Back in 2016, a group of friendly NBA rivalsJeanie Buss, co-owner of the Lakers; Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Wes Edens; Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck and his future wife Emilia Fazzalari (who now serves as CEO of Cincoro Tequila); and the Hornets Michael Jordanmet for dinner one evening and quickly discovered their mutual love of tequila. It will typically taste sweeter and more refreshing, with a smooth, silky finish. It's made from 100 percentblue agave and you can literally see the quality once you pour it over some ice. George Clooney and Rande Gerber started Casamigos based on their love of sharing tequila at their neighboring houses in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Made from 100% blue agave, this Jalisco tequila is aged in oak barrels for two years and then slowly filtered through activated charcoal to give it a crystal-clear look with the rich, nutty, toasted flavor of aejo. This new tequila launched in 2021 from El Tequileno, a storied brand that is sometimes overlooked by fans of the agave spirit. An underrated selection that rivals many sub-luxury extra aejos, Reserve 44 is a standout celebratory tequila to break out on special occasions. Below we've listed some of our favorite sipping tequilas that will make you want to give your bar cart a makeover. These are often called a Mixto, where colors and flavors are added before bottling. Reserva 44, Avin's "bespoke" extra aejo, is aged for 43 months in oak barrels and then aged for an additional month in specially selected "petite" barrels, which are rotated daily. This tequila is unique from start to finish. And just like wine, tequila can be aged in many different containers. These bottles are meant to be savored one sip at a time. Jose Cuervo is a legacy among tequila brands, one that has been synonymous with the spirit for over two centuries. Its aged in oak barrels for three weeks, leading to a naturally sweet taste without overpowering. You can enjoy it on the rocks while out at dinner, or at your favorite bar. Made in partnership with El Tequileno, it's copper pot distilled and aged for two years in American oak barrels before finishing on French oak for a flavor that nods to both the highlands of Jalisco and Scotland. The best tequila brands include many lesser-known distilleries and top-shelf spirits, but when it comes to sugary cocktails and shots, 1800 is the true champ. Listen, Patrn has practically built its legacy on giving young adults their wildest nights and most regrettable, . That is why women are not afraid to take a sip of this booze. Sure, a tequila shot is a fun party starter (and maybe gives you some liquid courage before stepping onto that karaoke stage), but artists rapping about shots of Patrn have given tequila an undeservedly bad (and, ahem, cheap) rep. . Sure, the long, slender bottle does immediately jump out at you, and the fact that its made in small batches also gives it an air of exclusivity. Well also give you a peek inside Patrns historic distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. The taste is strong and a little spicy with just enough kick. Those same fruity notes carry over on the palate, along with hints of cinnamon and clove. . 9:00 am - 12:00 am. Photo, courtesy Don Julio. The 1942 is more than just a decor piece that accentuates any bachelors at-home bar. Don Julio 1942 tequila. The puntas, or distillers cut, of agave spirits have long been considered the most coveted part of the distillate and are traditionally set aside by the producer to be enjoyed with friends and family on special occasions. All three expressions are excellent, but the first one to try is the un-aged blanco. Don Julio 1942. It's very tasty, and a great gateway tequila for those new to tequila's flavors, but low on the agave and age notes. The Best Bottles of Whiskey To Try in 2022, Sign up for SPY news straight to your inbox every day. If that scares you, it shouldnt. One of the best organic-certified brands on the market, 123 Tequila has prided itself on creating delicious organic tequilas by employing some of the best farming and production practices in the biz. Don Julio 1942 Aejo Tequila Review. Dont be fooled by the gold label on gold tequila. Its silky and delicate on the palate, offering hints of vanilla and spiced undertones, balanced with notes of pear. 88; El Jolgorio Pechuga . Some brands are certified as additive-free, however, meaning they eschew this process. A sharp vegetal agave flavor dominates, but is intertwined with notes