18 Most Expensive Tequilas Worth Collecting Or Savoring
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Making tequila is labor intensive, but some companies find ways to offer affordable bottles by employing efficient methods and resources.
However, some producers take it up a notch and incorporate something special into their tequilas and/or the bottle itself, which are then reflected on their price tags.
If you want to take your love for tequila to the next level, why don’t you invest in the most expensive tequila bottles? While you can’t take these as tequila shots, you can still enjoy them by savoring them in small sips or adding them to your collection.
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Ley Tequila 925 Diamante Extra Añejo
Ley Tequila 925 Diamante - Image by Tequila Ley .925
The Ley Tequila 925 Diamante has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, making it officially the most expensive bottle of tequila in the world. After being barrel aged for seven years, this tequila was released to the public for the first time in 2010.
A huge chunk of the price goes to the bottle. Jose Davalos Mejia created this 50-centimeter-tall bottle with 4,100 diamonds with 328.59 carats and 4.4 pounds of .925 pure platinum. The fancy bottle's intricate design is the result of 10 months of painstaking work by 17 talented artisans.
Aside from the bottle, critics have also praised the 100% blue agave tequila’s flavors, describing it as opulent, full-bodied, and mildly peppery. It then finishes in a harmony of vibrancy with sharp agave and herbs.
Country of Origin: Jalisco, Mexico | Est. Price: $3,500,000 | ABV: 42% | Tasting Notes: Wood, spice, nuts, vanilla, pepper
Related: Interesting Tequila Facts
2. Runner-Up: Tequila Ley .925 Ultra Premium
Tequila Ley .925 Ultra Premium - Image by The Drinks Business
We are impressed with Ley 925’s dedication to making the most expensive tequila in the world because their Ultra Premium used to have the title and was even recorded in the Guinness World Record in 2006 until the Diamante was released.
Much like the Diamante, this tequila is another visual stunner, and the bottle is also responsible for its steep price tag. It was bottled in a decanter made of pure white gold and platinum.
Furthermore, this tequila was produced using the purest sap of the blue agave plant, and only 33 bottles are said to have been made, increasing its rarity. It was distilled at the Hacienda La Capilla distillery in Jalisco and then matured for six years in oak barrels.
Country of Origin: Jalisco, Mexico | Est. Price: $225,000
3. Most Stylish Bottles: Clase Azul 15th Anniversary Edition
3 bottles of Clase Azul 15th Anniversary Edition - Image by Ocean Blue World
This is one of the few tequilas that are expensive because of their limited production, with only 15 bottles released in the whole world. Also, the brand went to great lengths with its designs, and they hired 15 artists from Mexico to make unique individual designs.
This means that every bottle looks amazing and unique and is worth buying if you’re collecting! What we love the most about this tequila is its profit, which was about $450,000 for all the bottles, which went to a charity organization called Fundación con Causa Azul A.C.
In addition to being bottled beautifully, this tequila is also one-of-a-kind as it is a combination of two different ultra-aged tequilas. One tequila was aged in a Spanish sherry barrel, while the other was aged in a Portuguese Port barrel and then in an American white oak barrel.
Country of Origin: Mexico | Est. Price: $30,000
Related: What Is An Aged Spirit?
4. Best Production: Dos Armadillos ‘Sterling Silver ‘ Tequila Extra Añejo
Dos Armadillos paid close attention to every facet of this tequila's production, from the agave to the bottle. First, they specifically sourced agave from the high mountains of Mazamitla in Jalisco. Only agaves that are over eight years old are harvested and used for this tequila.
Then, the liquor was bottled in a handmade, intricate, polished clay-covered crystal bottle, to which 950 sterling silver armor was attached via a metal casting method known as the "lost wax." For finishing touches, a silver sculpture by Carlos Bustos is sported at the bottle's center.
This tequila was aged for 54 months to add depth and complexity. Its aging time in American oak barrels lends a dry, fruity aroma that is harmonious with the other characteristics.
Country of Origin: Jalisco, Mexico | Est. Price: $10,000 | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Full-bodied, fruit-forward, and herbal
Related: How Long Does Tequila Last?
