Once upon a time, you would have shunned tequila, holding a grudge against that one time it made you do something stupid, but now, it’s flying off the shelves at a rapid rate. Although it’s not the cheap tequila that’s being shaken in margaritas, it’s the good stuff—premium tequila.
Premium tequila is having its moment, with many opting for the top-shelf tequila in their Margaritas and Palomas. In Australia, good tequila was hard to come by, but now thanks to increased demand, we’re finally importing the golden standard. So we decided to gather a few friends, make margaritas, and take many shots, to suss out the best tequilas to try. Here’s what we found.
MORE: The Biggest Booze Trends to Watch Out for in 2022
Herradura
Herradura is that fancy bottle with the horseshoe on it. It has also been a strong contender for the best tequila in the world since 1974. To top it off, it was the first distillery to introduce Reposado, so as you can imagine, the Reposado bottle is a favourite and definitely worth a try. The tequila is aged in American oak barrels for 11 months, giving it sweet oaky vanilla and cinnamon flavours.
Buy from Dan Murphy’s.
Patron
Patron is a classic, one of those names you never forget and instantly recognise. Whether you prefer Silver, Añejo, Reposado, or XO Cafe, you can never go wrong with this premium brand. The XO Cafe goes great with an espresso martini.
Buy from Dan Murphy’s.
Jose Cuervo
Jose Cuervo is the best selling tequila brand in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s on the cheaper side of premium tequilas, and the flavour of its Silver is light and peppery, making it a great entry tequila or great for mixing, and shots.
Buy from Dan Murphy’s.
Don Julio
If you’ve ever heard a friend refer to Don Julio, they’re talking about Mexico’s most famous spirit, dating back to 1942. This exciting, little bottle is made from 100% premium blue agave plant and is then barrel-aged for eight months in American white-oak barrels. It’s most recognisable for its golden amber colour, and smooth finish. This is tequila that doesn’t require salt or lime. In fact, they might arrest you in Mexico for even asking it to be mixed into a cocktail.
Buy from Dan Murphy’s.
Tequila Blu
This striking bottle is more off the beaten path so to say. It’s made from 100% blue agave, which is grown in four different regions and hand-bottled in Tequila, Mexico. It’s also aged in American Oak Barrels for six months but then is cold chill-filtered, creating an ultra-smooth finish. It’s great as a sipper or works perfectly in a Paloma.
Buy from Dan Murphy’s.
1800 Tequila
This tequila is great for cocktails, beginner tequila drinkers, and everything in between. The liquid is double distilled, and a selection of white tequilas is blended together for a complex flavour, with a smooth finish. You might also pick up sweet fruits and a hint of pepper.
Buy from Dan Murphy’s.
MORE: 1800 Tequila Created a Gender-Neutral Fragrance That Smells Like Mexico
Ponchos 1910
For the sweet drinker in your life, Ponchos 1910 Caramel Tequila is a winner. Think lavish, caramel-toffee and a smooth finish. It’s like drinking a dessert. This can be served straight up on ice or in a cocktail, to add that rich flavour to any margarita, negroni, or your favourite cocktail.
Buy from Dan Murphy’s.
Espolòn
Espolon is a great affordable brand of tequila, handcrafted from 100% pure blue agave. The history of Espolon is to celebrate Mexico, which is why you can find the storied culture on the label. As for the taste of the Reposado, it’s full-bodied, with vanilla notes and a spicy finish.
Buy from Dan Murphy’s.
Cazcabel
If you’re looking for fresh crisp tequila, you can’t go past Cazcabel. They had a honey tequila, that is seriously addicting. It’s a tequila, that doesn’t taste like tequila. The Silver and Reposado tequilas are perfect for cocktails.
Buy from Dan Murphy’s.
MORE: Why Honey Tequila Should Be in Your Bar Cart
Sesión Tequila
This tequila plucked from the fields of Jalisco is a trendy, newer tequila on the Australian market. You will find a mocha flavour, that is perfect for espresso martinis. The Blanco and Reposado bottles are equally as flavoursome, with the Blanco, bringing an aroma of green peppers and green pineapple. Expect a smooth finish with every sip.
Buy from Dan Murphy’s.
Milagro Tequila
Milagro is on the more expensive side but just look at that beautiful bottle. You can get silver, Reposado, and Añejo for all your cocktail needs from a mercadito to a Paloma Rosada. They use the finest sweetest agave, slow roast it, age it, and then turn it into a smooth drinking tequila.
Buy from Dan Murphy’s.
MORE: The Best Tequilas You Can Get For Under $50
Get the latest from Thrillist Australia delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe here.
