14 Best Tequilas To Try In 2023
Whether you're looking to sip tequila on the rocks or whip up some batch cocktails for a party, good tequila is important for any home bartender to have on hand. From margaritas to Palomas, tequila is the main spirit in several classic cocktails as well as a component for imaginative new creations. However, while tequila gets a reputation for its refreshing nature, it's more than just a summer spirit. Tequila also pairs well with chocolate and other drinks that have caramel, earthy, or even smoky notes. Every bottle brings something different to the table, but you don't have to be a professional to know what's what.
Sipping tequila neat or on the rocks can be a luxury experience for serious tequila aficionados. Taking in the unique aromas and tasting notes of a special release can elevate any dining experience or enhance a special moment with a loved one. No matter how you like to enjoy it, there's a type of tequila out there for everyone. Tequila covers a wide swath of flavor palates, from the bright unaged blancos to darker, barrel forward añejos aged to perfection, which give the spirit more versatility than you may think. Whatever the reason you're looking for a new spirit to sample, we've gathered the best recent tequilas to try in 2023.
Patrón El Alto
New to Patrón's luxury label Gran Patrón comes Patrón El Alto. El Alto joins Gran Patrón's existing luxury lineup of Platinum, a triple distilled silver tequila; Burdeos, an añejo finished in Bordeaux barrels; and Piedra, an aged añejo. Patrón El Alto is made from a unique blend of four-year extra añejo, añejo, and reposado tequilas. For its aging process, Patrón El Alto is shifted between 11 different types of barrels aimed at giving it a smooth, sweet finish. The tequila is made entirely from blue Weber agave using the Tahona method, involving volcanic stone used to pulverize the agave hearts and unleash the fermentable liquid within.
While most liquor companies, Patrón included, usually promote cocktail recipes to complement a new liquor release, Patrón actually suggests that you simply sip Patrón El Alto on its own, neat or on the rocks. The brand emphasizes the smooth, refined nature of Patrón El Alto, which makes it unnecessary to mask the tequila's flavor in any way with any additions. The light color signifies the subtle, softer notes you'll taste in this specialty bottle. If you're looking for a great new sipping tequila, you'll definitely want to give Patrón El Alto a try.
Mayenda Tequila Blanco
Mayenda is a new luxury sipping tequila brand from the Campari Group and was launched in the United States and Mexico in April of 2023. The brand was created with a mission to "capture lost flavors from the heart of the agave." Its first release is a blanco tequila, simply called Mayenda Tequila Blanco.
Mayenda's tequila creation process adds several extra steps to the industry standard, the first of which starts when the agave is cut in a low jima style, which means the agave heart is free from undue bitterness thanks to a less than three-centimeter cut. Next, the Mayend process involves steeping the agave hearts in the base distillate. This step adds the caramelized flavor of cooked agave, which is often lost in the tequila-making process. In the second step, Mayenda adds even more layers of flavor to the tequila by blending it with agave miel or agave "honey." The result of this complex process is a richer-than-most blanco tequila, which makes it ideal for sipping neat or on the rocks. Letting this tequila shine on its own allows you to fully take in the tasting notes of caramel, florals, and pepper.
Tequila Don Julio Rosado
Don Julio's 2023 spring release, Tequila Don Julia Rosado, will bring a dash of spring brightness to your glass. With a host of celebrity endorsements — including "Real Housewives" personality Lisa Rinna, actor Lukas Gage, and TikTok influencer and model Remi Bader — Don Julio Rosado has set itself up to be one of the most talked about new drinks of the summer.
Tequila Don Julio Rosado is aged for a minimum of four months in ruby Port wine casks, which gives the tequila its aesthetically pleasing pastel pink color. The ruby Port wine casks also give the tequila its glowing, fruit-forward notes, in addition to the more traditional caramelized flavors of cooked agave. Tequila Don Julio Rosado is best enjoyed with simple additions, like soda water and lemon, for a refreshing drink perfect for a sunny day. The fun, natural hue, and smooth taste are sure to be the talk of your next pool party or cookout.
Patrón El Cielo
One of the newest additions to the Patrón portfolio is El Cielo, which is making waves as the first prestige tequila on the market to be distilled four times. Patrón El Cielo is made from high-quality Weber blue agave, water, and yeast. Patrón has added additional distillation to its process for El Cielo to fully bring out the agave's sweetness and ensure the tequila has a smooth finish. El Cielo is also said to be crafted in small batches to guarantee that every bottle carries the distinct presence of what Patrón set out to accomplish with El Cielo.
The tequila was developed after the brand conducted more than 150 tasting sessions to hone the flavor profile and perfect the new distillation process with the expertise of Patrón's master distiller, David Rodríguez. Patrón El Cielo's bright citrus notes and natural sweetness make it the perfect tequila to sip without any additions. A simple orange slice added to a glass of Patrón El Cielo on the rocks is plenty.
