Tequila's flamboyant, fun-loving, party image is a great start. But when the party's over tequila gets (often unfairly) blamed for the worst hangovers. Nowadays, though, the message is finally getting through: tequila deserves to be sipped and savoured, with a host of brands now enthralling connoisseurs as readily as enticing newcomers. Read More »
Destined to be known forever as 'the one with the worm in it', mezcal is made from a different variety of agave plant and the production methods give it a smokiness on the palate.
A 100% agave reposado tequila from Tierra de Agaves, Lunazul is part-owned by Heaven Hill Dsitilleries. The brand has a marketing riff based on the 'spirit of the wolf', but we won't hold that against them.
A white sotol, made in Mexico from Desert Spoon in a similar manner to tequila, produced by Hacienda de Chihuahua in the north of the country. It's a clean tasting and crisp example of this rarely exported spirit.
A brilliant traditional-style reposado from Herradura, rested briefly in oak for extra complexity, but still displaying a true 100% agave purity of style.
A classic reposado aged around six months in white oak barrels. This is exactly how reposado should be, with a smooth body and balanced, pure agave flavours.
A step up from the standard issue Olmeca, the name 'Altos' refers to the highlands of the tequila-producing region in Mexico, where the best 100% agave tequilas are made.
Gran Centenario Rosangel is a 100% Agave Reposado Tequila aged for an additional 2 months in Port barrels, which gives the tequila its delightful peachy colour. The Tequila undergoes a process of natural infusion with hibiscus flowers.
A gorgeous 100% agave tequila from La Altena distillery, home of Master Distiller Carlos Camarena. A truly authentic handmade anejo, Tapatio is distilled to strength and bottled without dilution to retain the true flavours of the spirit. This anejo is aged for around 18 months in ex-bourbon casks.
A family-owned business since the 19th century, Herradura's white tequila is made from 100% blue agave and is matured for a short time before bottling for extra smoothness.
A 5 month old Reposado Sotol from Hacienda de Chihuahua, aged in french oak barrels and made from the Desert Spoon plant in a similar manner to tequila.
A superb ultra-premium 100% blue agave tequila from Jose Cuervo. The tequila is aged in small oak barrels for over a year before release and comes in a splendidly Inca-esque bottle.
A top-quality 100% agave tequila, Arette has become a firm favourite of UK bartenders and connoisseurs since its introduction in 2007. This anejo has delicious sweet vanilla alongside peppery notes and a silky mouthfeel. Excellent stuff.
Aged for 11 months (just one month short of being classed as an anejo), Herradura claim to be the first company to age their tequilas in wood, making this the first ever reposado. Superbly integrated flavours.
A step up from the standard issue Olmeca, the name 'Altos' refers to the highlands of the tequila-producing region in Mexico, where the best 100% agave tequilas are made. IWSC 2012 - Gold Medal - Tequila