Best Tequilas of 2023

Last Updated on: 13th May 2024, 12:38 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.

These are the top Tequilas 2023.

Key Takeaways

• Best Tequilas of 2023: Fuenteseca Cosecha (Blanco), Siete Leguas Reposado (Reposado), Fortaleza Añejo (Añejo), Don Julio 70 (Cristalino), Tears of Llorona (Extra Añejo).
• Selection aided by expert Neil Coleman and customer feedback.
• Category-specific picks: Each type of Tequila offers distinct characteristics.
• Extensive experience and proven expertise informed the selection.
• These Tequilas excel in their respective categories for 2023.
• 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.

A Quick Look at the Best Tequilas 2023

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Fuenteseca Cosecha - Top Blanco

My opinion:

Fuenteseca Cosecha 2018 reshaped my Tequila perspective with its unique, rich taste and unparalleled smoothness.

It's a standout, redefining Blanco Tequila standards and highly ranked by Tequila Matchmaker.

Taste:

The scent is dominated by cooked agave, earthiness, and a hint of pepper.

The texture is full-bodied and silky.

Distinct agave, mineral tones, and green olives are tasted initially, with subtle fruity undertones of mango and papaya.

Despite its 90-proof, the finish is smooth with vanilla and pepper notes and minimal warmth.

7 Leguas Siete Decadas

For my birthday, I treated myself to 7 Leguas Siete Decadas.

Taste:

Siete Decadas exudes a roasted agave scent with earthy and saline hints sans any alcohol aroma.

Its velvety feel is palate-pleasing, with flavors of cooked agave enhanced by cinnamon, anise, and pepper.

The warm, lasting finish carries agave and cinnamon.

My opinion:

Marking its 70th anniversary in 2022, Siete Decadas is a limited edition by the acclaimed Mexican distillery 7 Leguas.

Made from wild "criollo" agaves, it's a definitive Tequila experience and an ideal gift for special moments.

Cazcanes Blanco 9 - Top High Proof

Taste:

Cazcanes Blanco distinguishes itself with upfront aromas of clove and cinnamon, followed by roasted agave and mineral hints.

The palate experiences a silky texture dominated by agave, vegetal notes reminiscent of asparagus, a hint of anise, and a gentle black pepper finish.

Despite being high-proof, the conclusion is smooth with a comforting warmth and a touch of spice.

My opinion:

Cazcanes Blanco ranks among the top Blanco Tequilas, capturing the quintessential traits of this Tequila category.

Its high proof might suggest strong warmth, yet it's impressively mellow, delivering a consistently delightful experience from start to finish.

1800 Silver - For smooth mixed drinks

My opinion:

While 1800 Silver might not be an award-winning Tequila, it's an excellent choice for mixed drinks, especially for crafting a tasty and budget-friendly Margarita.

Being 100% agave-based guarantees a smoother drink with less chance of a hangover.

Its versatility is evident when incorporated into various cocktails, from Ranch Water to Tequila & Coke.

Taste:

1800 Plata's aroma offers a smooth agave with hints of black pepper, citrus, and a mild alcohol presence that fades upon airing.

The palate introduces a gentle texture and sweetness, complemented by agave, a splash of orange, and black pepper.

The finish is concise and gentle, highlighted by a hint of pepper.

Espolon Blanco - For Shots

My opinion:

Espolon Blanco is a versatile Tequila, perfect for shooters, cocktails, or simply on the rocks.

Its 100% agave composition ensures a smooth sip without the dreaded hangover aftermath.

Its captivating label design enhances its appeal, and rest assured, the quality inside parallels its striking exterior.

Taste:

The aroma is earthy, complemented by black pepper undertones and a slight ethanol presence.

The initial warmth on the palate gives way to a sweeter profile with fruit and a hint of vanilla.

The medium finish introduces a blend of citrus and pepper, ensuring a smooth conclusion.

Dulce Vida Blanco - For Margaritas

Taste:

Dulce Vida Blanco emits a dominant green apple aroma, accented by agave and a fleeting alcohol hint.

The taste emphasizes agave with pepper undertones, enriched by green apple and a hint of olive.

Its finish harmoniously blends agave sweetness and pepper warmth, ideal for cocktails, particularly Margaritas.

My opinion:

Dulce Vida champions organic production, resonating with eco-aware consumers.

Its alignment with sustainability principles is noteworthy.

Beyond its eco-consciousness, Dulce Vida is versatile, lending itself to many cocktail mixes. Combined with its attractive price, it's a must-have for bar enthusiasts.

Ocho Reposado Widow Jane

Taste:

A dominant agave aroma is complemented by cinnamon and mint.

Ocho Widow Jane's palate is notably chewy and velvety, showcasing flavors of agave, pecans, cinnamon, and mint, with a later touch of earthiness.

It concludes with a warm, lengthy finish accentuated by baking spices.

My opinion:

Retailing just below $100, its unique taste justifies the price tag, especially for bourbon enthusiasts keen on Tequila.

This is the top-ranked Reposado Tequila and one I can't recommend enough to bourbon drinkers looking to join the Tequila bandwagon.

Tequileño Reposado - Great Value

Taste:

Tequileño Reposado radiates a dominant agave scent complemented by apple, oak, and vanilla with a slight alcohol undertone.

The palate is agave-forward, enriched by apple and a medley of cinnamon, clove, and oak spices.

A lingering warm finish introduces citrus and a hint of oak.

My opinion:

Tequileño Reposado is a stellar blend of affordability and quality.

As a genuine, additive-free Reposado Tequila, it harmoniously marries rich agave with traces of vanilla and oak, making it a top choice among budget-friendly Reposado Tequilas.

