Tequila, to some this is a drink at the end of the night literally and others it is a flavorful companion in a cocktail or simply a savoring sipping experience.
What are the top ten tequila brands? We will look at the top brands in regard to volume and the manufacturers as well as some high-quality brands that are growing in popularity but first how is tequila made?
What is Tequila made from?
Tequila is not actually made from cactus like most people think, its actually made from blue agave and is only produced inside the Mexican state of Jalisco and in some municipalities in Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas, and product outside these regions is called Mezcal which has similarities to Tequila. We have recommended some other brands not made in these Mexican regions however still a great product even though not authentically Mexican. Tequila’s origins can be traced back to a beverage called pulque, produced in Central America before the region was colonized by Spain in the 16th Century.
There are several different categories of tequila that include white, silver, gold, reposado, añejo and extra añejo each one has its special characterisation and differences of which is detailed below.
Top brands by sales volume
The following is a list of the top selling brands many of which you have no doubt heard of, seen or even tasted.
| Global Brand Name | Global Brand Owner |
| Sauza Tequila | Suntory Holdings Ltd |
| Patrón | Bacardi & Co Ltd |
| Don Julio | Diagio |
| El Jimador | Brown Forman |
| Hornitos | Beam Suntory |
| Olmeca Altos | Pernod Ricard |
| Jose Cuervo | Cuervo La Rojena, S.A. |
So, now let’s look at some other brands that could complete a top ten list and you get to choose which ones are added and if you fancy trying any of these tequilas from the comfort of your own home just click on the image below.
Blanco Tequila
The most popular and well-known color for tequila which is Blanco of course Spanish for white.
The following are some recommended good quality tequila not generally found in you everyday liquor store and can be ordered so you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
Region: Mexico
Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Price: $38.99
This handcrafted pure silver award winning tequila is a twice distilled product and has peppery aromas of agave and intense herbaceous flavors. One not to be missed.
Producer: Heaven Hill Distilleries
Region: Kentucky
Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Price: $18.99
Delirio de Oaxaca Mezcal Joven
Producer: Mezacal Delirio
Region: Mexico
Size: 750ml
ABV: 42%
Price: $56.99
This great example of a mezcal (a different process in producing this product than tequila) is artisanal produced and naturally fermented with a robust profile with an agave aroma and smooth fruity notes.
Gold Tequila
Properly the most widely known type of tequila as known by the color of the product which comes from the colorings used or when it was aged in barrels it is usually a mix and not 100% algave.
Producer: El Toro
Region: Mexico
Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Price: $14.49
This medium-bodied gold tequila has flavors of pear, honey, oil and charcoal and is a harsh drink for those that can take that flavor punch.
Producer: Montezuma Tequila
Region: Mexico
Size: 1.75 Ltrs
ABV: 40%
Price: $20.99
Named after the famous Aztec civilization from the heart of Mexico.
Tequila Reposado
Reposado means “rested” and is aged for approx. anything from 60 days to one year in oak barrels.
Producer: Tequila Clase Azul
Region: Mexico Jalisco
Size: 750ml
ABV: 42%
Price: $133.98
A great looking hand crafted and hand painted bottle that is sure to impress your friends. The product is produced from blue weber agave and is twice distilled which gives it a much smoother flavour.
Or alternatively the glass option is also available for $79.99
El Tesoro Reposado de Don Felipe Tequila
Producer: El Tesoro Tequila / Beam Suntory
Region: Mexico Jalisco
Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Price: $51.99
This golden yellow colored tequila has a rich spice with caramel and anise and deep and complex aromas.
Tequila añejo
Tequila añejo is aged for one to three years in oak. It is designed for sipping and savouring and has the attributes of flavours of algave and rich vanilla and floral aromas.
Kah Tequila Añejo
Producer: FABRICA DE TEQUILAS
Region: Mexico
Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Price: $57.98
A full-bodied tequila añejo with the flavour of agave with chocolate, tobacco and coffee.
Don Julio 1942 Añejo Tequila
Producer: Don Julio / Diagio
Region: Mexico
Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Price: $319.99
What a special treat this Don Julio 1942 añejo is as is served in beautiful decanters with pewter agave leaf accents this ultra premium tequila represents Tequila Don Julio’s top of the line. Rich golden color. Sweet creamy vanilla, melted butter, and brown spice aromas. A round silky entry leads to a dry yet fruity full bodied palate with sweet tropical fruits, rich brown spices, buttered nuts, and tasty rum and bourbon barrel notes. Finishes with a long spicy caramelized nut and wood fade. A great gift for a that friend or companion that is a tequila lover.
Roca Patron Añejo Tequila
Producer: Patron spirits / Bacardi brands
Region: Mexico
Size: 750ml
ABV: 44%
Price: $89.99
This higher ABV añejo tequila is aged for around 14 months and a smooth feel with tastes of nut, wood, raisins, and grapefruit.
Tequila Silver
Similar to white tequila silver is a clear liquid however it is not aged for as long as the higher end tequilas and therefore some people think that the taste in harsher and often the prices are more budget friendly in this category.
Producer: Compania tequila de arandas
Region: Mexico
Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Price: $26.49
Producer: The Patrón Spirits Company
Region: Mexico
Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Price: $41.99
The perfect white spirit made from the finest Weber Blue Agave.
>>To order your special Tequila direct to your door Click here<<
In closing
Like most liquors there is a variety of different levels to quality and price that you can choose from, the better quality and the easiest drinking are of course more expensive than the entry level product. With the products and brands mentioned in this article there are a variety of different levels enough to give anyone a tantalizing tasting experience.
If you have any comments or would like to suggest other tequilas that are not mentioned here please leave your comments below.
Cheers!
Jim
founder tipple4u
I really enjoyed reading your article ‘Top Ten Tequila Brands – what’s the best 4u’. Tequila is a great recreational refreshmest that suits various occasions and events. I really appreciate you taking the time to go into details about the different brands and their prices. I think these are really affordable and I would be glad to share this article if I’m allowed.
Thanks for your comments Beesean and glad you enjoyed the article and hope you get to enjoy some of these tequilas and by all means please share the article with your friend, cheers!
Hey Jim,
You have an interesting web site. You have the bones of a great web site. The graphics are wonderful and you have great, and unique, content.
Hi Chris,
Thank you for taking the time to review my website and thank you for your comments they are much appreciated and noted.
Regarding your comment on the law around Tequila is only produced inside the Mexican state of Jalisco and in some municipalities in Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit. Outside of these area a product called Mescal is produced which has similarities to tequila, i will update the article to make this point clearer.
Thank you once again, cheers!