If you’re a tequila lover, there couldn’t be a better time to be alive. That’s because the spirit has fought an uphill battle for decades to disassociate itself from cheap bar shots and $1.00 margarita pitchers. Thanks to the diligent work of master distillers (and some celebrity investors/influencers), the earthy, vegetal spirit has joined the ranks of Scotch and Vodka as a sophisticated premium drink choice. The fact that so many celebrities are founding/investing in this traditionally humble spirit speaks to the rising popularity of tequila.
Most tequila brands offer most if not all, of the agave spirit styles: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Extra-Añejo, and Gold. Whatever your flavor preference, an excellent premium option can be blended perfectly into a spicy, fruit-forward drink or enjoyed on the rocks. The critical ingredient in tequila is the 100% agave label.
Why tequila?
When it comes to premium options, there are a few tequila brands that have historically held the lion’s share of the market. While those brands still deserve recognition, many craft distillers are disrupting the market (in a good way).
We’ve run down some of the best tequilas you can buy. Remember that hundreds of rare, super-expensive tequila brands are out there. This is a list of more attainable tequilas, none priced much higher than $100. Also note that if we mention one style of tequila from a brand, it’s implied that the others they offer are just as good.
Our favorite tequilas for 2024
We drank a lot of tequila in 2023, and we’ll do more of the same in 2024. We love all tequila varieties. We used blanco to mix into classic drinks like the margarita and paloma. It’s a versatile, usually reasonably inexpensive type of tequila that we also have on hand. We enjoy a nice, lightly aged reposado as well. Many options are perfect for mixing and sipping neat or on the rocks. It’s the Swiss Army knife of tequilas. It can do it all. Añejo and extra añejo are an excellent choice for sipping neat or on the rocks on a fantastic evening. If you’re a whiskey drinker and haven’t given tequila a shot, now is the time to do it. Keep scrolling to see our ten favorite tequilas for 2024.
Gran Centenario Tequila
Even though Gran Centenario is one of Mexico’s oldest tequila brands (est. 1857), it’s often overlooked as an affordable yet well-crafted spirit. Gran Centenario says it’s Mexico’s number one tequila. While sales statistics don’t support that, it is the official tequila of the National Mexico Soccer team, so that must count for something. Gran Centenario offers Añejo, Resposado, and Plata styles at an affordable price. And if you want to go even more top shelf, the brand has a double-distilled Añejo in its Leyenda.
Corralejo
If first is the best in your book, then you have to go with Corralejo. The tequila is named after Hacienda Corralejo, the birthplace of priest and leader of the Mexican War of Independence, Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. Corralejo was the first commercial distiller in Mexico. With over two centuries of practice, the quality shows through.
Casa Noble
Casa Noble is another tequila steeped in tradition. Founder and Maestro Tequilrio Jose “Pepe” Hermosillo has seven generations of tequila knowledge under his belt. Besides being delicious enough to sip straight, this triple-distilled brew is certified organic — if that’s important to you.
Teremana
You can’t turn around these days without seeing the biggest name in Hollywood — Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. So, it’s not surprising he owns a tequila brand. Unlike some of Mr. Johnson’s movie roles, Teremana’s quality is never questioned. This tequila comes precisely as promised: simple, smooth, and refreshing. Also, it’s very affordable, as far as ultra-premium tequilas go.
Tequila Fortaleza
Tequila Fortaleza is another brand with a lot of history behind it (over 140 years), even though it launched in 2005. Originally La Perseverance (1873), it has evolved to Fortaleza over four generations of the Cenobio distilling family. This earthy tequila reflects the Tequila Valley lowlands where it hails from. Finishing notes of vanilla and hazelnuts, mixed with the agave, provide a wonderfully smooth tequila experience.
Lo Siento
If age is nothing but a number to you, then you’ll have no issue with trying Lo Siento. This newly launched, small-batch LA brand partners with small family farms to deliver a delicious, ethically sourced, and sustainably farmed product. While the name in Spanish translates to “I’m sorry,” you won’t be sorry to try out this new kid on the block.
Casamigos
Many people think that George Clooney and Rande Gerber still own this smooth and super-drinkable tequila brand. But those people would be wrong because they sold the brand to spirits giant Diageo for up to $1 billion. Regardless, they still live on the website as spokesmen, and it’s reasonable to assume they remain on the board. Whatever your feelings on two rich white guys (three, actually; we’re leaving out Mike Meldman) starting a tequila brand, this tequila is worthy of the hype it gets. Of the tequila on this list, it’s safe to say it’s the smoothest — perfect for drinking on the rocks with a twist of lime. You don’t even need the lime, as its natural citrus backend notes are very noticeable.
JAJA
Speaking of rich white guys, JAJA tequila is another delicious new tequila founded by Maurice & Elliot Tebele and long-time friend Martin Hoffstein. Also, to keep up with the other celebrity tequila brands, Alex Pall and Drew Taggart of The Chainsmokers came aboard as co-owners. However, this tequila isn’t getting a mention because of its owners but because it’s quite good. Triple distilled and sustainably sourced from bat-friendly farms in Jalisco, Mexico, JAJA is a delicious and approachable brand. It’s a smooth, vegetal-forward tequila with a peppery back end. It’s also reasonably priced at around $35.
Lobos 1707
Movie and music celebrities don’t get to have all the tequila market share — sports stars are jumping in, too. LeBron James is the spokesman and big investor in Lobos 1707. He’s a big wine fan, but his tequila love seems bigger than most expected. This young tequila brand honors distilling traditions dating back to 1707. A unique aspect of this tequila is that it’s finished in Spanish wine barrels, giving it a more complex flavor with sweet afternotes.
El Bandito Yankee
While the name and branding might seem questionable, the tequila is not. This ultra-premium newcomer is also backed by former sports stars Chris Chelios and Jim Bob Morris. It boasts additive-free, 100% agave tequila, and it shows through in its velvety smoothness with heavy agave notes.
Picking the right tequila for you
As we mentioned earlier, picking the right tequila for you is important. There are various varieties based on their aging—the price point shifts according to the level of tequila. Blanco is a great choice for mixing and as an everyday, inexpensive bottle. Reposado is a versatile variety that’s aged for a minimal amount of time to give it some nuanced aromas and flavors. It’s a great mixer and rainy-day sipper. Añejo and extra añejo are great to have on hand as everyday sippers. They are the longest-matured and most complex of all the tequila varieties. You’ll find notes of vanilla, roasted agave, oak, caramel, and spices.
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