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Every country has a national identity of color, animal, food, and drink, among other things for which people recognize the country. Any wild guess as to what Mexico’s national drink is? Well, if you have already read the title, then there are no prizes for guessing the name. It’s tequila!
Tequila, as a Mexico’s national spirit has a history that dates back to the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors first distilled agave plants. Since then, this beverage has spread from its origin state of Jalisco to become a globally recognized symbol of Mexico. It’s no wonder that the best tequila in Mexico today is the craftsmanship of centuries-old tradition and expertise.
As Mexicans are the largest consumer of tequila, amounting to 0.63 litres per person, there are many low-quality versions due to mass-consumption requirements. However, if you are new to Mexican tequila, you should know what is the best Mexican tequila.
It is made from 100% blue agave, which is harvested and roasted before being distilled. The result is a complex spirit with a wide range of flavors, from crisp and herbaceous to rich and oaky.
I have been to Mexico fortunately so I asked my Mexican friends to share best tequila from Mexico. So, this list of top 10 Mexican tequilas is all personal. Enjoy!
Before I start talking about best sipping tequila, it’s important to know the difference between tequila and Mezcal. Although both are derived from agave plants, some differences still set them apart.
Tequila comes from the western state of Jalisco and limited regions in four other states. This region, centered around Jalisco, is known as the heart of tequila country and is located in the western and central parts of Mexico.
On the other hand, Mezcal comes from nine different states, spanning a larger geographical area. Oaxaca in southern Mexico is the most famous producer, while Durango has a fair share.
This distribution shows that tequila production is more concentrated in the western and central regions. At the same time, mezcal production is in the southern state of Oaxaca and the northern parts of Mexico.
Tequila is made from blue agave (Agave tequilana Weber), while Mezcal comes from over 30 different species of agave. Tequila production involves steam-cooking the agave hearts in ovens before fermentation and distillation.
Mezcal production involves roasting agave hearts in underground pits lined with hot rocks, which imparts a distinctive smoky flavor to the final product.
As the ingredients and production methods differ, tequila and Mezcal will naturally have distinct flavor profiles. Tequila has a cleaner, crisper taste with notes of citrus, pepper, and herbs. Meanwhile, Mezcal features a complex, smoky flavor with earthy, mineral, and sometimes fruity notes.
Now, let’s discuss the top 10 best Mexican tequila in Mexico!
Siete Leguas Blanco is one of the best tequila in Mexico for its traditional production methods and authentic flavor. It is made in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco. Traditional methods involve a tahona wheel and a roller mill to extract agave juices.
The aroma features fresh agave, citrus, and herbal notes. When you taste it, it feels like a mix of pepper, mint, and mild sweetness. The finish is clean and crisp, making it one of the best tequilas for sipping.
Siete Leguas Blanco is famous among Mexican tequila lovers for its quality and depth of flavor. It’s unique enough to enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in premium cocktails.
Tasting Notes and Price
The name 7 (or Siete) has an interesting history. Siete Leguas is a tribute to the horse of Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa’s legendary horse. Why 7 or Siete, particularly? It’s because Pancho Villa’s horse could travel 7 leagus in a day. Whereas other horses could only travel 1 leguas. (Mind you 1 leguas is approximately equal to 3 miles or 4.8 kilometers).
So, this best Mexican tequila is a family-owned distillery in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco. It has been producing high-quality tequila since 1952 and uses traditional methods.
What sets 7 Leguas apart is its unique production process, which combines modern and ancient techniques. The distillery uses a tahona wheel to crush some of the agave while the roller mill processes the rest. This blend extracts the authentic flavor of blue agave, making it one of the best tequilas for sipping.
7 Leguas comes in a range of expressions, including blanco, reposado, and añejo. Each variety is unique and authentic. However, it’s the blanco has a crisp, clean taste. Whether enjoyed neat or in a carefully crafted cocktail, 7 Leguas consistently delivers a premium tequila experience.
Tasting Notes and Price (Blanco)
Herradura Cristalino is a combination of an añejo and a blanco. This innovative spirit ages for 49 months in American white oak barrels. Then, it undergoes filtration to remove the color and retain its rich flavors. The result is crystal-clear tequila, which is very unlike other tequilas.
For these reasons, it is one of the best tequilas for sipping. The nose presents aromas of cooked agave, vanilla, and subtle oak. At the same time, the palate delivers notes of caramel, dried fruits, and spices. The finish is long and warming, with a delicate balance of sweetness and oak.
Herradura Cristalino is for those who want a refined and unique tequila experience. You can enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or as a premium cocktail ingredient. This best Mexican tequila is the best drink you can have with your friends.