of burnt rose petals and dandelions. I mostly drink scotch / bourbon but I do enjoy tequila / mezcal on occasion. You probably already knowCasamigos, but if you're looking for the perfect one to sip straight, this collection is a great place to start. Subscribe to RR1 Live+ for exclusive virtual events all year long (at least 1 per month), conversations with Robb Report editors, special perks, and more. Floral, candy and fruit notes accompany the expected grassy agave, oak and brown sugar flavors. The hearts of the agave plant, or pias, are put in brick ovens and steamed to bring out the plants natural sugars (see this process in Patrns distillery below). When you get the right kind, there is nothing more delightful than sipping on a smooth, sweet pour on the rocks or straight. ", Cristalino style is the hottest thing in ultra-premium tequila at the moment, and this onea barrel-aged anejo finished in port wine casksbrings the rich flavor of a tequila aged for nearly two years with the smoothness of a silver tequila. Just about the most delicate reposado you can sip on with notes of honeydew, anise, and subtle florals. The blanco, reposado, anejo, and the still strength are all great to enjoy neat. . Its infused with real fruit, too, so dont expect any of that artificial taste. Some people love it, others not so much. But this results in what many tequila purists call aga-vodka, which is basically a flavorless spirit hence, additives. As for the Coramino name, It is a made-up word, Beckman admits, combining corazn, which means heart and is also Kevins last name, and camino, which is road, thus making this tequila a heartfelt journey down a smooth and winding road, which is further represented by the bottles design.. Delish editors handpick every product we feature. Don Julio 1942 vs. Avin 44 I mostly drink scotch / bourbon but I do enjoy tequila / mezcal on occasion. Oddly enough, that basic technique has never changed, in spite of the fact that tequila has now been around for over half a millennium. More shipping info Go to shop $ 107.14 $ 142.86 / 1000ml ex. You can taste the notes of peaches and apricots balanced with warm baking spices; a level of elegance and complexity that made me appreciate tequila in a whole new light. Today has been one of those days. Avin 44 Reserva Extra Aejo After 43 months resting in oak, this extra aejo spends one final month finishing in petite oak barrels that are rotated daily to increase the wood's influence. In the mouth, vanilla and cinnamon are the dominant notes. Its light, soft and crisp, which arent exactly characteristics you expect from a tequila. The Mexican government assigns the Norma Oficial Mexicana number (or NOM) and certifies that the bottle youre holding is authentic tequila produced in Mexico. I enjoy drinking the anejo on the rocks with a squeeze of fresh lime. Its latest release in the Tradicional portfolio, Aejo combines the Cuervo family recipe with a touch of charred American oak to create a remarkably smooth tequila that might be confused for a light, upon first taste. We also suggest pairing this with a Tomahawk steak as big as your fridge will allow. The aging process will also change the color of tequila. Priced slightly above the $30 mark, its a fantastic value and great gift for dad this, Discover 38 Things That Will Turn Your Home Into Your Favorite Place, High Noon Is Launching A Brand-New Tequila Seltzer For Spring And Summer Sipping, Think Warm Thoughts With the Best Hard Seltzer Brands to Sip This Year, quite a few beverages you can mix it with, Too Busy for the Gym? It's been agedfor seven years in used French oak red wine barrels before it makes its way into your glass and the result is a deep and almost sweet flavor withhints of oak and vanilla. For countless bartenders, its the tequila of choice for margaritas, and for good reason. Certified organic and bottled at the estate. This tequila is aged for a minimum of two and a half years in American white-oak barrels and results in a remarkably smooth drink. Perfect for summer evenings. The unique barrels, made from wood indigenous to a forest in burgundy noted for naturally ingrained vanilla tannins, separate this tequila from the rest of the bunch. Its bottled at 42.5 percent ABV, a little higher than tequilas typical 40 percent. This alone makes it a pop culture icon, but more so a go-to for adventurous nights out on the town. I have three bottles of 1942, it's good, but I prefer Reserva. They are less expensive and typically used in bars and restaurants for making mixed drinks. For Legend, theyve used specially made new American oak barrels that are heavily charred and then deeply groovedsimilar to those used in Jack Daniels Sinatra Select expression. How do you think the Avin 44 compares? It's hard to find a . Joven is the name given to a blend of blanco and extra aejo tequila thats filtered to remove the color and smooth out the flavor. At the peak of the Avin Tequila range sits the Reserva 44 Extra Aejo. For the core expressions, a roller mill is used to shred and crush the agave. