Best Tequila: 16 top bottles of the agave spirit to try

Tequila has come a long way from its reputation as a spirit reserved for shots in sticky-floored bars. Today, Mexico’s most famous spirit is increasingly appreciated for its depth, complexity and versatility, whether sipped neat or enjoyed in a carefully crafted cocktail. Conversations around terroir, production methods and the influence of ageing have become commonplace, reflecting Tequila’s growing status as a premium spirit. Its rise in popularity has even attracted a wave of celebrity-backed brands, with everyone seemingly eager to follow in George Clooney’s footsteps.

Made from the agave plant, Tequila belongs to the wider family of mezcal spirits. While mezcal can be produced from a variety of agave species, Tequila must be made using blue Weber agave, grown in designated regions of Mexico. The unaged expression, known as blanco or silver Tequila, is typically clear in appearance and offers the purest expression of the agave plant, often displaying fresh, herbal and peppery notes. For those looking to sip their Tequila neat, expressions made from 100% blue agave are generally the best place to start.

Other styles develop greater complexity through maturation in oak barrels, which can introduce notes of vanilla, caramel and spice alongside the spirit’s natural agave character. Reposado Tequila is aged for between two months and one year, while añejo spends between one and three years in oak. Extra añejo, the most mature classification, must be aged for more than three years, often developing a rich, rounded character that appeals to drinkers more accustomed to aged whisky or Cognac. With such a broad range of styles to explore, the best Tequilas offer something for every palate, from vibrant, agave-forward blancos to rich, contemplative sipping spirits.

agave plant pinas at a Tequila distillery

At this year’s IWSC, Tequila impressed across a broad range of styles, from fresh, agave-forward blancos to complex, oak-aged expressions. Nine Tequilas received Gold medals, one scoring 96 points and the rest scoring 95 points each, with reposado proving particularly successful, accounting for five of the top-scoring entries.

Among the reposados, El Tesoro Reposado Tequila was the top-scorer and stood out for its vibrant and layered aroma, mineral freshness and grassy notes. Ocho Reposado Tequila impressed judges with its layers of toasted oak, vanilla and smoky peppers, complemented by warm cinnamon and clove spices. Siete Leguas Reposado Tequila earned 95 points, praised for its bright agave and citrus aromas, followed by sweet butterscotch, delicate vanilla and a long, balanced finish.

Blanco Tequilas also enjoyed success, with Tanteo Blanco Tequila securing a Gold medal and 95 points. Judges highlighted its fresh green apple, mango and citrus notes, alongside a rich, creamy palate of cooked agave caramel and warming black peppercorn.

Aged expressions were not overlooked, with Gran Lujo Añejo Tequila receiving 95 points for its fragrant oak aromas, roasted agave sweetness and well-integrated flavours. Elsewhere, Siete Leguas Añejo Tequila earned a Silver medal and 94 points, with judges praising its rich agave character, sweet vanilla oak and creamy, savoury finish.

Every Tequila at the IWSC was assessed blind by expert judging panels, ensuring each expression was evaluated on its individual merits.

Read on to discover our pick of the best Tequilas from IWSC 2026.

HOW ARE SPIRITS JUDGED?

Each spirit sample is pre-poured into numbered glasses and assessed blindly by the judges as part of the rigorous tasting process. IWSC spirit judges are experts in their field, from critics to buyers. 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.

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