5. Best Sherry Flavors: Patron En Lalique, Series 2
With the debut of the Patron En Lalique, Series 2 in the fall of 2017, the renowned French glassmaker Lalique and the tequila brand Patrón have teamed together for a second time to make one of the most expensive tequilas in the world. We couldn’t be happier with this fusion!
The Lalique bottle takes its design cues from the Art Deco era with clean lines reminiscent of the blue agave plant, an amber crystal stopper, and a gold enamel version of Patrón's bee logo. Only 299 bottles were numbered and handcrafted at the Lalique facility in Alsace, France.
This high-quality tequila has a fruity and distinctive flavor from well-seasoned sherry barrels. This imparts notes of orange and raisins to the vanilla and agave flavor of the liquor. The lengthy, subtle finish brings back the dry sherry aromas and wood notes from the initial taste.
Country of Origin: Jalisco, Mexico | Est. Price: $7,500 - $8,500 | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Deep agave, citrus fruit, and vanilla
Related: What is Fortified Wine?
6. Best Collaboration: Patrón x Guillermo Del Toro Añejo Tequila
Patrón x Guillermo Del Toro Añejo Tequila - Image by Patrón Tequila
At this point, we’re pretty sure Patrón has a thing for partnerships, and this exclusive blend with award-winning filmmaker and author Guillermo del Toro is nothing short of brilliant. The design of this limited edition box set is undoubtedly awe-striking, courtesy of del Toro and Guy Davis.
Opening the box, you’ll be greeted with two different bottles - a 750-ml extra añejo tequila and an additional 100-ml aged Patrón orange liqueur. The former was matured for about five years in a combination of fresh and previously used French and American barrels.
Country of Origin: Jalisco, Mexico | Est. Price: $450 - $3,000 | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Honeyed medium French oak, sweet and fruity
Related: Rare Collectible Liquor Bottles
7. Best Rich Flavor: Codigo 1530 13-Year-Aged Añejo Tequila
Código 1530 Tequila is known for its high-quality products, and they proudly announced that this limited-edition13-Year-Old Añejo is their first-ever tequila matured in Cognac barrels. This is their rarest bottle, and only 350 of them were ever made.
Amatitán's experienced artisans use locally selected wood to create a one-of-a-kind box specially for this tequila. We adore its sliding transparent front door and solid wood side panels, and the inside is laser etched with details on the origins of this exceptional Añejo.
Country of Origin: Jalisco, Mexico | Est. Price: $3,000 - $4,500 | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Cocoa, vanilla, and cinnamon
Related: What is Cognac?
8. Most Chic: Clase Azul Tequila Ultra Extra Añejo
The world was blessed with only 100 bottles of the crowning achievement of Clase Azul - the Ultra Extra Añejo. It comes bottled in a striking black decanter crafted from high-quality ceramic. Plus, it’s adorned with a 24k gold label and is intricately painted by hand using liquid platinum.
Furthermore, this tequila spent five years of aging in Oloroso sherry barrels, resulting in a rich amber hue. There are strong hints of wood and black spice in the aroma, and on the tongue, you'll find a harmony of caramel sweetness and spicy warmth, followed by a lengthy aftertaste.
Country of Origin: Mexico | Est. Price: $1,900 | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Plum, caramel, and vanilla
9. Best Texture: AsomBroso Del Porto Extra Añejo
This exceptional extra añejo is produced with only the purest blue agave, yielding high-quality results. After fermentation, the tequila is thoroughly distilled in a century old still and then aged in French oak barrels first and then in port barrels from Portugal for 11 years each.
The tequila comes in a sophisticated container inspired by a bottle that Ricardo Gamarra, the CEO, and founder of AsomBroso, found in a European castle in the 18th century. He spent almost two years working with Italian artist Luciano Gambaro to replicate it.
In terms of taste, this tequila has a velvety mouthfeel, and its scent hints at a semi-sweet, oaky characteristic.
Country of Origin: Mexico | Est. Price: $2,700 | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Floral, toffee, and sweet oak
Related: The Best Aged Bourbons
10. Best Collectible: Barrique de Ponciano Porfidio
Barrique de Ponciano Porfidio - Image by PrestigeHaus
From 1998-2001, there were only a total of 3,000 bottles of Barrique de Ponciano Porfidio that were released to the public. There's no doubt that the tequila, which initially retailed for $2,000, will fetch a much higher price now, more than 20 years after it went out of production.
