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Tequila has unique characters from the blue agave plant, and each spirit develops characters and notes as per its distillery. So, for you to experience these, it’s important to follow the maker's advice or the catadores. Catadores are tequila tasters who sample and grade each tequila and give recommendations. But you can enjoy your tequila in the best way that suits your palate. You can even chill it, depending on your location or preference.

There are three main types of tequila in the market; each depends on the age at which the spirit undergoes bottling. For Silver or Blanco, it’s immediately after distillation. Reposado rests for not less than two months and not more than one year in oak barrels. This allows it to draw the gold color from the barrels.

Añejo is at least one year and at most three years aging. It has a more golden color than the Reposado and is complex. Additionally, there’s Extra Añejo that goes through aging for more than three years in oak barrels. As a result, it has an even more golden brown color than Añejo.

Based on these types, tequila brands may give you a challenge on which to choose. This article seeks to reduce that dilemma by outlining the best at any time and during any occasion. You can take them as neat, with a mixer, or in your preferred tequila cocktail. Remember, take time to savor each sip to enjoy them better.

The Best Tequila Brands

1. Patron

Handcrafting is the main tradition to ensure Patron’s consistency in quality and standards. Because of this, Patron tequila is complex, smooth, and easy to drink. It’s available in four ranges—Silver, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo. As such, you’re able to select depending on your palate.

The quality of each Patron bottle is characteristic of the distiller’s standards. As such, you can drink this tequila either neat, as a cocktail, or paired with food. There’s an increasing culture of pairing this tequila with cheese, and you can try it as well. Sampling this with your friends may give you a different perspective on tequila.

2. Herradura

Herradura, meaning ‘horseshoe,’ uses the blue weber agave plant and produces a complex herbaceous flavor. The production process maintains complexity, adding oak, roasted agave, caramel, and vanilla hints.

Herradura’s aging goes beyond the industry standards, and it comes in an array of ranges. For example, Herradura Ultra is crisp with vanilla and woody notes hints. The Herradura Suprema Neat is smooth with a sweet after-taste. Depending on the occasion, you can enjoy the Ultra in the early evenings or the Suprema late at night. Also, you can sip a horseshoe margarita on a sunny afternoon.

3. Monte Alban

Monte Alban has a salty, smoky character with a fruity finish. You’ll also get an oaky taste, which comes out well, especially for cocktails. You can enjoy this tequila straight or on rocks too. Even though it's smoky, it's not strong enough to produce a choking sensation, allowing easy drinking either neat or enjoying its complex characters in cocktails.

4. Espolon

This tequila got its name from a legendary iconic rooster of Mexico. Espolon tequila creates a rich, complex spirit that’s earthy, spicy, sweet, and creamy. For the aged ones, American oak barrels give this tequila well-rounded vanilla character. Espolon tequila comes in the four ranges of Silver, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo.

Each of these gives you a selection on when and how you want to enjoy your tequila—be it silver in cocktails, Reposado to do shots, or Añejo to sip as you watch the sunset.

5. El Jimador

The El Jimador distillery claims that your taste buds will come to life with every sip of this tequila because of its unique characters. Each El Jimador from Silver to Añejo has notes distinguishing it; for example, Silver has a fresh aroma, rich citrus fruit, and balance with herbaceous notes. On the other hand, its Reposado has a rich combination of spice, fruit, and toasted wood with a warm vanilla finish.

Given these complex characters, you can enjoy El Jimador in many ways. Your party can kick off with silver cocktails and proceed to pair the Reposado with meals. Later, you can retire by the fireplace with Añejo.

Conclusion

Master blenders encourage drinkers to enjoy tequila in other ways, such as neat, on the rocks, with a mixer or chaser, or as a cocktail. These best tequila brands will give you various ways to serve this spirit any time of day or event. Of course, you can go further and try all the types, giving you a broader option to enjoy your drink.

Which tequila brand is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

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Comments

• Batanga Tequila. A very under-the-radar brand from the Orendain Family Estate in Jalisco.

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