Just like with any form of alcohol, the tequila world is dominated by big names. We’re talking about the likes of Jose Cuervo, Patrón, Casamigos, and Don Julio (among many others). And while you likely won’t have buyer’s remorse if you purchase anything from these well-known brands’ portfolios, it will behoove you to broaden your agave-based horizons. From time to time, why not give something lesser-known a try? There are countless underrated, underappreciated tequilas just waiting to be discovered.
I’ve written about alcohol for over two decades. During that time, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Mexico, visit the town of Tequila, and sample many tequilas—including blancos, reposados, añejos, extra añejos, cristalinos, and joven. I’ve enjoyed Margaritas, Palomas, and other tequila-based cocktails.
I’ve found that I often enjoy tequilas from lesser-known, underappreciated brands just as much (or more) as those from well-known big names. There’s a good chance you’ll too. You just have to give them a chance. Don’t worry, you don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to help in that regard.
Experts tell us the most underrated tequilas
Don’t get frustrated or overwhelmed. We can understand that the idea of finding some lesser-known, underrated brands might seem like a very tall (almost monumentally difficult) task for many novice drinkers.
It’s a lot easier to stop into your local liquor store (or alcohol retailer) and grab the first bottle you see advertised by one of the name brands. But if you do that every time, you’re going to miss out on some truly exceptional expressions.
Luckily, you don’t have to meander down the aisles of your local alcohol retailer, mouth agape, wondering if a salesperson will find you and point you in the right direction of a smaller, artisanal, or lesser-known tequila. Someone else did the work for you. Specifically, experts on the subject.
We asked a handful of well-known bartenders and tequila experts to tell us their picks for the most underrated tequilas on the market. They were kind enough to highlight a few expressions worth adding to your home bar cart. Keep scrolling to see all of their agave-centric choices and learn about the different tequilas (and expressions). Wouldn’t you like to have a few new tequilas to add to your rotation of classic, big-name brands?
Lalo Blanco Tequila
“I like Lalo because it’s stripped down. Just agave, water, and yeast. No additives, no barrel, nothing to hide behind. It’s clean, bright, and actually tastes like tequila. A lot of people don’t realize how much gets added to other bottles, so when they try something like this, it’s a completely different experience.” – Sam Yeakley, Lead Mixologist at The Foundry in Dayton, Ohio
Tequila Ocho Plata
“Tequila Ocho isn’t necessarily underrated, but I believe the story behind it and being a single estate tequila is what’s not really known to the greater audience. When most people see a bottle of Ocho they just assume it tastes the same as the Ocho they previously had. But in reality, it’s much more than that: depending on the field the agave came from and the year it was harvested, the flavor profile will be different. That’s what makes Ocho so special because you never know what new flavors you will discover with the next bottle you open.” – Noe Martinez, Lead Bartender at Alila Marea in Encinitas, California
La Gritona Reposado
“La Gritona Reposado is a beautiful, savory, female-owned and operated distillery. The notes of tomato leaf and celery are mitigated by the aging, which adds a subtle creamy quality. It’s wonderful in all kinds of applications, though I love blending it with mezcal and making an old-fashioned. The bottle is gorgeous too.” – Marek Zarnow, L Bistro, Bar Manager in Seattle
El Jimador Reposado
“I’ve always loved Reposado Tequilas over Anejos as they still retain a lot of their true agave character while layering in touches of oak and softening the texture, and I’ve had the same go-to for about 15 years: El Jimador. At its entry-level price point, it might seem like an odd choice, but its reliability and quality have made it an easy go-to for my everyday mixology needs. Notes of agave and white flowers complemented by a touch of vanilla, a herbal/vegetal character, and spicy white pepper make this versatile reposado great for any tequila cocktail.” – Molly Horn, Chief Mixologist & Spirits Educator at Total Wine & More
Cascahuín Blanco
“The big-name brands are busy putting celebrities on the label; Cascahuín is just making the best juice in the game. It’s a total bartender favorite, you get that real, peppery, cooked agave flavor without any of the fake vanilla or “smooth” additives that ruin modern tequilas. It’s the benchmark for what the spirit is supposed to be—honest, bright, and perfect.” – Sarah Foley, Bar Manager at Bar Sur Mer in Seattle
