Best Tequilas 2023

Discover the Best Tequila to Buy in 2023! One for every purpose and for every budget so you don’t miss a thing!

Fuenteseca Cosecha 2018 – Best Blanco

• Nose: Agave, earth, brine, pepper
• Palate: Agave, brine, green olives, mango, papaya
• Alcohol content: 89.6 proof (44.8% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat
• Similar to: Fuenteseca Reserva

Fuenteseca Cosecha 2018 is not your typical Tequila as it is quite different to anything you have tasted making a very special pour.

In fact, Fuenteseca will change the way you understand Tequila as it hits with an incredibly rich flavor and is yet quite smooth and easy to drink.

The nose offers a blast of cooked agave, along an earthy note to it, brine and a drizzle of black pepper.

On the palate, Fuenteseca feels full-bodied and oily providing a great mouthfeel.

The first sip hits with agave flavor, along a rich mineral note and green olives. There is a fruity note coming behind brining hints of mango and papaya.

The finish is long with very little heat to it despite the 90 proof and a soft touch of vanilla and black pepper.

G4 Blanco

Nose	Agave, earth, grass, pepper
Palate	Agave, minerals, earth, citrus
Alcohol content	80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink	Neat, rocks
Similar to	Fortaleza Blanco, Ocho Plata

G4 Blanco is my favourite Blanco. This is what I regularly sip and I keep one in the fridge as I like it chilled to enjoy after a long and warm day here in Mexico.

This Tequila is truly small batch, not only one of the best Blanco Tequilas but it’s also free of additives and foreign chemicals delivering a completely legit experience.

The nose is basically a blast of roasted agave, with an earthy note, along grass and black pepper. Is like if you could smell the agave and its surroundings.

On the palate, G4 Blanco displays a solid creamy body. Flavor brings blue agave natural sweetness, with a salty and earthy note making it remarkably interesting.

There is a citrus and grassy note coming behind adding depth.

The finish is long, pleasantly warm, with cinnamon and black pepper and a dry feel making you come back for more.

Cazcanes Blanco 9 – Best High Proof Tequila

Nose	Clove, cinnamon, agave, salt
Palate	Agave, asparagus, anise, pepper
Alcohol content	100 proof (50% ABV)
How to drink	Rocks
Similar to	Tapatio 110, Fortaleza Still Strength

The nose is uncommon to Blanco Tequilas as it hits with notes of clove and cinnamon at first followed by roasted agave and a mineral touch.

On the palate, Cazcanes provides a great mouthfeel as it feels velvety coating the tongue.

Flavor is hits hard with agave flavor, followed by a vegetal note of asparagus, with a touch of anise and just a drizzle of black pepper.

The finish has a solid length, with some spice to it and the warmth that you expect from a 100 proof release but is not harsh, this is the pleasing heat that warms your chest.

Cazcanes Blanco is one of the Best Blanco Tequilas as it hits with the right flavors that you expect from this type of Tequila.

It feels a bit warm as you might expect from a high-proof Tequila but it drinks quite nicely as it’s not harsh providing a good experience from nose to finish.

1800 Silver – Best for mixed drinks

Nose	Agave, pepper, orange, alcohol
Palate	Fruity notes, agave, pepper, orange
Alcohol content	80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink	Neat or rocks
Similar to	Patron Silver, Don Julio Blanco

1800 Silver is not going to win any real awards, there is nothing remarkable about it, or will blow you away with memorable tasting notes but is the best Tequila for mixed drinks.

But will reward you with a good Margarita without spending much and as it is made entirely from agave it won’t give you a hangover.

Works well in homemade cocktails such as Ranch Water, Tequila & Coke, mixed with Sprite, pineapple juice and even when mixed with things like Red Bull.

The nose kicks-off with a smooth agave aroma, followed by black pepper, citrus and an alcoholic note that fades as you let it breathe.

On the palate, 1800 Silver is soft, with a sweet taste, some agave flavor, a touch of orange and a dash of black pepper.

Espolon Blanco – Best for Shots

Nose	Agave, black pepper, citrus, alcohol
Palate	Agave, black pepper, citrus
Alcohol content	80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink	Cocktails
Similar to	Altos Plata, Patron Silver

This is the Best Blanco Tequila for shots as it’s 100% agave and delivers a pleasant warming note on the way down along a dash of pepper.

This is not only an affordable Tequila shooter but a Tequila that you can drink rocks or in any homemade cocktail.

Espolon Blanco has become widely recognizable for its unique label design yet the juice inside is just as good.

The nose is light displaying an earthy aroma, with a dash of black pepper and a bit of ethanol.

On the palate, it’s a bit warm at first, but as you let it develop it becomes somewhat sweet with some fruity notes and vanilla.

The finish has a medium-length, with citrus and a peppery and warming note.