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Celebrated in exclusive cocktail bars, restaurants and nightclubs, the iconic Don Julio 1942 Tequila is the choice of connoisseurs around the globe. From its distillery just outside Guadalajara, Patrn produces more than 20 different tequila expressions, and its serious business. Try the bright and crisp blanco expression to start. But none of that matters without good tequila to put in the bottles with the sustainably produced labels. "1942 is 100% Agave and from Jalisco," he says. You Can Make More Than Just Margaritas With Tequila. Rested for 36 months in American Oak barrels which delivers a unique range of 44 flavors notes aromas such as, luscious fruits, roasted agave, spices and warm vanilla. And yet, it keeps reinventing itself, but never more dramatically than during the past 20 years. Avin Reserva 44 Extra Aejo Tequila is aged for 44 months, with 43in oak barrels, and the final month in petite oak barrels. This alone makes it a pop culture icon, but more so a go-to for adventurous nights out on the town. My go-to tequila in Clase Azul Reposado. These two liquids are fermented and distilled separately, then blended together for the perfect balance. This extra step gives it a unique tastewith adark, rich flavor. Just ask Kevin Moran, general manager at Seagar's Prime in South Walton, Florida, who reps hard for Don Julio 1942. Its Not Tequila If Its Not Produced in Specific Mexican States. 93; Don Fulano Fuerte . Espolon Blanco Tequila Review. The entire Casa Noble lineup was recently redesigned, with updated packaging and employing a different blending strategy, eliminating the single barrel expressions. The bottle is beyond breathtaking but it's certainly outdone by the delicious tequila inside. Their latest version, made from estate-grown blue agave, is aged for four to five years in ex-bourbon barrels for a complex flavor that brings out notes of chocolate and dried fruit in the tequila. This 36-month-old extra aejo has been matured in ex-bourbon barrels and was then finished in seasoned Madeira wine casks. If you dont have any qualified sippers on hand, its time to order a few bottles for Easter weekend delivery. Some tequilas want to be smooththis tequila wants to take you back in time. Avion Silver Tequila Review. Each bottle is made with 100% agave and has just the amount of heat you want in your sipper. There is a new anejo expression that was just released, but until that becomes more readily available try this one. Once the tequila is distilled, it is aged for 8 months in hand-selected oak barrels. 1942 is 100% Agave and from Jalisco, he says. The ideal ripeness of agave is somewhere between six to eight years; thats when the plant has optimal sugar content. #espolonanejo #campariamerica, A post shared by susie bohnstengel (@suzybohnz) on Feb 6, 2020 at 1:30pm PST, Cody Dillon, general manager at Florblanca in Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. El Tesoro Aejo is aged in American oak bourbon barrels for up to three years, which results in a perfect mix of agave and oak flavors. Plus, get the exclusive Robb Report tote bag FREE. The single estate agaves were harvested from the Camarena familys rancho La Ladera. Don Julio 1942 is one of the most well-known luxury tequilas on the market, and it's not just because of the iconic, long-necked bottled. However, the tequilas smooth palate with distinct flavors (the caramel undertones are soothing AF) makes this luxury option such a braggadocious selection. Older than that, the barrels tend to dominate the spirit, often making it woody and overpowering. Aged for six months in a combination of American white oak, French oak and French acacia casks, the nose is big and fruity, with notes of apple, banana and melon alongside vanilla and cooked agave. However, as a more accessible alternative, we prefer the 80 proof Tequila Ocho Plata 2017 Single Estate Los Patos 80 proof blanco. And Volcn X.A (Extra Ages)an ultra-premium trio of reposado, aejo and extra aejo