Being made from 100% blue agave, this tequila was not diluted with minerals and is free from water contamination, resulting in a pure, clean taste. It then spent ten years aging in French Limousin oak barrels, which adds a deep flavor.
Another reason why this is a luxury tequila is the letters that are visible on the 17-inch bottle, which were painted using genuine 21-karat gold! It is unclear if there are still more bottles of this tequila out there, but if you do find one, it’ll surely be worth it.
Country of Origin: Mexico | Est. Price: $2,000+ | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Agave, vanilla, and cooked fruit
Related: The Best Unicorn Wines
11. Best Commemoration: Jose Cuervo 250 Aniversario
This tequila was released as a limited edition bottle, in honor of the 250th anniversary of Don Jose Antonio de Cuervo receiving his first plot of land for agave production from King Carlos of Spain in 1758.
To create this 100% blue agave extra añejo, only the finest tequilas from the family's reserve were mixed together and aged in a special double-cask process. Then, after at least three years in used bourbon barrels, it spends another 10 in sherry casks.
A sequential number is intricately carved into the glass of each bottle to emphasize the product's exclusivity and validity. Finally, they are packaged in a beautiful oak box.
Country of Origin: Mexico | Est. Price: $2,500 - $4,000 | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Cherry, caramel, almonds, oak, and chocolate
12. Most Intricate Bottles: 1800 Tequila Colección Reserva Extra Añejo Tequila
1800 Tequila Colección Reserva Extra Añejo Tequila - Image by 1800 Tequila
The Colección Extra Añejo by 1800 is a product that is only available if the production year is at its peak, using only the most perfectly mature agave. After primary production, the liquor is set to age in French oak barrels.
Then, it is combined with the best tequila reserves that have been aged for decades. And in terms of looks, we find it very creative that each bottle in the 1800 Colección is presented in a uniquely designed decanter, like a limited-edition work of art!
For the flavors, this tequila is well-balanced, and its golden color and silky aftertaste are further selling points.
Country of Origin: Jalisco, Mexico | Est. Price: $2,000 - $3,000 | ABV: 38% or 40% | Tasting Notes: Spices, citrus, butterscotch, and almond
Related: How Many Carbs In Tequila?
13. Most Robust: DeLeón Leona Añejo Tequila
DeLeón, one of the priciest tequila brands on the market, boasts the pride of their portfolio - DeLeón Leona Añejo! When it was made, the master distiller hand-picked and used only barrels from his own reserve for their complex flavors to emphasize this tequila’s intricacies.
This liquor spent between two to four months aging in fresh American oak before being transferred to high-quality French Sauternes barrels for an additional resting period of over a year. This gives it captivating aromas and flavors, similar to a high-end Scotch.
Aside from the bottle with the intricate stopper, this tequila also comes with a python-wrapped flask, and both are encased in a classy black box.
Country of Origin: Mexico | Est. Price: $900 - $1,000 | ABV: 40%| Tasting Notes: Cinnamon, jammed fruits, spices, creme brulee
Related: The Best Scotch Samplers and Tasting Kits
14. Best Aged: Fuenteseca 21 Years Old Vintage 1993 Extra Añejo Tequila
We have master distiller Enrique Fonseca to thank for this one-of-a-kind release. He was committed to making the longest-aged tequila possible, and he achieved it with flying colors.
The agave used for this liquor was planted in 1984 and was allowed to grow for nine years.
Then, they were harvested in 1993 and underwent the whole tequila-making process. The most impressive part about its creation is its extensive barrel-aging, wherein the spirit was contained in ex-Canadian rye whiskey barrels and ex-Californian white wine barrels.
For 10 years, the barrels were aged in Atotonilco el Alto, a low-altitude area, and were then moved to Chapingo, a far colder and higher location, to age again for 11 years. After over two decades, the tequila was bottled in 2014. This bottle is one of the best examples of how aging can transform spirits.
