Tequila is probably one of the most praised spirits in the world. Whether it be for a party, or simply to relax at a table with some friends and a classic margarita, you can’t deny the important place tequila has in our adult lives (unless you don’t like alcohol, but then, what are you doing on this page?). If you want to know what are the best and priciest tequila brands in the world, we gathered 10 of them down below.
What is Tequila made of?
The main ingredient used to make tequila (and pretty much the only one) is the weber blue agave plant. And if you are wondering where the name tequila comes from, well, this plant has also another name: the agave tequilana.
This plant grows mostly in Mexico, so if you are looking for other places in the world that make tequila, it’s almost never the real deal. If you want real tequila, then it has to come from Mexico!
The blue agave tequila plant is easy to notice, as it has huge and long green leaves pointing in all directions. However, those are not really used for making tequila. What’s the most important is actually the round bulb in the middle, also called the piña.
After being baked, the tequila bulb is left in big barrels for fermentation for a couple of years. In general, it will take around 8 years for tequila to ferment to a point where it tastes good, but some tequila makers will push that fermentation phase up to 15 years and beyond!
What was the first tequila ever made?
The oldest tequila brand dates back all the way to the mid-1700s. It was Jose Antonio Cuervo who branded the first tequila ever, in 1758 to be exact. Our alcohol enthusiast from the past had obtained land from the King of Spain and was then allowed to start the production of his newly found discovery. Later on, Mexico became an independent republic and from there on out, tequila has been associated with the Mexican know-how of making one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world.
Top 10 tequila brands with the highest quality
So now, let’s take a closer look at the most expensive and amazing tequila brands you can find:
Tears of Llorona Extra Añejo Tequila
This bottle is generally aged for 5 years and costs around $70 for a liter bottle. The taste is smooth, extra smooth even, and will certainly give you a special moment with your guests. This extra Anejo tequila is made in Jalisco and was invented by German Gonzalez. His goal was to find a way to smoothen the taste of tequila by aging it in 3 different barrels: scotch, cognac, and sherry. The result is something you won’t believe for such a good price!
Clase Azul Reposado
This 100% blue weber agave tequila will give a run for your money, as one bottle costs $276. That being said, the Clase Azul Reposado bottle is handmade and hand-painted, so it’s a beautiful piece of art to keep in your collection that celebrates the Mexican craft of tequila. Beware of the taste, if you don’t like sweet tequila, you won’t like this one as it is flavored with a touch of caramel, vanilla, and cream soda. As a final note, they also have the Ultra version, but a bottle will cost you $1700 this time around.
El Tesoro Extra Añejo
This tequila is distilled at La Altena and brings a flavorful and colorful mix of almonds and pepper. Furthermore, you also have a small hint of coffee and apricot, which gives this bold and earthy flavor that El Tesoro is known for. One bottle of this bad boy will cost you about $109.
Patrón Estate Release Limited Edition Silver Tequila
The great Patrón Estate Release is another example of the know-how and expertise of Mexican when it comes to making a smooth and sweet tequila experience. These bottles are made in Atotonilco el Alto, Mexico. The price is of that particular bottle is around $130, but it is worth every penny if you want something simple on the surface, but yet, complex on the inside.
Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Reposado
The taste of that butterscotch tequila is almost all fruit and a little bit of sweet. The texture, on the other hand, is buttery and smooth. Made in the region of Jalisco, this bottle is not too expensive, and will cost you $49.99.
1800 Cristalino Anejo Tequila
If you want a bottle of 750ml that looks like nothing on your shelves, the 1800 Cristalino is certainly a tequila worth buying. Moreover, this brand won so many awards in several competitions (such as the 2021 New York Internation Spirits Awards Competition) that you just can’t miss that one. The price for a 750ml bottle is $69.99.
Cincoro Tequila Añejo
Another award-winning tequila, the Cincoro is well known for its clear color and its deep amber texture. That said, the price range for that one is a bit steep, as one bottle costs $240. It does help that one of the cofounders of this brand is none other than Michael Jordan, the pro and legendary basketball player. If you want the extra Anejo version of Cincoro, however, the price goes well over the $1000 mark.
Lobos 1707 Tequila Extra Añejo
With over 400 years of history, this tequila goes back as far as the era of the first tequila brand ever created! For $150 a pop, any tequila lover with a bit of knowledge in the tequila universe knows about Lobos 1707.
Cazadores Añejo Cristalino
American white oak barrels, 2x distilled, 100% pure, this tequila is a perfect choice if you don’t want to spend big but want a small taste of luxury. The bottle is easy to spot, as you will see a stag deer over the name Cazadores, which means hunter. The creator, José Maria Bañuelos was inspired by the wild deer that were running in his agave fields.
Herradura Seleccion Suprema Tequila
And to end this top 10 with a bang, how about a luxurious and pricy tequila brand that you should absolutely try (if you can shell out $409.99 for a spirit bottle that is). This expensive and incredible tequila is made with the best agave plants on the Herradura plantation. A taste of caramel with a touch of spiciness awaits you.
