There’s a lot more to tequila than meets the eye. While margaritas are unquestionably excellent, tequila can also be perfect to make various blended cocktails that can be consumed neat or on the rocks. Depending on how you intend to drink it, this list will help you determine which bottle to buy at the liquor store, and you’ll never be happier by the number of alternatives on the shelf again. So, we made a list of the Best Tequila You Need to Try.

Like whiskey, there are various types of tequila that vary in flavor, color, and intensity.

The most well-known is arguably silver tequila, which appears totally clear in the bottle. Because this tequila has only been aged for a few months, it hasn’t had time to develop the color and characteristics that come from a longer aging process.

Añejo tequila is famous for its rich, caramel color. It must be aged for at least one year (but most are aged for three years) to bear the “Añejo” label.

Reposado tequila is also aged, although the process can take anywhere from two to eleven months. It has a nice, even finish.

Don’t be deceived by gold tequila‘s “gold” label. These are frequently referred to as “Mixto,” because colors and tastes are added before bottling. These young tequilas are less expensive and are the perfect mix with drinks in bars and restaurants.

Whether you want to sip something smooth or simply improve your margarita, here are the Best Tequila You Need to Try.

Casamigos Blanco

You probably know the Casamigos by George Clooney and Rande Gerber. This is the bottle to have if you want to appear incredibly classy and polished without trying too hard. And the flavor is smooth, just like the individuals who made it.

Espolòn

Espolòn is a low-cost tequila that drinks much above its price tag, with agave and spice flavors. The distillery, located in the Jalisco Highlands, cooks the piñas in modern autoclaves rather than traditional ovens. The tequila is then distilled in both pot and column stills, and the aged expressions are aged in smaller virgin American oak barrels with a lighter No. 2 char, except for the añejo, which is rested for an additional two months in heavily charred barrels that previously held Wild Turkey bourbon.

Overall, Espolòn is a decent choice if you’re searching for a consistent tequila at a reasonable price.

Fortaleza Blanco Tequila

This tequila is from the lowlands of Jalisco, so it won’t have the same sweetness or fruity flavors as some of the other options on our list. Instead, you’ll get a somewhat dryer, more sharp flavor profile of black pepper, herbs, olives, and citrus. Needless to say, this is one of the more sophisticated tequilas on our list, which enthusiasts will undoubtedly like.

Código 1530 Rosa Tequila

Rosa Tequila by Código 1530 is smooth and delicate, making it ideal for after-work sipping or use in a hand-crafted cocktail. The tequila is rigorously matured in French White Oak red wine (Cabernet) barrels from Napa Valley, employing the tequila-making traditions of the Los Bajos region and its tequilieras. As a result, the Rosa has a faint pink tint and a sweet yet dry aftertaste.

Don Julio 1942

Don Julio 1942 is the most expensive of the lot, making it an excellent choice for special events. It’s aged in American white oak barrels for at least two and a half years and is the finest choice for the tequila connoisseurs in your life. Oh, and the Kardashians adore it.

Cenote Blanco Tequila

Cenote produces a very drinking tequila that is delicious without being overpowering. Cenote’s Blanco Tequila is light, smooth, and pleasant, unlike certain tequilas that make us pucker or burn the insides of our tongues and throats. It’s matured for three weeks in oak barrels, and subtle aromas of sharp citrus, greens, and pepper lead to a crisp and clean finish.

What’s the key to Cenote’s smoothness? According to the company, it gets natural clear water from an “artesian well” at their distillery, which is at the base of the Jalisco volcano. According to Cenote, the water is purified using reverse osmosis, and carbon filters containing silver ions help to eliminate the possibility of contaminants impacting the taste. This one is great on its own or with a splash of soda.

1800 Silver Tequila

1800 Silver is a mellow tequila that is aged for 15 days in American oak barrels with a touch of French oak. The year 1800 is a reference to the first time tequila was effectively matured in wood casks. It is not as sweet as other tequilas and has a strong lime flavor. If you like dry white wines like pinot grigio or high-quality vodka, this is the tequila for you.

Leyenda del Milagro Reposado

This triple-distilled tequila’s trademark tall, the slender bottle has made it a popular tequila choice. The hay-colored reposado is aged in American oak whiskey casks for six months. Leyenda also makes an amazing silver tequila that is well worth tasting, as well as a fantastic and reasonably priced Añejo.

The oak imparts a buttery richness, with notes of citrus, butterscotch, and vanilla. This tequila also has a natural saltiness to it, which enhances the sweeter flavors; it’s also incredibly smooth to drink. If you enjoy California chardonnays or whiskey, this is the tequila for you.

Vida Mezcal

There aren’t many readily available mezcals on the market, but Vida is available at liquor stores and online. Mezcals are a love-it-or-hate-it spirit, and how much you like the flavor of smoke will determine your preference.

While all mezcals are smokey, this one stands out. The smoke smells like eucalyptus. This booze has the oiliness that mezcals have, so it feels heavier on the tongue and concludes with a citrus flavor. There is no burn and it is easy to drink.

Jose Cuervo Especial

It’s the only mixto on the list, which means it’s not 100 percent agave. Its low price and overall smoothness make it an excellent worker tequila. Very sweet, with citrus and pepper flavors. It’s very light and gentle. If you don’t drink it often, this may give you a burn on the way down. Mixtos should be served cold to keep their sweetness in check.

So, there you have it! The list of best tequilas that you should definitely try. Each bottle has its own unique flavors and of course intensity, you can go wild or just keep it chill.

Don’t forget to share this list with your friends and have an awesome time trying these bottles!