Once overshadowed by its reputation for quick shots and cheap imitations, tequila has transformed into a refined spirit deserving of profound appreciation. This metamorphosis has been driven by a boom in premium and artisanal tequilas that showcase the spirit’s craftsmanship and heritage.
Like bourbon, which was under-appreciated for decades, tequila boasts a long history of excellence. Mexican producers have perfected their art for centuries, crafting exceptional spirits from the agave plant that rarely saw the light of day outside its immediate surroundings. While mass-market tequilas and margaritas dominated the global scene, Mexico’s true tequila maestros quietly refined their creations, waiting for the day the rest of the world recognized what tequila could be.
A major factor behind tequila’s surge in popularity, besides its refined flavors, is its appeal to health-conscious consumers. Made from natural, gluten-free agave, tequila often contains fewer additives and sugars than other liquors, earning it a reputation as a so-called cleaner choice. This has attracted a younger generation of mindful drinkers, while the spirits low-calorie profile pairs beautifully with fresh mixers like lime and cucumber, making it a guilt-free cocktail staple.
Today, tequila is everywhere, from celebrity-backed brands to undiscovered gems, flooding the market with must-try bottles. Navigating this abundance can feel overwhelming, but international spirits competitions offer clarity. These events highlight top tequilas through expert blind tastings, celebrating craftsmanship and quality. Start with these standout picks if you’re building a collection or simply looking for your next bottle. Each embodies the artistry and tradition that make tequila one of the world’s most exciting spirits.
Don Fulano Fuerte
If you want any indication of how far tequila has come over the last few decades, look no further than this bottle. Don Fulano Fuerte is an exceptional silver tequila, a style consigned to mixed drinks for years, that was awarded the Best Overall Tequila trophy at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the largest and most prestigious events on the annual awards circuit. Crafted by the Fonesca family at their NOM 1146 distillery in the heart of Jalisco, Mexico, it is an over-proofed tequila, 50% ABV. It delivers bright floral aromatics with a full-bodied flavor that lingers with each sip.
DeLeón Añejo Tequila
Hailing from the town of Purísima del Rincón in the Mexican state of Guanajuato, DeLeón Tequila is known for its exacting purity standards. It does not use any additives and creates complex tequilas by blending French winemaking techniques with traditional Mexican tequila-making practices. Their Añejo Tequila scored 98 points, won a Double Gold Medal, and was named the Tequila of the Year at the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards (BSA).
Designed to give a voice to the people who actually mix and pour your cocktails, the BSA highlights brands that everyday drinkers might overlook. Here is what the judges had to say about it in their comments: Charred red bell pepper comes through in a lovely way! Softness from the barrel aging really shines without taking from the agave flavor and ends in a strong, bold finish. Wonderful iteration of an anejo.
Nobleza 33 Reposado Tequila
As a relative newcomer to the tequila landscape, Nobleza 33 Reposado Tequila was named the Best Overall Tequila at the 2024 New York World Spirits Competition. That is a massive accolade for any brand, much less one that is just finding its footing in an increasingly crowded market. The brand is a passion project for its founder, Master Tequilero Engineer Felipe Cararena, at the El Pandillo distillery in Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico.
A small-batch artisanal tequila, it utilizes Agave pinas that have been growing for a minimum of five years. Traditional methods, including hand slicing and grinding the agave, create layers of flavors. Their Reposado spends 4-6 months finishing in American Oak bourbon barrels to impart a fuller flavor. It is a robust sip featuring hints of wood, agave, and vanilla with a smooth finish.
1800 Milenio Extra Añejo Tequila
As one of the most recognizable brands in the tequila industry, the team behind 1800, Proximo Spirits, could have been content to just keep releasing their famous liquid and raking in the checks. Luckily for drinkers, they are committed to pushing the envelope and releasing groundbreaking tequilas.
1800 Milenio Extra Añejo is the ultra-premium expression of the 1800 line. It is aged for at least three years in American and French Oak barrels, followed by a short finish in French Oak Cognac barrels, which adds complexity and elegance to the Tequila. It won the Tequila Trophy at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, the world’s oldest spirits competition and one of the most prestigious annual events. Here is what the judges had to say about it.Luscious stone fruit and red apple aromas lead to a harmonious blend of alcohol and sweetness on the palate. A delightfully deep mouthfeel with a lingering spice-driven finish.
Cierto Reserve Collection Añejo
If you are a tequila aficionado, then the chances are high you have heard of Cierto. The brand burst onto the scene less than two years ago, and today, is one of the most awarded tequila brands ever, with over 1,000 accolades to its name. Handcrafted by Master Distillers Enrique Fonseca and Sergio Mendoza, fourth—and fifth-generation agave farmers, their tequilas are the result of a methodical blend of old and new-world techniques.