Fortaleza Añejo - For sipping

Taste:

Fortaleza Añejo has a bourbon-like aroma with caramel, vanilla, oak, and roasted agave notes.

With a velvety texture, its taste expertly combines agave with undertones of vanilla, butterscotch, and oak spices.

The finish is extended, radiating warmth and flavors of blue agave, pineapple, caramel, and oak.

My opinion:

Fortaleza Añejo stands out as one of the premium Añejo Tequilas available.

Its harmonious taste, memorable finish, and enticing warmth distinguish it.

Arette Añejo - Supreme Value

Taste:

Arette Añejo offers a harmonious aroma of caramel and agave.

The taste features agave prominently, enhanced by hints of oak and caramel.

The finish is smooth, medium in length, devoid of harsh alcohol tones, and culminates with a soft, peppery nuance.

My opinion:

Arette Añejo's quality at its price point is remarkable.

Distinctly natural, it sets itself apart from other budget Añejo Tequilas by not relying on additives.

The blend of genuine agave flavor, accented with oak and caramel, and its smooth finish make it a commendable choice.

Don Julio 70 - Cristalino Choice

Taste:

Don Julio 70 greets the senses with a vibrant mix of floral tones, honey, blue agave, and vanilla.

On tasting, its velvety texture reveals a blend of vanilla, oak, caramel, and a hint of agave.

The graceful finish showcases vanilla, oak, and a sprinkle of black pepper, devoid of overpowering warmth.

My opinion:

The elegance and smoothness of Don Julio 70 make it irresistibly enjoyable.

The rich interplay of flavors, from vanilla and oak to subtle spices, mirrors the charm of an Añejo Tequila.

While it's primed for sipping, its premium nature doesn't necessarily recommend it for cocktail crafting.

Notably, as the first Cristalino Tequila, it arguably still reigns supreme in its category.

Tequileño Cristalino

Taste:

Tequileño delights with its silky texture and gentle caress on the palate, harmoniously blending citrus and vanilla nuances with the predominant roasted agave flavor.

This tequila is ideal for those seeking the true essence of blue agave.

My opinion:

Tequileño Cristalino owes its character to the same four-month maturation process in American oak barrels as its Reposado counterpart.

Proudly Mexican-owned, Tequileño distinguishes itself by producing pure, additive-free Tequilas that capture the soul of the drink.

It comfortably ranks among my top Tequila choices.

Tears of Llorona - Recommended Extra Añejo

My opinion:

Tears of Llorona has undoubtedly carved its niche among the elite Extra Añejo Tequilas.

Its distinctiveness lies in the intricate aging process, a blend aged 54 months in Scotch, sherry, and cognac barrels.

This leads to a profound color and an unmatched flavor spectrum.

It achieves an exquisite equilibrium of sweetness and multifaceted flavors, rendering it an exceptional gift for Tequila aficionados.

Taste:

The scent captivates with robust agave, dark fruit, chocolate, and a hint of leather.

Its texture is sumptuously smooth with a gentle warmth.

Dominant flavors of agave, baking spices, chocolate, butterscotch, and charred oak are graced by a hint of smoke.

The aftertaste is memorable, fusing sweet, oaky undertones with a sprinkle of baking spice.

Suerte Extra Añejo

Taste:

The nose channels bourbon, evoking apple pie, underscored by whispers of honey, vanilla, and oak.

The initial warmth on sipping unveils layers of baking spices, cherry, a hint of earthiness, and the signature agave touch.

The drawn-out finale blends baking spices with caramel sweetness, remarkably light on the heat.

My opinion:

Suerte Extra Añejo has impressively outdone itself for a brand less traveled.

It's a dessert-like Tequila, retaining a sweet, subtle oakiness even after seven years of aging.

Its Single Barrel distinction indicates carefully curating the best barrels, ensuring high quality.

With a flavor profile echoing bourbon, it seamlessly draws in bourbon fans, introducing them to the agave world.

Priced enticingly for an Extra Añejo, it's a commendable inclusion in any spirit collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick FAQ:

What is the focus of this guide on the top Tequilas of 2023?

• The guide focuses on the best Tequilas of 2023, from Blanco to Extra Añejo, including a special mention of Cristalino, selected for their excellence in each category.

How were these Tequilas chosen?

• The selection was based on personal experience, expert recommendations from Neil Coleman, and customer feedback, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of quality and popularity.

Why is Fuenteseca Cosecha highlighted as the best Blanco?

• Fuenteseca Cosecha is noted for its unique, rich taste, unparalleled smoothness, and ability to reshape perspectives on Blanco Tequila.

What makes Siete Leguas Siete Decadas special?

• Siete Leguas Siete Decadas is a limited edition Tequila, made from wild "criollo" agaves, offering a definitive Tequila experience and ideal as a special gift.

How does Fortaleza Añejo stand out in the Añejo category?

• Fortaleza Añejo is recognized for its harmonious taste, memorable finish, and enticing warmth, making it a premium choice for sipping.

What is unique about Don Julio 70 in the Cristalino category?

• Don Julio 70, as the first Cristalino Tequila, offers a smooth experience with a blend of vanilla, oak, and caramel flavors, ideal for sipping.

What sets Tears of Llorona apart as an Extra Añejo?

• Tears of Llorona is distinguished by its complex aging process in Scotch, sherry, and cognac barrels, resulting in a profound flavor spectrum and exquisite balance.

How should I consume these top Tequilas responsibly?

• Enjoy these top Tequilas of 2023 responsibly, appreciating their unique characteristics and flavors, and consume in moderation.