Our fifth yr producing a high 10 tequilas and mezcals record has a bit twist on it: We didn’t decide any of the mezcals we tried this yr for inclusion on the record. Whereas we favored loads of them, none made fairly sufficient of an influence to earn a spot right here. That mentioned, we’ve received loads of nice picks and some surprises in retailer for you on this yr’s high 10 record, so let’s dive in.
For extra nice picks, see additionally our high tens from 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019.
1. Lalo Tequila Blanco – You gained’t discover a higher “beneath the radar” tequila available on the market proper now than Lalo, made by Eduardo “Lalo” González, the grandson of Don Julio’s namesake, Don Julio González. There’s a slight yellow tinge to this erstwhile blanco, which is effusive with enveloping natural notes whereas providing a physique that’s touched with a lightweight creaminess. You’ll be able to really feel the terroir on this tequila, but it by no means overwhelms. I referred to as it a frontrunner for my #1 tequila of the yr again in April, and it’s held that spot since. 80 proof. $45 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
2. Cierto Non-public Assortment Tequila Blanco – One other killer blanco, although not as inexpensive as Lalo, this brilliant providing is daring with notes of recent agave, lime, and purple pepper, and it simply will get higher from there. Mint and grapefruit notes give the end a brightness missing in lots of silver tequilas and make for a beautiful and full of life solution to sip away the afternoon. 80 proof. $89 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
3. Gran Centenario Cristalino Tequila – Cristalino tequila continues to surge in reputation, and it seems a few of them are fairly rattling good. Take this bottling from Gran Centenario, which showcases an explosion of flavors that embody the anticipated vanilla and chocolate however discover room for notes of orange, pepper, and tons of apple. One to savor because the climate cools down. 80 proof. $85 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE] [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR] [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
4. Storywood Tequila Reposado Speyside Scotch Barrel Aged – Most tequila is aged in ex-bourbon barrels. Storywood goes completely for Scotch as a substitute, which is a primary (we predict). This 7-months-aged reposado provides the standard agave pepperiness, tempered by a a lot lighter wooden affect than you discover with the standard reposado. Good kick of chocolate on the end. Nicer value. 80 proof. $51 [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE]
5. Patron El Alto Reposado Tequila – Patron dropped numerous particular editions this yr, however this reposado was our favourite. Aged in 11 several types of barrels, it’s a well-crafted and sophisticated reposado that stands among the many greatest you’ll discover available on the market, weaving its manner between herbaceous notes and spicier, sweeter parts. It ain’t low-cost, but it surely makes an enormous assertion. 80 proof. $179 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
6. Ravella Tequila Additional Anejo – It could be an odd collaboration from an organization that makes fancy pool tables, however the juice on this intense additional anejo is legit. Immersive with chocolate and vanilla notes, it doesn’t draw back from the agave at its core, lending the usually quiet, candy model some warmth. Harmonious and balanced, although not low-cost. 80 proof. $280
7. Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Platino Tequila – Cuervo not too long ago prolonged its luxe Reserva de la Familia line – previously reserved for annual additional anejo releases – to blanco and reposado expressions. We lastly received round to making an attempt them this yr – they usually’re each excellent. We give a slight nod to the blanco on this record, which is a refined and balanced mix of herbaceous agave, citrus, and mild sweetness. Manner cheaper than you’d suppose, too. 80 proof. $60 [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE] [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
8. Expresiones del Corazon Eagle Uncommon Anejo 2022 – The collaborations between Corazon and Buffalo Hint hardly ever misfire, and this bottling of anejo tequila, which spends 17 months in Eagle Uncommon bourbon barrels, is great proof of that. Intensely dessert-like with notes of vanilla and butterscotch, it solely builds on that with parts of toffee and coconut approaching sturdy. I needed to remind myself it wasn’t rum however tequila. 80 proof. $85
9. Santo Tequila 110 Blanco – Overproof tequila is commonly enjoyable, and Sammy Hagar’s Santo model is a stable instance of it, providing a roaring sizzling expression of pure agave and alcohol. A while in glass lets it exhibit some basic blanco flavors, together with inexperienced pepper, jalapeno, and lime. Combine with it, or serve it on the rocks. 110 proof. $70
10. Desert Door Woman of Spain Texas Sotol – For a enjoyable change of tempo vs. tequila, think about sotol, a twist on tequila that’s constituted of a kind of untamed shrub as a substitute of agave. This particular version from Texas-based Desert Door is aged in sherry casks, serving to to even out what can typically be a rough-hewn spirit with notes of roasted nuts and citrus. It really works, with a delicate sweetness on the end harking back to aged tequila. 100 proof. $NA
Lalo Tequila Blanco
$45