Dulce Vida Blanco – Best for Margaritas

Nose	Apple, agave, alcohol
Palate	Agave, pepper, apple, olive
Alcohol content	80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink	Rocks
Similar to	Cimarron Blanco, Tres Agaves

This is another value play as Tres Agaves goes toe to toe with Tequilas offered at twice its price.

The nose is quite good as it hits with agave at first, followed by a rich orange note and the smell of bright flowers.

On the palate, Tres Agaves Blanco feels viscous providing a good texture. Flavor brings agave, that gives way to a pleasing lemon and orange taste, with just a bit of black pepper spice but nothing severe.

The finish lacks a bit in length, with very little warmth to it, leaving a sweet touch behind.

You can also drink it by adding a sugar cube which is a popular way of drinking Tequila nowadays making it easier to sip.

It has the ideal flavor and price not only to make Margaritas but other cocktails such as Mexican Mule.

Siete Leguas Reposado – Best Reposado for sipping

Nose	Agave, oak, vanilla
Palate	Agave, oak, vanilla, pepper
Alcohol content	80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink	Neat or rocks
Similar to	Siete Leguas Blanco, Casamigos Reposado

Siete Leguas is my favourite Reposado and what I used to drink with my former significant other who I miss dearly at our preferred taco joint.

Nose is subtle and sweet with a hit of agave, followed by oak, vanilla and caramel.

On the palate, Siete Leguas Reposado is sweet and warming at first, very clean tasting, rich in roasted agave, with fine hints of oak, vanilla and caramel and a whiff of black pepper and cinnamon.

The finish is long and sweet, subtle in oak and vanilla with a slight late burn making it entirely pleasing.

Siete Leguas Reposado is not only good, this is also one of the finest reposado Tequilas you can buy today.

It drinks almost like a Blanco with a gentle barrel aging providing subtle vanilla and oak notes making it sweet and incredibly satisfying.

Tequileño Reposado – Best Value Reposado

Nose	Agave, apple, oak, alcohol
Palate	Agave, apple, cinnamon, clove
Alcohol content	80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink	Rocks cocktails
Similar to	Corralejo Repo, Cazadores Repo

On the nose, you get a rich agave scent, followed by apple, oak and vanilla and a bit of alcohol.

Flavor is rich in agave, with more of the apple you get on the nose, along cinnamon, clove and oak spice.

Finish is long and pleasantly warm, with a rich citrus note and oak.

You’re unlikely to find a better entry level Reposado!

Rich in agave flavor, with just a touch of vanilla and oak and a Reposado free of additives and artificial sweeteners. Completely legit making it the best affordable Reposado.

Delivers great value for the money making it a champ in terms of value.

Fortaleza Añejo – Best Añejo for sipping

Nose	Caramel, vanilla, oak, agave
Palate	Agave, butterscotch, citrus, hazelnuts
Alcohol content	80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink	Neat or rocks
Similar to	G4 Añejo, 1942

On the nose you get bourbon whiskey-like notes of caramel, vanilla and oak along roasted agave.

On the palate, Fortaleza Añejo feels buttery with an oily texture that coats your mouth in a very soothing way.

Flavor is rich in agave, along vanilla and butterscotch with just a tad of oak spice.

The finish lingers, with nice heat that warms your chest, with more blue agave, a touch of pineapple, caramel and oak.

Anejo doesn’t get much better than this making it one the best Añejo Tequilas in the market. Pleasant heat but tremendously balanced with an awesome finish.

Fortaleza Añejo is a tequila that bourbon drinkers curious about agave spirits are gonna find particularly attractive as you get vanilla, butterscotch and oak flavors along blue agave sweetness making it incredibly good.

This is an Añejo free of additives which has become a major buying point among real Tequila lovers.

El Mayor Añejo – Best Value Añejo

Nose	Caramel, oak, raisin, vanilla
Palate	Ripe fruit, vanilla, caramel, oak
Alcohol content	80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink	Neat or rocks
Similar to	Espolon Añejo, Don Julio Añejo

The nose brings bourbon-style notes of light caramel at first, followed by oak, vanilla and a touch of raisins.

On the palate, you get a fruity note up-front followed, by vanilla, caramel and a tad of toasted oak.

The finish has a decent length, brings a nice peppery hit, with no alcohol flavor or bad burn making it an enjoyable easy drinker.

El Mayor Añejo is surprisingly good for the price as you are unlikely to find a good tasting Añejo Tequila at this price.

Delivers great value for the money as you are unlikely to find a fine Añejo Tequila at this price point.

In fact, this is the best Añejo for the money and of the best Añejo Tequilas that you can buy today; a good alternative to the Don Julio 1942 at a fraction of the price.

Don Julio 70 – Best Cristalino for sipping

Nose	Floral, vanilla, agave, oak
Palate	Vanilla, caramel, oak
Alcohol content	80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink	Rocks
Similar to	Don Julio Añejo

A Cristalino is typically an Añejo that has been filtered removing the characteristic amber hue along some hard edges.