tequilasis aged in proprietary Grace Casks (basically boutique American oak barrels sourced by industry giant Mot Hennessy, which launched the brand). This process results in a superb, smooth taste that exceeds expectations with each sip. It's aged forfive years in oak barrels that have previously held scotch, sherry, and brandy and the result is aspicy and elegant drink. For more information, please see our Milagro's Select Barrel Reserve Reposado is distilled twice (first in a pot still, then in a column still) and rested for three to six months in American and French oak barrels. Don Julio 1942 $189.99 Buy Now. Still, its a delightful spirit, best left unadulterated by ice so you can enjoy the oak, vanilla and caramel flavors that pop on the palate. Reserva 44, Avin's "bespoke" extra aejo, is aged for 43 months in oak barrels and then aged for an additional month in specially selected "petite" barrels, which are rotated daily. Or maybe because there are so many great mixed tequila drinks from margaritas to palomas that its easy to forget all the great sipping tequilas out there. Sam Dangremond is a Contributing Digital Editor at Town & Country, where he covers men's style, cocktails, travel, and the social scene. This tequila leaves behind color additives and is100 percentorganic, gluten-free, and certified kosher, making it a great choice for virtually everyone. It's described as having abalanced fruit taste withacidity and notes of oak. Don Julio Don Julio 1942 $199 at Reserve Bar Don Julio is a total crowdpleaser and after one sip, you'll get why. Avion Reserva 44 is crafted in the highlands town of Jesus Maria, Mexico. I consider myself still a bit of an amature, and I waffle between preferring Tequila or Bourbon (or a good Stout). The company matures this blend for 12 months in oak barrels before it spends an additional four months in Irish single malt whiskey barrels, adding unique flavors like cinnamon, caramel and stewed figs to the tequilas already distinctive profile. This is most pronounced with the Rosa, which spends a month in un-charred Napa Valley Cabernet French white oak barrels, giving it a beautiful pink hue and notes of ripe fruit and cherry on the palate. After that, the tequila is finally ready to be bottled, sealed and sent out for shipping. Best enjoyed chilled, keep a bottle of this tequila in your freezer for a refreshing cocktail. If youve never enjoyed a glass of tequila neat or on the rocks, youre missing out on a complex, vegetal, flavorful experience. Tres Agaves may lack the brand recognition of consumer favorites like Casamigos or Patrn. hand-sculpted, hand-painted ceramic decanters. Tequila Ocho is a unique brand because it releases single estate vintage tequilas. Avion. Dont be afraid to experiment. Casa Dragones is labeled as a sipping tequilafor good reason. I'm considering buying a nice aejo, and have narrowed it down to one of these. Lowland Blue Weber agaves, sourced from a single-family estate, are double copper pot distilled to create a base of Maestro Dobels Silver tequila. And just as wineries have long heralded sustainability and estate vintages, many tequila fbricas are now replanting agaves to replace the plants they have harvested, and some are cultivating agaves exclusively from their own farms; both of these relatively new practices are precautions against a projected agave shortage in a few years, which is already causing prices to rise, all due to our insatiable thirst for Mexicos national spirit. Ive always been someone who will shoot tequila (with salt, lime, and dread), but this tequila is truly a treat. BRAND. , just in case the aftertaste is too much for you to handle. The tequila itself is exquisite, made from agave grown on USDA- and EU-certified organic estates. If you knowthen you know. Spend big on it if you have a little extra coin to throw around, and your guests will be ecstatic. Produced in small batches and aged for a minimum of two and half years. Patrn employs a seven-step approach that could take up to three years before the tequila is ready. Tequila Avin Reserva 44 Extra Aejo This tequila is made from 100% blue agave and is produced in the state of Jalisco using traditional methods , including cooking the agave in brick ovens . The companys master distiller and blender, Francisco Alcaraz, still creates tequila from this process as well as tequila from the more modern roller mill process, blending them to create Patrn. What remains are notes of vanilla, citrus and grass that you can enjoy on its own, neat or with some ice. The