoy neat or in cocktails (budget-friendly for experimenting). Great value for complex agave with a hint of sweetness.

Espolon Añejo: Unexpected Depth at an Honest Price

Espolon Añejo punches above its weight. Warm aroma of oak, agave, butterscotch, and vanilla promises rich flavors. The taste centers on sweet agave with subtle grass and smooth oak. The long finish lingers with oak, caramel, spice, and warmth. Enjoy neat or in cocktails (great bourbon substitute). Balanced agave, oak, and butterscotch appeal to all. Budget-friendly choice for quality aged tequila.

Don Julio Añejo Tequila: A Bourbon Lover's Tequila Adventure

Don Julio Añejo redefines tequila with a whiskey-inspired twist. Deep amber color hints at its aged richness. The aroma is bourbon-like: vanilla, oak, caramel, and orange. The warm taste features cinnamon, vanilla, oak, butterscotch, and smoky hints. The long finish is warm with lingering cinnamon and oak. Sweetness and smoke find perfect harmony. A great tequila for whiskey lovers - familiar cinnamon notes with a unique agave twist. If you love cinnamon, this is a must-try!

1800 Añejo: A Bridge Between Worlds

1800 Añejo brings a whiskey twist to aged tequila at a friendly price. Aroma hints of whiskey with vanilla, spice, and caramel. The smooth taste features those same notes, balanced with subtle agave. The finish has a touch of bitterness. Budget-friendly and approachable, it appeals to both tequila fans (with agave presence) and whiskey lovers (familiar notes). Enjoy neat or in cocktails (great for Añejo Old Fashioneds). A stepping stone to tequila for the whiskey-curious.

How to Choose a Good Widely Available Tequila?

• Diverse Options for Different Preferences: Look for tequilas that cater to various drinking styles - whether you prefer sipping neat, on the rocks, or using it in cocktails. A versatile tequila is always a good choice.
• Standout Tequilas for Reference: Consider tequilas like Ocho Plata for its robust agave aroma, Tesoro Blanco for a smooth, pure taste, or Casamigos Reposado for a rich and smooth profile. These are reliable indicators of quality and flavor.
• Reliable Choices for All Drinkers: Opt for brands like Don Julio Añejo and Blanco, known for their consistency and suitability for both new and experienced tequila drinkers.
• Versatility and Affordability: Espolon Reposado is an excellent example of a tequila that is both versatile for various cocktails and affordable, making it a practical choice.
• Budget-Friendly Options: For those looking for a more economical choice, consider 1800 Añejo, which is suitable for whiskey lovers transitioning to tequila.
• Consider Expert and Consumer Feedback: Base your choice on expert opinions, taste testing, and consumer reviews. This triangulation of insights can lead to a more satisfactory selection.
• Sample the Best Within Your Reach: Try tequilas like Ocho Plata, Tesoro Blanco, Espolon Reposado, and others from the list provided. They represent a range of prices and flavor profiles, giving you a comprehensive view of what’s available.
• Understand Your Own Palate: Remember, the best tequila for you is one that suits your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy a smooth, sweet, or robust flavor, there’s a widely available tequila to match your palate.