Tasting Notes and Price
Don Julio 70 Cristalino celebrates the legacy of Don Julio González. The number 70 is interesting because many tequila lovers assume that this tequila is a rarity due to its age. In reality, the number celebrates the 70th anniversary of Don Julio Gonzales’ entry into tequila.
Its nose has aromas of citrus and vanilla, while the palate is a sweet blend of sweet agave, oak, and subtle spices. The finish is smooth, with notes of vanilla and wood, making it one of the best tequilas for sipping. You can enjoy this best sipping tequila neat, on the rocks, or as a premium base for cocktails.
Tasting Notes and Price
1800 Cristalino is a crystal clear añejo tequila from the famous 1800 Tequila brand. This best Mexican tequila ages for 16 months in American and French oak barrels. After that, it goes through a filtration process that removes the color while preserving its complex flavors.
What makes 1800 Cristalino so unique is that it combines Blanco with the rich character of an aged tequila. The nose presents aromas of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak. The palate delivers notes of cooked agave, dried fruits, and subtle spices. 1800 Cristalino is the best sipping tequila if you want to enjoy the refined and versatile spirit.
Tasting Notes and Price
Sauza Silver Tequila is a product of the Sauza family. This family is in the tequila business since 1873. All that history means you get to enjoy the classic Blanco tequila experience at an affordable price. Unlike other budget tequilas, Sauza Silver is a 100% blue agave product. Also, it is a popular choice for both mixing and casual sipping.
This best Mexican tequila gives a clean and crisp natural flavors of blue agave. On the nose, you’ll enjoy fresh agave notes with hints of citrus and pepper. The palate is a cooked agave with subtle notes of herbs and minerals. The finish is short and clean, with a mild warmth.
Sauza Silver is also one of the best cheap tequilas due to its quality and easy availability. You will find it in almost every bar and restaurant. In fact, tequila and Mexican music go hand in hand in almost all bars.
Tasting Notes and Price
El Jimador is a relatively young brand producing tequilas since 1994. However, it has quickly become one of Mexico’s best-selling tequilas. The word “El Jimador” honors the person who harvests agave plants. For the budget-conscious, it is one of the best tequila from Mexico that provides value for its price.
El Jimador’s production process is noteworthy. The brand uses estate-grown blue agave from the lowlands of Jalisco. Then, it uses modern, efficient production methods like autoclave cooking and column still distillation. These modern methods are why it is one of the best cheap tequilas in Mexico.
Tasting Notes and Price (El Jimador Reposado)
Patrón is one of the most recognizable tequila brands worldwide and it is one of the best tequila from Mexico. It is quite different from the tequila I have mentioned so far. How? Well, it comes in a unique and Patrón uses high-quality production methods.
Patrón’s range includes Silver, Reposado, and Añejo expressions made from 100% Weber Blue Agave. And, I am covering Patrón Silver as one of my favorite tequila from Mexico. The Silver comes with crisp agave flavors that has hints of citrus. The expressions provide complex profiles with oak, vanilla, and caramel notes.
Tasting Notes and Price (Patrón Silver)
Corazón Blanco is one of the oldest Mexican tequilas which is produced by Casa San Matías, established in 1886. So, when heritage and value get together, we experience one of the best cheap tequila.
What sets Corazón Blanco apart is its production process. The agave is grown at high altitudes in the Los Altos region of Jalisco. The tequila is then double-distilled in small batches using a combination of pot and column stills. Although these are traditional methods, double-distilling means the output keeps up with the demand.
Despite its affordability, Corazón Blanco’s taste profile rivals some more expensive brands. Its balance of herbal, citrus, and peppery notes makes it perfect for mixing and sipping. If you are looking for the best tequila from Mexico at an affordable price, Corazón Blanco won’t disappoint you.
Tasting Notes and Price
Espolòn Reposado is one of the best cheap tequila that has a great quality. It is made from 100% Blue Weber agave in Jalisco, and ages for at least two months in American oak barrels.
This aging process gives it a golden hue and unique flavors that complement the agave’s natural characteristics. No wonder you get a blend of caramel, tropical fruit, roasted agave, warming spices, and vanilla notes.
It may come as a surprise to you that despite being the best cheap tequila, it has an impressive 94-point score from Tastings. It means it has a Gold Medal rating, which makes it one of the best tequila in Mexico.
Tasting Notes and Price
Mexico’s rich cultural and modern vibrancy is no stranger to anyone. This diverse heritage reflects itself in food and beaches, and, of course, it is also famous for producing the best tequila in Mexico.
Over time, I have discussed in detail about Mexican books and the best Mexican movies. Also, if you plan to visit Mexico soon, why not learn Spanish? Who knows, some stranger at the bar may offer you a free tequila.
I hope you like this list of the best tequila in Mexico. If you have any personal favorites from Mexico, please share.