brand is also dedicated toenvironmental sustainability, which you can read more about here. Avion nailed the palate here, enriching its formula with butterscotch, vanilla, roasted agave and marzipan notes for one unbelievable sip. 93; Recent . Don Julio 1942 $189.99. While we may be used to drinking clear tequila, many expensive tequilas are more copper in color due to being aged in wooden barrels. Also noteworthy is how often products from Casa Noble appear on the list (12 times! A tequila for Scotch lovers, this richly flavored anejo marries the vanilla and caramel notes you love from a good aged whiskey with the subtle fruit notes of an agave spirit. We also find 1800 Coconut to be a great alternative, especially if you like spirits more on the sweet side. 1942. Corralejo is one of the few brands thats permitted to distill tequila outside of Jaliscotheyre located in the state of Guanajuato. There's no doubt that there are premium tequilas beyond that. The late Tomas Estes and master distiller Carlos Camarena are the forces behind this brand, which uses traditional methods to craft its tequila. At $400, Herradura Seleccin Suprema isnt a bottle youll find in most bars or peoples homes, nor is it common amongst the drinking community. With its distinctive tagged bottle neck, Avin Reserva Cristalino is best experienced neat or on the rocks, letting the complexity of the aged tequila bring out notes of oak, vanilla, spices and nuttiness, with an overriding smoothness. Want to drink like a G.O.A.T.? But no matter what amount of time it has spent in oak, to produce a superior aged tequila, you must start with a superior blanco. Owning a bottle practically knights you as a true tequila connoisseur and speaks to your taste. Family brand, years of experience, the best ingredients, and prepared the right way. These days, some of the best tequila brands in the world are more comparable to a fine bourbon or robust glass of wine than Jell-o shots and beer pong. The time-honored tahona process is used for the Roca lineup, where a large volcanic rock wheel crushes the roasted agave to extract the juice. More importantly, its double distilled, which adds some character and complexity to the tequila. Don Julio is one of Mexico's most iconic Tequila producers. When you hear the description of this Reposado, you'll almost be reminded of a fine wine. I've seen comments that the Don Julio might be too sweet. Pour it over ice or enjoy it neat and take it slow. The only problem with this tequila is finding a shelf tall enough to store the bottle. But Aejo tequila also works great for tequila-oriented takes on classic drinks like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. After it's distilled, it's then aged for eight months in oak barrels. Cenote Blanco Tequila $43.99 Buy Now. This is then distilled in copper pot stills, during which the heads and tails are removed, and only the hearts are kept, which is the purest and most flavorful spirit. Plus the bottle designed byart director Fabien Baron is definitely worth saving! Sesin Blanco is light and fresh with a touch of spice, complemented by sweet citrus and green pepper notes. Living the dream! The best tequila brands offer more than a token of a good time. Its aged for two years in both American and French oak barrels and then blended with extra aejo that was matured for an impressive six years in American oak. If you're a fan of drinks on the rocks, look no further. Our suggestion: Pick up a few different bottles using different aging processes to see which one you like best. You can also have it for a lower price than 1942. The spirit at the heart of Reserva De La Familia is aged a minimum of three years, then married with reserve tequilas that have been around as long as three decades. Like Cognac and scotch, tequila is geographically protected. Don Julio is a terrific heritage brand that creates smooth, tasty and not too exorbitantly priced tequilas, making Blanco a perfect choice when buying a round for your compadres at the local pub. Its truly delicious and has made a name for itself as a bottle that turns heads, even among the best tequila brands. Location. Thiscrystal-clear Aejo tequila tastes ofroasted wood, caramel, and vanilla notes, making it complex yet totally drinkable. Avion Reserva 44. Restaurant info. Silver is the brands most popular selection, featuring a mix of earthy and spicy flavors that blend nicely. The concept of sustainability extends to the packaging that uses recycled glass and soy ink labels. . BEST FOR CELEBRATIONS. In a