[victoriaw]

Tequila is one of the most popular spirits in the world, but the spirit can still be incredibly confusing. While it’s pretty widely known that tequila is made from 100 percent agave, most probably don’t realize that the spirit can only be made in certain parts of Mexico. In fact, Mexican laws state that tequila can only be produced in the state of Jalisco and limited municipalities in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. And the restrictions don’t end there. One of the more confusing aspects of tequila can often be the five categories a tequila can fall in to — we’re not talking Gold and Silver, as these are made up categories by Jose Cuervo; we’re talking the true tequila categories of Blanco, Joven, Reposado, Añejo and Extra Añejo.

[Netsniper]

This is tequila in it’s purest form. It’s the freshly distilled spirit without any oak aging at all. These tequilas show you the true expertise of the distiller, because there are no oak flavors or aging to hide behind. It’s just the flavor of agave, freshly distilled.

[13fpigil]

This category of tequila is rare to find, but does exist. It’s a Blanco that’s been blended with something, whether that something is color, glycerine — both of which are permitted — or another category of tequila such as Añejo.

[autoinsurance1]

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[gigitrix]

There’s a reason bar industry experts gravitate towards reposado tequila. Meaning “rested,” reposado sits for at least two months, but generally less than a year, in the barrel. Most oftentimes, they’re American oak casks that once held whiskey. “It’s like the VSOP of tequila, aged but not too aged, with some wood but not overly decadent,” says Ivy Mix, owner of New York's Leyenda and author of "Spirits of Latin America." She quotes Carlos Camarena, master distiller of Jalisco La Alteña distillery, where Tequila Ocho is made: “He says aging is supposed to be like a picture frame, and in this case, the picture is of agave. You don’t want the frame to overtake the picture but to bring out [the] best attributes and highlight them.”

[kslaughter]

A reposado that is aged correctly is a tequila that can do it all. “You might get more spice or sweet aromatics, so it’s really good to sip neat,” says Walter Easterbrook, founder of Arte Agave, a festival for agave-based spirits. “But it’s also versatile in cocktails. It’s not overly aged, so it isn’t going to take away from the other flavors in a drink like an añejo can. Reposado can help enhance the fresh fruits or different syrups I want to play with.” Here are some of the pros’ picks of the best reposado tequilas to drink.

[Kybertek]

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[Escrow agent]

Americans, particularly the famous ones, are in love with tequila. Year after year, the category continues to grow in the States, according to the Distilled Spirits Council. And it seems like a new celebrity-backed brand launches every week—many are forgettable, but there happen to be a few very high-quality celeb offerings.

[Nagilum]

Forget about mixto, the subpar blend of agave and sugar juice that inevitably leaves you with a killer hangover. We’re talking 100-percent Blue Weber agave tequila (actually a subcategory of mezcal), which can only be distilled in five Mexican states, of which the best known is Jalisco. The traditional method of making tequila involves harvesting agave, cooking the piñas (the heart of the plant) in an oven, shredding and crushing them with the tahona (a large stone wheel), and then fermenting and distilling the juice (or mosto).

[Aluminus]

Hardcore tequila fans tend to believe diffuser-cooked tequila is an inferior product, but there's an argument to be made that using this technology actually makes tequila cheaper and therefore accessible to more people. For this list, we tried to focus on brands that use traditional methods, with some exceptions. And we couldn't include everything—even George Clooney's baby Casamigos, which was sold off for close to a billion dollars in 2017, didn't make the cut. Ultimately, regardless of whether a brick oven, stainless steel autoclave, or diffuser was used, it's all about taste. So here are ten of the best tequila brands available right now. Try them all and decide for yourself.

[manixrock]

El Tesoro master distiller Carlos Camarena holds many titles and distinctions. He’s a fifth generation tequila maker, a third generation master distiller, and also the CEO of El Tesoro. His liquid is incredible, and perhaps none is so great as the Single Barrel Reposado. Camarena picks a few select barrels of reposado tequila that shine above their peers for this line, meaning they’re both unique and exceptional. El Tesoro’s tequila, which boasts minerality and green nuances on its own, ages in ex-bourbon casks for nine to 11 months before it heads to your hands. It’s perfectly balanced, and should be consumed neat—and with respect. here

[thufir]

Tequila is having a moment. The signature agave spirit of Jalisco is more popular than ever these days. It’s buoyed by the U.S.’s aggressive margarita consumption and a slate of celebrity brands hitting the market seemingly every other week. We’re not saying celebrities aren’t always experts on what they peddle, but the fact of the matter is most of the great tequila on the market right now doesn’t have some white dude in his 50s as its owner talking about how he fell in love with tequila over a great weekend a few years ago. There are some incredible tequilas on the market right now, and you certainly don’t have to be a Bulls or Tesla fan to go nuts for them. If you’re wondering where to start, here are some of the best tequilas of 2021. We’ll keep updating this list as the year goes on, so make sure to check back in. [links]

[StinkiePhish]

In a world increasingly populated by white celebrity brand owners, Flecha Azul stands apart. Founded by PGA golfer Abraham Ancer and Aron Marquez, Flecha Azul Tequila is produced, owned, and operated by a multi-generational family. They’ve been making tequila since 1840—starting with their version of blanco, which is crisp, refreshing, and bright, leaning on agave’s sweetness. Cocktails are certainly welcome.

[Albert Novel]

Produced in the only distillery owned and operated by a co-op of agave farmers, Tanteo can trace the pedigree of its quality all the way back to the soil. We suggest trying the unaged blanco first. This silver tequila is bright and spicy, showing both minerality and hints of peppercorn, but sweetness balances the experience nicely. here