Best Tequila: 12 top bottles of the agave spirit to try

Tequila has seen a drastic improvement in public image over the last decade or so. Once the go-to for a round of shots at the bar, these days, those in the know are seeking out quality Tequilas for slow, considered sipping or for mixing into a cocktail with a real depth of flavour. It’s now more common to hear people talk about terroir when it comes to the Mexican spirit, as they would with a fine wine. And following George Clooney’s lead, celebrities are practically falling over themselves to have a Tequila brand to put their name to.

Tequila is made from the agave plant and is part of the wider mezcal family. While mezcal can be made from a variety of plants, Tequila is made specifically from blue weber agave. The clear style is known as blanco or silver Tequila, and is best enjoyed at 100% agave when selecting for sipping.

Meanwhile, some have a deeper colour thanks to ageing in oak barrels – this ranges from resposado (rested) that’s been aged for two months to a year in cask, up to añejo (aged) that’s spent up to three years in the barrel and finally, extra añejo (extra-aged) that’s been aged for over three years before bottling.

At this year’s IWSC, all styles were on show – and top scores went to blancos as well as extra añejos. One of the best Tequilas, according to judges, was Proximo Spirits’ 1800 Milenio Extra Añejo, which was praised for its ‘exquisite varietal typicity with apple sweetness underpinned by toffee, humidor and leather on the nose.’ And Don Fulano’s Añejo Tequila showed off warm spice notes with almonds on the finish. Both scored an impressive 98/100 points with the 1800 Milenio Extra Añejo winning the IWSC’s Tequila Trophy. Read on the see even more of the best Tequilas from the IWSC 2022.

12 of the best Tequilas from the IWSC

Don Fulano, Añejo Tequila. 98/100
Proximo Spirits, 1800 Milenio Tequila Extra Añejo. 98/100
Proximo Spirits, 1800 Tequila Reserva Añejo. 98/100
Tequila Orendain, Batanga Reposado. 95/100
Hacienda de Oro S.A, Mayaciel Tequila Blanco. 95/100
Proximo Spirits, Jose Cuervo Reserva de La Familia Tequila Reposado. 95/100
Destileria El Pandillo, S.A. de C.V., Artenom Selección de 1579 Tequila Blanco. 95/100
Altos Planos, Mijenta Blanco Tequila. 94/100
Ylldal International, Azteca Gold Tequila. 93/100
Don Fulano, Fuerte Blanco Tequila. 93/100
BBC Spirits, Lokita Tequila Blanco. 92/100
Lobos 1707, Extra Añejo Tequila. 92/100

agave plant pinas at a Tequila distillery

HOW DO WE JUDGE THESE SPIRITS?

We run a tightly structured, rigorous spirits tasting process. That means that each spirit sample is pre-poured into numbered glasses and assessed blindly by the judges. Most importantly, our IWSC spirit judges are experts in their field, who work across all sectors of the drinks industry. For evidence, see our full list of judges.

HOW DO WE SCORE THESE SPIRITS?

Only the best spirits sampled receive a Gold or Silver award. For example, to win Gold, spirits have to score between 95 and 100 points. Meanwhile, Silver wines range from 90 to 94 points. Click here to read more on our scoring system.

MORE FROM CLUB OENOLOGIQUE

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