Paladar Destilado de Agave
Inside the unique bottles said to be hand-dipped in the soil of the company's agave fields, Paladar Tequila's recent release, Paladar Destilado de Agave, contains an experimental creation that stands out from the crowd. There is a focus on involving various kinds of wood in the process and special consideration for the agave. The Paladar tequila-making method starts by harvesting seven-year blue Weber agave from the company's fields. The agave then cooks slowly in brick ovens, followed by fermentation in a special open-air pine box filled with the brand's wild, proprietary yeast. Each batch is distilled twice using a mix of both copper and stainless steel pots.
After that, the Destilado de Agave tequila is aged for two months in recycled bourbon barrels. Then, the tequila is finished for an additional two months in a large wood cask made of amburana wood, which is native to Brazil and imparts this tequila with a signature dark color and tasting notes. The wood choice also gives the spirit a distinct set of aromatic accents that include vanilla and nutmeg, as well as a slightly sweet flavor profile. This is a well-rounded and creative tequila that is as good a mixer as it is a sipper.
Casa Azul Organic Tequila
This organic tequila line is a venture from Casa Azul that focuses on craft production across a range of spirit types. The collection currently has three different varieties of tequila on offer: a blanco, a reposado, and an añejo. As the label shows, the key factor that Casa Azul prides itself on about the creation of this new collection is that it is USDA-certified organic. This guarantees that during the entire creation process, the agave plants are never treated with or exposed to pesticides or chemicals. Additionally, additives like coloring, flavoring, sweeteners, or glycerine are completely forgone. And it doesn't hurt its case that Casa Azul's organic tequila is also supported in partnership with Mexican-born actress Eiza González, who is an investor in the product.
Prior to bottling, the brand's blanco tequila and tequila reposado both rest for two to three months. While the blanco tequila offers fresh and earthy notes of herbs, fruit, and minerals (the tequila reposado is aged in American oak bourbon casks), darker-tasting notes of toffee and caramel shine through. The añejo, in contrast, is aged for 12 to 13 months in American oak bourbon casks, which develops into deeper tasting notes like toasted oak, dark chocolate, and cracked pepper.
Astral Tequila Reposado
Astral Tequila's Reposado is aged in single-use American oak bourbon barrels and follows the brand's traditional production process, demonstrating a plant-first thought process. Using a stone wheel tahona, the distillers at Astral smash agave fibers until juice emerges. Afterward, the crushed threads are added in the fermentation step, a technique that ensures more of the plant is utilized in the tequila-making process and is also said to infuse more flavor from the agave into the tequila.
The mixture is aged for five months, which is three months longer than the industry standard, to create Astral Tequila's Reposado. In the end, the final product has tasting notes of caramel and oak, containing a subtle botanic sweetness that can complement the zesty grapefruit notes of a Paloma as well as an Oaxacan Old Fashion. Fortunately, if you prefer those darker flavors, the release of the reposado comes in conjunction with an offering for another new tequila for the brand, Astral Tequila Añejo, which is aged for 12 months and has tasting notes of vanilla, oak, and butterscotch.
Tequila Zarpado Reposado
Tequila Zarpado's newest offering, Tequila Zarpado Reposado, is here to give you some bang for your buck. Like the brand's first product, Tequila Zarpado Blanco, the reposado has stayed true to offering a price tag of less than $30. But don't let the affordable cost fool you; Tequila Zarpado Reposado still offers a smooth, sippable spirit experience.
The tequila-making process reflects the brand's commitment to quality at an attainable price point. Tequila Zarpado's tequilas are all handcrafted from mature blue agave plants and are double-distilled in small batches at the brand's family-owned distillery. Tequila Zarpado Reposado is then laid to rest in oak Kentucky bourbon barrels for three to four months, gaining big oaken flavors as it sleeps. As a result, the reposado is darker-hued and adds the perfect amount of flavor you can only get from aging, bringing depth to the tequila's flavor profile. And, as you might expect, it has a long finish as well. While Tequila Zarpado Reposado passes the sip test, it is also a great addition to mixed beverages.
Mijenta Añejo Gran Reserva
Recently, sustainable tequila brand Mijenta has released an exclusive drop that is one of the best tequilas to try in 2023. Mijenta Añejo Gran Reserva is a bottle you should have in your collection.Beginning with the brand's award-winning blanco as the base, Añejo Gran Reserva undergoes an 18-month aging process, resting in four different hand-selected casks along the way. It starts in American white oak barrels before moving to French oak, then acacia barrels, with the final two months completed in cherry oak casks rather than typical sherry casks. This four-part process sets Mijenta's Añejo Gran Reserva apart from other añejos on the market in fragrance and flavor.
Thanks to the oak barrels, Mijenta's Añejo Gran Reserva offers aroma notes of cacao, butterscotch, and tobacco. The tasting notes come through with hints of stone fruits and spices like mace, anise, and saffron. The caramelized agave flavor blends with subtle vanilla and coffee notes, creating a unique and complex flavor profile thanks to the variety of wood barrels used in the aging process. Perfect for sipping on its own or using as a base of a spirit-forward cocktail, you can even try substituting Mijenta Añejo Gran Reserva in your favorite bourbon-centric mixed drink.