Country of Origin: Mexico | Est. Price: $1,000 | ABV: 43.5% | Tasting Notes: Oak, agave, coconut, butterscotch, vanilla
Related: Barrel Aging: Effective Ways To Avoid Oxidation In Homebrewing
15. Best Traditional: Herradura 150 Aniversario Extra Añejo Tequila
To celebrate Herradura's 150th Anniversary, this limited-edition tequila was released. The premium liquor was crafted using traditional production methods and aged for 100 months in American White Oak barrels.
This tequila has a golden amber color, similar to a reposado tequila, with some reddish undertones. It features strong traces of caramel, clove, toasted oak, vanilla, and cinnamon on the nose. And when it nears its finish, it becomes velvety, luscious, and sweet!
Country of Origin: Mexico | Est. Price: $500 | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Dried fruit, vanilla, caramel, pepper
16. Best for Sipping: Don Julio Real
Don Julio is one of the oldest tequila brands, and the Real is one of the first commercially accessible extra añejo tequilas in the market, making it a frontrunner in its category. If you like to drink tequila straight, give this bottle a try.
It is made using Don Julio’s slow roasting technique and then matured for three to five years in American white-oak barrels. It is also considered among the finest tequila produced by Don Julio and the best example of the highland agave variety.
Furthermore, it has a warm vanilla taste paired with hints of oak, caramel, chocolate, spices, herbs, and almond. It can also be distinguished from other Don Julio bottles because it’s contained in a decanter adorned with silver agave plants and a piña stopper.
Country of Origin: Jalisco, Mexico | Est. Price: $400 | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Chocolate, citrus, honey, caramel, pepper
Related: The Best Tequila Glasses For Sipping
17. Best Blend: Tres-Quatro-Cinco Extra Añejo Tequila
Tres-Quatro-Cinco Extra Añejo Tequila is another creation of renowned fifth-generation master distiller Enrique Fonseca. This bottle is named so because it is a mixture of three blends, which were aged for three, four, and five years, and have an ABV of 30%, 40%, and 30%, respectively.
This tequila was double distilled in stainless steel and copper pot stills and aged in Californian red wine and sherry casks. With the blending and the aging process, this liquor boasts a smooth mouthfeel and exquisite flavor - another hit from Fonseca!
The crystal decanter that holds the tequila was also created by another creative mind that is Alonso Gonzalez Jr., an artist based in Mexico City. He personally signed and numbered each of the only 1,000 bottles made, which makes this tequila a hot commodity among collectors.
Country of Origin: Mexico | Est. Price: $400 - $600 | ABV: 43.5% | Tasting Notes: Chocolate, caramel, spice, coffee, floral, and oaky
Related: The Best Dry Red Wines
18. Best Digestif: Rey Sol Añejo Tequila
“Rey Sol” translates to “King Sun,” which explains this tequila’s distinctive sun-shaped bottle. This añejo tequila originates from the pioneering distillery that created the world's first extra añejo, which is also the first to be owned and operated by a female.
This tequila is an absolute need for collectors because not only is it housed in a stunning bottle designed by the great Sergio Bustamante, but it also spent at least five years aging in both French and American white oak barrels.
On the tongue, we appreciate that there is a lightness with a modest degree of sweetness and tastes of vanilla and caramel. The finish is remarkably devoid of any sharp or cloying notes.
Country of Origin: Jalisco, Mexico | Est. Price: $250 | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Chocolate, almond, oak, and vanilla
Related: What Are Digestif Drinks?
Final Verdict
The tequilas above are priced higher than most bottles because of their reputation and special methods of producing them. Whether you choose to invest in them is up to you, but we can tell you that it’s nice to indulge in them and that they make a good addition to collections.
Which expensive tequila surprised you the most? Leave your comments below!
Most Expensive Tequila - What To Look For
Planning to buy an expensive tequila takes a lot of consideration, so here are a few factors to help you pick the best one.
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Quality
If you want to savor a bottle of pricey tequila, you don’t want it to taste average. You can get insight into the quality by checking its ingredients and how it was made. This information may be displayed on the bottle’s label, but you can always read more details online.
Most expensive tequilas are made from high-quality 100% blue agave plants. Different brands then employ their own techniques to ensure that the plants grow in optimal conditions until they’re harvested.
