The Top 10 Tequilas and Mezcals of 2023
Our fifth year producing a top 10 tequilas and mezcals list has a little twist on it: We didn’t pick any of the mezcals we tried this year for inclusion on the list. While we liked plenty of them, none made quite enough of an impact to earn a spot here. That said, we’ve got plenty of great picks and a few surprises in store for you on this year’s top 10 list, so let’s dive in.
For more great picks, see also our top tens from 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019.
1. Lalo Tequila Blanco – You won’t find a better “under the radar” tequila on the market right now than Lalo, made by Eduardo “Lalo” González, the grandson of Don Julio’s namesake, Don Julio González. There’s a slight yellow tinge to this erstwhile blanco, which is effusive with enveloping herbal notes while offering a body that is touched with a light creaminess. You can feel the terroir in this tequila, yet it never overwhelms. I called it a frontrunner for my #1 tequila of the year back in April, and it’s held that spot since. 80 proof. $45 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
2. Cierto Private Collection Tequila Blanco – Another killer blanco, though not as affordable as Lalo, this bright offering is bold with notes of fresh agave, lime, and red pepper, and it just gets better from there. Mint and grapefruit notes give the finish a brightness lacking in many silver tequilas and make for a lovely and lively way to sip away the afternoon. 80 proof. $89 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
3. Gran Centenario Cristalino Tequila – Cristalino tequila continues to surge in popularity, and it turns out some of them are pretty damn good. Take this bottling from Gran Centenario, which showcases an explosion of flavors that include the expected vanilla and chocolate but find room for notes of orange, pepper, and tons of apple. One to savor as the weather cools down. 80 proof. $85 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE] [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR] [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
4. Storywood Tequila Reposado Speyside Scotch Barrel Aged – Most tequila is aged in ex-bourbon barrels. Storywood goes exclusively for Scotch instead, which is a first (we think). This 7-months-aged reposado offers the usual agave pepperiness, tempered by a much lighter wood influence than you find with the typical reposado. Nice kick of chocolate on the finish. Nicer price. 80 proof. $51 [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE]
5. Patron El Alto Reposado Tequila – Patron dropped a number of special editions this year, but this reposado was our favorite. Aged in 11 different types of barrels, it’s a well-crafted and complex reposado that stands among the best you’ll find on the market, weaving its way between herbaceous notes and spicier, sweeter elements. It ain’t cheap, but it makes a huge statement. 80 proof. $179 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
6. Ravella Tequila Extra Anejo – It may be an odd collaboration from a company that makes fancy pool tables, but the juice on this intense extra anejo is legit. Immersive with chocolate and vanilla notes, it doesn’t shy away from the agave at its core, lending the normally quiet, sweet style some heat. Harmonious and balanced, though not cheap. 80 proof. $280
7. Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Platino Tequila – Cuervo recently extended its luxe Reserva de la Familia line – formerly reserved for annual extra anejo releases – to blanco and reposado expressions. We finally got around to trying them this year – and they’re both outstanding. We give a slight nod to the blanco on this list, which is a subtle and balanced blend of herbaceous agave, citrus, and gentle sweetness. Way less expensive than you’d think, too. 80 proof. $60 [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE] [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
8. Expresiones del Corazon Eagle Rare Anejo 2022 – The collaborations between Corazon and Buffalo Trace rarely misfire, and this bottling of anejo tequila, which spends 17 months in Eagle Rare bourbon barrels, is excellent proof of that. Intensely dessert-like with notes of vanilla and butterscotch, it only builds on that with elements of toffee and coconut coming on strong. I had to remind myself it wasn’t rum but tequila. 80 proof. $85
9. Santo Tequila 110 Blanco – Overproof tequila is often fun, and Sammy Hagar’s Santo brand is a solid example of it, offering a roaring hot expression of pure agave and alcohol. Some time in glass lets it show off some classic blanco flavors, including green pepper, jalapeno, and lime. Mix with it, or serve it on the rocks. 110 proof. $70
10. Desert Door Lady of Spain Texas Sotol – For a fun change of pace vs. tequila, consider sotol, a twist on tequila that is made from a type of wild shrub instead of agave. This special edition from Texas-based Desert Door is aged in sherry casks, helping to even out what can often be a rough-hewn spirit with notes of roasted nuts and citrus. It works, with a gentle sweetness on the finish reminiscent of aged tequila. 100 proof. $NA
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