Casa Del Sol 11:11 Angel's Reserve
11:11 Angel's Reserve is the first ever reserve bottle from Casa Del Sol, and one that was worth the wait. As fans may already know, the award-winning luxury sipping tequila brand is created with certain spiritual references in mind and the brand as a whole is meant to pay homage to the ancient Aztec Goddess of Tequila, Mayahuel. In continued alignment with the brand's spiritual focus, the naming of the 11:11 Angel's Reserve refers to the belief that 11:11 is an "angel's number" that brings blessing and positive influence into people's lives.
11:11 Angel's Reserve has been created from a blend of Casa Del Sol extra añejo and Casa Del Sol añejo tequilas, which have been aged in French Limousin Oak and XO Cognac barrels. Perfecting the exact ratio for this blend is the result of years of work from the brand's distillery team in Mexico. The wood barrels used for aging impart tasting notes of honey, toffee, butterscotch, and dried fruit that come together to create a smooth and balanced tequila perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks.
Gran Centenario Cristalino
Cristalinois a fresh release from Gran Centenario, a tequila company that has been producing fine tequilas since 1857. Including Cristalino, tequilas from Gran Centenario are made with 100% blue Weber agaves. Gran Centenario Cristalino uses a blend of the brand's añejo and extra añejo tequilas, which are American oak matured. After that, the tequila undergoes a process that is new to the brand. The makers finish the tequila's aging process in casks that were previously used to make Calvados, a type of cider made of pre-fermented fruit. There, the tequila rest for several months. Ordinarily, a tequila becomes darker the longer it is aged, but Gran Centenario Cristalino is crystal clear when finished, as the name implies. This is because the tequila undergoes a special filtering process using Mexican silver as its final step to transform it back into a clear spirit.
This unique process passes on hints of apple and oak flavor from the Calvados casks, as well as more typical tasting notes of sweet cooked agave and toffee. Gran Centenario Cristalino's complex flavor is best consumed on its own, so the tequila is recommended to be served neat or on the rocks with a lime twist.
Codigo 1530 Estate Harvest Still Strength Blanco
Estate Harvest Still Strength Blanco tequila is a heavy-weight addition to the Código 1530 lineup and one that any bold-spirited liquor cabinet should hold. The tequila is considered an estate harvest because it is made only with agave that is grown on land owned by Código 1530. This is a unique designation, seeing as less than 1% of tequila brands in the industry can be categorized this way.
The Estate Harvest Still Strength Blanco is aged in French oak wine barrels and distilled at the brand's dedicated facility. The Estate Harvest Still Strength Blanco also stands out as having a higher-than-typical ABV, having been distilled to 45% ABV. To demonstrate the brand's commitment to sustainability and community, the Estate Harvest Still Strength Blanco's bottles are made only with recycled glass from Mexico and are created by local artisans. Aroma notes include cherry blossom, honey, and olive. Tasting notes include cooked agave, citrus, black pepper, pumpkin seed, and mint, making this a must-try for tequila lovers. To best take in the tequila's complex flavor profile, enjoy it neat or on the rocks.
Costa Tequila Añejo
Costa Tequila is known for creating the first "Hi/Lo" blend of tequila in the world, meaning that the brand delivers the only tequila that combines agave sourced in "Los Altos" (the Highlands) and "Valle de Tequila" (the Lowlands), in Jalisco, Mexico. Other tequila brands exclusively use agave sourced from one of these two regions when making tequila. This gives a tequila a very different flavor profile depending on which region its agave is grown in. Agave taken from the Highlands tends to develop tequila on the fruitier and sweeter side. Conversely, agave taken from the Lowlands often leads to tequila that is more peppery or spicy. The overall result is a uniquely combined flavor profile across all of Costa's tequilas.
Costa Tequila has recently added an añejo to its unique Hi/Lo lineup, and it is surely a tequila you should taste in 2023. Añejo tequilas generally lean one of two ways: barrel-forward if the harvest is from the Highlands, or agave-forward if the plants come from the Lowlands. Costa Tequila añejo blends the two, and with a 16-month aging period in American oak barrels, the profile of hazelnut, sweet vanilla, caramel, and brown sugar are noticeable and balanced.
Marques de Casa Noble Tequila Añejo
Casa Noble, one of the first tequila brands to use certified organic agave, has recently released Marques de Casa Noble Añejo, a medium-hued tequila for those who like deeper flavors. It contains a blend of nine añejos and 12 extra añejos, which have each been aged between one and five years in a process that takes place in "hand-selected" barrels from the Allier region of France.
Even Casa Noble's typical añejo rests for two years, rather than the industry standard of one year, which gives all of its añejos a step up on the competition. This longer aging process produces a beautiful, easy-to-sip tequila that is as delicious as it is complex. Casa Noble's barrels are specially chosen to balance saccharine agave with vanilla, toffee, and spice. Along this line, Marques de Casa Noble Añejo offers aromas that waft sweet, caramelized minerality, honey, and spicy cinnamon. It offers tasting notes of orange, cherry, dark chocolate, and baking spices, as well as some elements of earthiness on the palate.