There’s no doubt that if you stroll into your local liquor retailer, you’ll find some bargain-priced tequila choices. That’s the name of the game when it comes to any spirit. But, for every bottom shelf dweller, there’s a few over-the-top expensive bottles. And while you won’t feel bad shelling out $20 for one of the less expensive choices, you might think twice about $100 or more.
But, in my two decades of writing about alcohol, I’ve learned that there are many expensive tequilas worth buying. These aren’t the types of tequilas that you’re going to shoot with lime and salt. These are slow-sipping, long-matured añejo and extra añejo expressions that are as complex and nuanced as your favorite whiskey.
Tears of Llorona No. 3 Extra Añejo Tequila
If you’re going to spend a little more for a bottle of tequila, you can do much worse than Tears of Llorona No. 3 Extra Añejo Tequila. Created by Master Distiller German Gonzalez, it was matured for five years in a combination of single malt Scotch whisky, sherry, and ex-brandy barrels. The result is a complex, memorable, 100% Blue Weber agave-based tequila known for its flavors of cooked, vegetal agave, toasted vanilla beans, toffee, charred oak, and dried fruits. This is not a tequila for mixing; this is a tequila for slow-sipping neat on a chilly evening.
Don Julio 1942
There aren’t many tequila bottles as sleek and elegant as Don Julio 1942. The best part? The liquid inside is just as memorable. This 100% Blue Weber agave-based tequila is made in small batches and matured for at least two and a half years. This results in a balanced, multi-layered tequila known for its flavors of dark chocolate, caramelized sugar, roasted agave, chocolate, and toasted vanilla beans. This is a tequila to share with friends and family.
Código 1530 Origen Extra Añejo Tequila
This award-winning extra añejo tequila from the folks at Código 1530 Tequila was matured for a minimum of six years in French white oak Napa Valley Cabernet wine casks. Perfect for fans of whiskey, this nuanced, noteworthy tequila is made from 100% lowlands Blue Weber agave, at a single NOM distillery, and has no added flavors or ingredients. It’s known for its exquisite palate featuring notes of roasted agave, honey, dried fruits, oak, toasted vanilla beans, toffee, and gentle spices. It deserves to be sipped neat or on the rocks while you sit alongside a roaring campfire.
Fortaleza Tequila Añejo
If you’re only going to splurge for one tequila on this list, make it Fortaleza Tequila Añejo. It’s less expensive than the others, but no less noteworthy. Made from 100% Blue Weber agave, it’s baked in a brick oven before being stone-crushed. This popular expression is double distilled before being matured for a minimum of eighteen months in American oak barrels. The result is a sublime sipping tequila loaded with flavors like dried fruits, honey, tropical fruits, roasted agave, orange peels, toffee, and candied nuts.
Tequila OCHO Extra Añejo
First released in 2022, Tequila OCHO Extra Añejo is a must-try tequila for fans of whiskey. Made from 100% Blue Weber agave, this limited-release, 80-proof expression was matured for a minimum of three full years in American oak barrels. The result is a balanced, memorable tequila filled with flavors like dried cherries, sticky toffee pudding, candied orange peels, cooked agave, oak, and gentle spices. Sip this tequila neat or on the rocks and spend a moment picking out all the various aromas and flavors. You’re going to want to add a bottle of this popular tequila to your home bar.
When you decide to spend a little extra on an expensive bottle of tequila, you shouldn’t just grab the first shiny, eye-catching bottle you spy on the shelf that happens to have a larger price point. Being quick to grab a “pretty” bottle might not be the best idea. Just because a bottle is expensive, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good.
Here are a few tips to help you find a tequila worth paying for.
- The first is to make sure the tequila is made with 100% Blue Weber agave. If not, you’ll want to steer clear of that expression.
- The next thing you should know is that the aging terms are important and will let you in on how long the spirit spent maturing (Blanco, Reposado, or Añejo, and beyond).
- Lastly, you should always pay attention to the distillation process and check to see if it’s a limited-edition or small batch expression (spoiler alert: both are pricier).
