Best tequila 2020

And thus, Tequila was born.

We now have access to better tequila than ever before, and thus, much better margaritas. However, it should be noted that while tequila's quality has improved in many cases, those positive gains have come at a cost, and not just a higher price tag, which encourage you to read more about that here. Here's a recap on the basics of tequila as covered on the Agave main page:. Tequila is made from the agave plant which looks like a cactus but is actually a relative of asparagus. There are hundreds of species of agave, but only the blue weber agave agave tequiliana , may be used to make tequila.

Best tequila 2020

Delish editors handpick every product we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page. Did you know that tequila is technically a type of mezcal? Or that it's an incredibly versatile spirit? While classic margaritas are objectively delicious, there's a whole world of tequila-based cocktails out there, from colorful tequila sunrises to effervescent palomas. And the top-shelf stuff is fantastic served either neat or on the rocks. You'll want to pick a bottle at the liquor store that suits your drinking plans, and don't be intimidated by the sheer number of options out there. But first, here's everything you need to know about tequila before buying. Good question! Tequila begins its life as an agave plant. Then it's shredded, fermented, and distilled in copper pots. Depending on the brand, flavor may then be added to the finished product. It also may go into giant oak barrels to be aged from anywhere between two months and several years—leading to a much smoother, less bitter taste. Because of that, tequila-making can be a very difficult and time-consuming business.

It also may go into giant oak barrels to be aged from anywhere between two months and several years—leading to a much smoother, less bitter taste. Measure advertising performance.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. In fact, if you take a deeper dive, you'll discover tequilas you can enjoy on their own, says Crystal Chasse, beverage director of Talk Story Rooftop in Brooklyn, New York. What she's describing is what's called a sipping tequila. If you're a fan of the varied flavors that emerge from pure agave look to an unaged bottling that can showcase the aromatic, peppery, and floral qualities of the plant. Reposados, on the other hand, are barrel-aged for two months to a year, and they should be mellow, he says.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission. Belying the fact that it has been around for over years—or maybe because of it— tequila is now the second fastest-growing spirit category in the United States, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the U. This is one of the most meticulously crafted ultra-premium tequilas to recently make its debut. Not so with Loco. They use only the heart, without redistilling the heads or tails. Co-founder Pepe Hermosillo does things a little differently than most other tequileros , from using all certified organic ingredients to distilling his tequila three times, where the vast majority of other brands by law are distilled twice. That third distillation refines the finished product without dulling it down. Hermosillo selected his agave fields carefully, in the volcanic soil of the mountains of western Jalisco. That rich earthiness, along with undertones of cracked pepper and light notes of vanilla, is reflected in the tequila.

Best tequila 2020

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Every spirit has its "moment"—sometimes more than once—and just like whiskey in the pre-prohibition era, rum in the midcentury tiki craze, and vodka in the swingin' sixties and seventies, tequila is currently the darling of the spirits world. Nutrition consultants saddle it with various health claims some more dubious than others , and it seems like every day that yet another celebrity again, some more dubious than others is launching a new tequila brand. However, to longtime aficionados like Grover and Scarlet Sanschagrin, the Jalisco-based founders of the website Tequila Matchmaker , there's something to be said for the old, artisan production methods and for the flavors they yield: herbs, spices, and the briny, bittersweet signature of agave. Our top pick is cult favorite Fuenteseca Cosecha based on its ripe agave base, artisanal production methods, and rich concentration of flavors. But the sheer volume of tequila brands currently competing for shelf space means that there's truly a bottle out there for every consumer. Whether you like your tequila neat or mixed with cocktails, here are the best tequilas available today.

Rippers revenge

The family that makes Tequila Ocho Plata has been distilling for generations. Purists love brick oven-roasted, copper pot—distilled tequilas, but the big test is that agave flavor. The various barrels used for aging— former cognac casks , heavily charred ex-bourbon barrels—bring a diversity of expression to the spirit. Perfect for sipping neat, it's fresh, citrusy aroma complements a crisp agave and caramel flavor and a subtly peppery finish. Best Blanco Sipping Tequila. Those same fruity notes carry over on the palate, along with hints of cinnamon and clove. This enabled them to come up with an overall score that reflects their overall drinkability. Doubling that age requirement is what gives this tequila its characteristic amber color and aromas of burnt agave, peach, and persimmons. With hints of vanilla and citrus that blend with the distinct flavor of sweet agave, this tequila packs a punch with no lingering aftertaste. When our founder and master distiller Yuseff Cherney began making spirits, it was just a hobby in the back of his brewery. Pros Long aging Great flavor in cooked dishes. Floral on the nose, this bottling has the bittersweet fruitiness and briny undertones to keep you coming back for more. Zarpado Tequila Blanco.

And thus, the double distillation of this geographically protected spirit has been allowed to continue. Photo: courtesy Riazul. You can practically feel the elegance emanating from this handsomely bottled four-year-old amber tequila, which has spent its first three years maturing in American ex-bourbon barrels before receiving a robust final year in Oloroso Sherry casks.

If you're new to tequila and don't know where to start, Olmeca Altos is a great introductory brand. Best Overall Sipping Tequila. It is one of the best expressions of agave in the market and a gold standard for sipping tequila at its price point. One of our editors described the flavor as sweet and smokey, and we totally agree. And Casa Dragones is the name of the most exclusive joven tequila in the world. The Ultimate Gift Guide. Best for Sipping Neat. Search Close. The difference is all in the aging process. Aged in oak for years. Hornitos Plata Tequila is a standard mid-shelf bottle, a great buy for any occasion where you aren't looking to spend much but don't want to sacrifice taste. Recommended Brands: Naturally, these carry higher price tags.