Where to start with Tequila

Each person’s taste is very unique, so we always believe the best place to start is sampling in the form you’ll most likely drink (neat, in margarita, on ice, etc.). So if you have an opportunity to sample, go for it. Just pay attention to the shot or ounce counts! Trust us. They’ll sneak up on you VERY fast.

While there are many different rankings for tequila popularity (sales volume, bartender favorites, tequila tasting experts), we consistently see the following brands and tequilas at the top of lists:

• Jose Cuervo Gold
• 1800
• Patron
• Don Julio
• Casamigos

And if you can’t find our pick here, there are many, many more at Tequila Matchmaker.

Another important consideration is the type of tequila. There are five different types of tequila, and you may need to narrow by type first. Here’s a quick summary of each type:

• Blanco tequila, also called Silver, White, or Plata, is usually colorless, and they are unaged, meaning they rest in stainless steel tanks for up to 60 days. If you start here, consider starting with Don Julio Blanco or Patron Silver.
• Reposada tequila is aged from 2 to 12 months in a barrel (e.g., created from oak and used to create American whiskey), and it has notes of different flavors that are related to the wood barrel used. People often describe hints of oak, vanilla, honey or caramel. If you start here, consider starting with Casamigos Reposada.
• Joven tequilas are a mix of aged and unaged tequilas that are typically golden (oro). This is typically less expensive than other types.
• Añejo is tequila that has been aged in a barrel for 1 to 3 years. This type of tequila is dark, rich, and amber in color and complex in flavor. If you start here, consider starting with 1800.
• Extra Añejo is aged in a barrel for more than 3 years, and it has a peatiness and caramel flavor much like scotch.