Don Julio 70 was the first in this segment and remains the best Cristalino Tequila.

Beautiful nose of bright flowers, honey, blue agave, vanilla.

On the palate, Don Julio 70 is incredibly smooth, rich in vanilla, oak and caramel and a tad of agave.

Finish remains smooth, with vanilla, oak and a bit of black pepper, with very little warmth.

This Tequila smells and tastes like an Añejo Tequila but looks like a Blanco Tequila. Don Julio 70 is the product of filtering Don Julio Añejo through charcoal before bottling.

Tequileño Cristalino – Best Value Cristalino

Nose	Agave, citrus, oak
Palate	Agave, citrus, vanilla, pepper ,oak
Alcohol content	80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink	Rocks
Similar to	Maestro Dobel

Tequileño is an incredible option for those who want to enjoy the blue agave flavors as it is full of it.

Tequileño comes with a creamy body, extremely smooth, rich in citrus and vanilla notes and the delicious roasted agave flavor.

This Cristalino is the same as the Reposado which is aged for 4 months in American oak barrel before bottling.

Tequileño is one of my favorite Mexican-owned Tequila brands as they deliver additive-free drams preserving the character of this spirit.

Tears of Llorona – Best Extra Añejo

Nose	Agave, dark fruit, dark chocolate
Palate	Agave, faint smoke,chocolate, charred oak
Alcohol content	86 proof (43% ABV)
How to drink	Neat or rocks
Similar to	Clase Azul Reposado, Don Julio 1942

Tears of Llorona is one of the most interesting and flavorful Tequilas making my selection of the Top Extra Añejo Tequilas you can buy today.

This pour is a blend of Tequilas aged in three types of barrels: Scotch, sherry and cognac for 54 months making it unique.

Its dark color tells that this is no ordinary Tequila and its flavor approves.

Nose is rich in agave, dark fruit and chocolate with pleasant leathery notes.

On the palate, it provides a nice buttery feel and little warmth. Flavor is full of agave, baking spice, chocolate, butterscotch and charred oak with a faint smoky note.

The finish is excellent, leaving sweet and oaky notes behind with a tad of baking spice.

Tears of Llorona is an almost perfect dram, perfectly balanced, with the right level of natural sweetness making one of the Best Tequilas for a gift you can buy today!

Suerte Extra Añejo – Best Value Extra Añejo

Nose	Apple pie, honey, vanilla, oak
Palate	Agave, cherry, baking spice, earth
Alcohol content	80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink	Neat
Similar to	Cuervo Reserva de la Familia

The nose is quite bourbon-esque as it hits with an apple pie note, along honey, vanilla and a tad of oak.

On the palate, the first sip brings a pleasing warming note. Flavor hits with baking spice (cinnamon, nutmeg) a note of cherry, an earthy note of wet soil and agave flavor.

The finish lingers, with baking spice and caramel sweetness with very little heat.

Suerte Extra Añejo is way better than I was expecting coming from a relatively unknown brand.

This Tequila is delicious, in fact, it is dessert on glass, sweet and subtle on the oak despite a long 7 year aging striking a great balance.

It must be noted that Suerte is a Single Barrel release. In general, spirits drawn from a Single Barrel taste better as distillers ensure using the best barrels for this releases.

Suerte will sit well among bourbon drinkers as it has familiar notes while adding precious agave flavor.

Another biggie is the price, which is quite attractive for an Extra Añejo making it a keeper.

Best Tequilas 2023: Buying Guide

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Tequila	Price
Fuenteseca Cosecha 2018	$130
G4 Blanco	$45
1800 Silver	$27
Cazcanes Blanco	$90
Espolon Blanco	$29
Dulce Vida Blanco	$25
Siete Leguas Reposado	$58
Tequileño Reposado	$29
Fortaleza Añejo	$95
El Mayor Añejo	$36
Don Julio 70	$79
Tequileño Cristalino	$53
Tears of Llorona	$280
Suerte Extra Añejo	$120

Which Tequila type is best?

No right answer

This comes down to a matter of choice so there is no right answer.

Personally, I only drink Blancos and Reposados as I like the taste of blue agave. Once Tequila spends too much time in the barrel is becomes too oaky making agave lose the spotlight.

I seldom drink Añejos and much less Extra Añejos as they taste pretty much like a Bourbon making me prefer the Eagle Rare 10 Year which is substantially cheaper.

How do you pick a good Tequila?

Hard to tell when the bottle is closed

Make sure to only shop for Tequila labeled as “100% agave” and avoid those that say “made from blue agave” as they are a mix of agave and sugar cane.

Mexican government allows distillers to mix agave and diverse sugar sources and call the spirit Tequila but those drams are fattening and will leave you with a bad headache.

You can tell a good Tequila by the aroma. Bad Tequilas smell like vanilla and cake batter indicating that they have been infused with additives.

This is another questionable practice allowed by the Mexican government that caved in under the pressure of distillers.