world of so many celebrity tequila brands, George Clooneys Casamigos is arguably the most successful and the one that others try to emulate. Espolon Blanco $28.07 Buy Now. But if you need some convincing, the flavor profile on this particular spirit is a bit more down-to-earth than the usual citrusy taste of most tequilas. This labor of love aims for nothing less than a faithful recreation of how tequila was made 200 years ago. Reserva de la Familia. His goal is to make as expressive a tequila as possible, and nowhere is that more evident than in the extra aejo. 4. It has more vanilla and oak notes from the time it spends in barrels but still captures the grass and earthy flavors of the agave. Jose Cuervo is a legacy among tequila brands, one that has been synonymous with the spirit for over two centuries. The quality is superb and on par with many high-level tequilas. That means that each batch comes from a particular year and the agave from a particular field or rancho, adding a bit of terroir concept to the spirit of the spirit. That's exactly whatAugie's promises, along with a complex and wholesome taste. The process leaves the spirit with a deeply toasted flavor and hints of vanilla that will entice even the most ardent whiskey fans. If youre not one for straight tequila, know that Milagros mixability is up there with the best, served well with lime or in signature tequila cocktails like a Paloma. This ranks as the best sipping tequila, produced at the La Cofrada distillery just outside the town of Tequila. With hints of spices, dried fruits, sherry and intense wood. Also, Arte Nom which is the highest elevation production available, if you can find it. Its ridiculous smoothness will leave you wanting another sip tout de suite. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. It mixes well with just about everything, including watermelon, apple, cucumber, lemon, mint and ginger. "Tequila has come a very long way from its early harsh days and its blue collar palates," says .css-gegin5{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#9a0500;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-gegin5:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}Iaki Orozco, who founded Riazul Tequila. I have a bottle of Avion Reserva, Don Julio 1942, Milagro Leyenda Del, Clase Azul, and Codigo Origen, which are all $100-$300 bottles and are all excellent. It's made in small batches and aged for at least two. This is my go-to celebration tequila but who needs a celebration these days to drink some liquid gold. But there are some new entries in this unofficial category to check out, including this bottle from Tequila Komos. Worked on this in the lab today, Espolon Anejo Tequila getting infused with Shishito Peppers and Pineapple! Another way to ease into sipping tequilas is to get one infused with flavor. .css-13cdu9y{display:block;font-family:GTHaptikBold,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-13cdu9y:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-13cdu9y{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-13cdu9y{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-13cdu9y{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-13cdu9y{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:-0.5rem;}}Caraway's Viral Cookware Set Is $150 Off Right Now, How Rebel Wilson Got Banned From Disneyland, People Freak Out Over The Bidens Restaurant Order, Stanley Tucci Made Ina Garten's First Ever Martini. Directions. 3700 California Ave Suite 100, Bakersfield, CA 93309. Don Julio Ultima Reserva Extra Anejo Tequila 750ML In 2006, Don Julio, with his family, planted their final agave field. Their bottles are also among the tallest in the tequila category, with this expression outdoing even Don Julios towering 1942 vessel. The best tequila mixers are soda or Sprite. amongst our friends, all of us loved the flavor and smoothness of the reposado over the don julio.. patron and 1800, etc were a joke compared to Don julio.. and now, we . Although its widely known for its mixto tequila, Cuervo has some higher-quality tequilas in its lineup. Don Julio 1942 es la eleccin de conocedores de todo el mundo. . Today, the grandson of founder Don Felipe Camarena oversees production. Indeed, this is like no other tequila youve ever tasted before. Once the agave reaches a deep, rich flavor, it is fermented with proprietary yeast prior to distillation. Few if any tequileros are held in higher esteem than El Tesoro master distiller Carlos Camarena, who pioneered the use of Cognac cask aging for tequila.