The Top 13 Tequila Brands We Recommend

Patrón is a well-liked tequila brand that bases its identity on natural, pure ingredients. The brand focuses on quality agave sources and careful processing to produce authentic tequila. Patrón offers tequila aged at various lengths in oak barrels, as well as a line of luxury tequilas. Signature tasting notes include citrus and honey. 

Fortaleza has gained immense popularity since it opened its tequila distillery in 2005. The brand is known for making lowlands tequila, which has an earthy flavor that you don’t find as much in the more fruit-forward tequila varieties. In addition to agave, Fortaleza tequila has a buttery taste with rich flavors like black olives and pepper.

When it comes to amazing tequila, a surprising amount of celebrity-owned companies make the list. For instance, Casamigos, which George Clooney co-owns, has received praise for its smooth, sweet taste that you can enjoy straight. Their signature Blanco tequila has a strong fruit flavor, including a pleasant grapefruit taste.

Don Julio is an older tequila brand that has been around since the 1940s. For an extra special treat, check out the 1942 Tequila, an aged small-batch tequila that honors the brand’s origins. This delicious tequila is kept in barrels for at least two years and has a rich, smoky, sweet flavor.

For a true piece of history, order Jose Cuervo tequila. In addition to producing a fine batch of tequila, the company also runs Latin America’s oldest distillery. Cuervo makes a particularly nice Añejo, a tequila that’s aged in both American oak barrels and Irish whiskey barrels, creating an incredibly smooth and complex taste.

Espolón makes tequila with traditional Mexican drinking culture in mind. The tequila Blanco is deliciously light and crisp, with notes of citrus, vanilla, and a small hint of pepper. This brand is an excellent option if your budget calls for an unaged tequila but you still want to enjoy a dynamic palate.

Tequila Ocho has an artisanal approach to making tequila and innovates new ways to enhance the distilling process. One of Ocho’s most interesting projects is their emphasis on terroir, which is the practice of harvesting agave from one place to capture the soil’s unique flavor. Each of the tequila varieties from Ocho has a strong and distinctive agave taste that celebrates the biodiversity of the region.

Dwayne Johnson’s tequila brand, Teremana, partners with a local distillery in Jalisco to produce tequila using sustainable practices and support professionals living in the region. For a tasty way to sample this tequila, try making an old-fashioned tequila reposado—the rich citrus flavors work perfectly in the classic cocktail. 

Milagro is a fun tequila brand with a contemporary vibe. The brand makes tequila with an agave-forward flavor profile and crisp, light mouthfeel. Milagro Silver has a delightfully fresh taste that is an awesome choice for making an elevated margarita. For an even fancier drink, try Milagro Añejo, which has unique coconut and butterscotch-tasting notes.

When Kendall Jenner first announced that she was starting a tequila brand, many people had their doubts. But the team at 818 has won praise for their fantastic beverage. 818 is a smooth tequila with a floral aroma and subtle sweet citrus flavors. This is a great tequila for taking shots or enjoying mixed with tonic water.

Clase Azul might first catch your eye with its distinctive ceramic bottle shape, similar to a pepper grinder. Inside each of these colorful bottles is a symphony of complex agave-based flavors. Clase Azul’s signature product is the tequila reposado, which comes in a blue and white decanter and has tasting notes of vanilla, orange peel, and cinnamon.

Herradura makes a range of excellent tequilas, particularly luxury aged tequilas. One of its most popular tequilas is the Selección Suprema, a smoky tequila that is aged in oak barrels over four years and has a pleasantly sweet and floral undercurrent. This tequila is best enjoyed neat so the drinker can fully appreciate its aromatic qualities.

Olmeca Altos has a modern approach to tequila while still honoring old distilling traditions. The brand’s founders have a background in bartending and aim to make beverages that are smooth, flavorful, and versatile in cocktails. For an original touch, Olmeca Altos ages its tequila in bourbon barrels.