Another factor that will make each tequila unique is the type of stills used for distilling and the type of barrels for aging. Some use fresh barrels, while others use those that have been used to age other alcohols like whiskey and wine, which adds more depth to the spirit.
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Type
Part of what makes the tequilas above expensive are their aging process and length. You can get a clue on how long the spirit is aged by learning what type of tequila it is. The featured tequilas on this list are mostly extra añejo, while some are añejo.
Añejo tequilas are matured for one to three years and have pronounced vanilla, oak, and caramel flavors. They are a good choice if you're seeking lighter alternatives to whiskey or brandy.
And if you like something that has a heavier touch of the barrel, then you should try an Extra Añejo, which is tequila aged for more than three years. You can also expect more complex flavors in this type, including assorted spices, fruits, and herbs.
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Flavor Profile
Tequila is known for its rich diversity of flavors and aromas, so pick something that suits your taste. Depending on the climate and processing techniques used, this exquisite spirit can range from crisp and fruity to rich and smoky.
The majority of tequilas have a mildly sweet and fruity taste that is quite enjoyable. But as a result of maturing in oak, certain types might acquire a complex, nutty flavor.
If we're talking about location, tequilas from the highlands of Jalisco have a reputation for having a fruity and floral profile with undertones of minerals.
The flavors that originate from the state's lowlands, on the other hand, have a propensity to be more peppery, herbaceous, and earthy, which initially presents a greater challenge to the taste buds.
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Bottle/ Look
If you're going to spend loads of cash on a drink, you might as well take its appearance into consideration as well. This is especially true for collectors who treat expensive liquors as displays of art rather than a drink to indulge in.
Most of the time, expensive tequilas are already contained in fantastic bottles, so it’s only a matter of preference. There are bottles that are simple and elegant, and others are very intricate.
If you are a fan of famous Mexican artists, you can choose the bottles that they designed. Even if you do consume the tequila, the empty bottle will serve as a reminder of a great liquor and still be a valuable piece.
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Price
There is a wide price range for high-end tequilas, from the low hundreds to the multi-million dollars. There are several factors that affect a tequila’s price, such as age, bottle, prestige, and rarity.
Since you’re investing in these bottles, it’s important to carefully plan about what you want, from the look to the taste, and have the proper budget for it.
But it’s also important to note that some of the bottles above are scarce and may not be available anymore. If this is the case, don’t worry because there are still more tequilas to choose from.
Most Expensive Tequila FAQ
1. What is the most expensive tequila?
The Ley Tequila 925 Diamante still stands to be the most expensive tequila in the world up to this date, with a whopping $3,500,000 price tag. It is understood that only one bottle was made and was sold in 2010, but you can get the same tequila in a less extravagant bottle at a much lower price.
2. What is a top-shelf tequila?
A top-shelf tequila is typically the best and most costly of the bunch. There's a reason why bars put tequila bottles on display behind the bar: to demonstrate to customers that the tequilas they serve are top-shelf or premium brands that command a high price.
There are no hard and fast rules for identifying top-shelf tequilas. But they are commonly thought to be crafted from premium agave and distilled in a traditional fashion. They almost have a uniform velvety texture and nuanced flavor from being matured in oak barrels.
3. Are expensive tequilas better?
The price speaks volumes about the tequila’s quality as it can indicate that only the finest ingredients and meticulous processes were used to make it However, that’s not to say cheap tequilas are bad and not worth drinking. We believe you could find hidden gems on the market!
Cheap tequilas tend to have simpler flavors than their more costly counterparts, but they serve as excellent base liquors for tequila cocktails and as enjoyable tequila shots for parties.
Expensive tequilas are typically matured for longer, contributing to their more complex flavors. Spending a little more on a high-quality bottle of tequila is well worth it if you're searching for a fantastic sip.
But in the end, the choice of tequila depends on a person’s taste, making both cheap and expensive bottles great options.
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We believe that our readers should have access to unbiased, well-informed reviews when deciding which products to buy, and we work hard to provide that type of content. Our editorial team is experienced and passionate about mixology and bar equipment. In addition, we often consult with industry professionals when gathering information, which gives us an insider's perspective on the products we're reviewing.
Read Next: What To Mix With Tequila
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