Tequila is to Mexico as Champagne is to France. Tequila can only be lawfully produced in Mexico (Jalisco, Mexico specifically), and comes from the blue agave plant. The best tequila is 100% pure blue agave and is consumed straight. The lime and salt method originated in America, although it has become popular in Mexico in recent times. Tequila is either 100% blue agave or Mixto (mixed), and those two main categories can be broken down even further into Tequila Gold, Silver, Reposado, Añejo and Extra Añejo. Great tequila tends to run on the expensive side, with some bottles running up to 3.5 million dollars, so below we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 tequilas that won’t break the bank.

Corzo’s Reposado Tequila

Wonderfully and fruity, this tequila can be enjoyed neat or in a cocktail. The bright, golden hue hints at the tropical flavors within. Corzo’s Reposado Tequila is triple distilled, like all Corzo variants, and boasts an exceptionally modern yet deeply complex flavor. The nose is sweet cream, toasted coconut, pineapple, candied citrus peels and grilled fruit. The taste brings out more of the nose plus other fruit flavors such as baked banana, as well as cinnamon and green vegetal jalapeño spice. The finish is long and smooth and tastes sweetly of tropical custard pie. The Reposado designation means the tequila was aged for 2 to 11 months in wood barrels.

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Avión’s Silver Tequila

Silver Tequila is tequila that is unaged and clear, which is blue agave in its purest form. The true flavors and intensity of the agave shine bright, as well as the natural sweetness. Sometimes the tequila is bottled immediately after distillation, but it can be stored for up to 4 weeks in stainless steel tanks to settle. Avión’s Silver Tequila tastes sweet and crisp with hints of grapefruit and pineapple, with just a touch of black pepper to keep the sweetness at bay. Voted “World’s Best Tasting Tequila” and “Best Unaged White Spirit” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this tequila is not one to miss.

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Espolòn’s Reposado Tequila

Another Reposado, Espolòn’s Tequila is 100% blue agave and double-distilled. The new oak barrels that the tequila is aged in for up to eight months cultivates an exceptional balance of wood flavors, hints of vanilla and spices along with aromas of mature agave. Fruity flavors such as pineapple are still detectable, as well as black pepper. Crisp and fruity, the alcohol spike is always present. Espolòn’s Tequila is best enjoyed neat or in your favorite cocktail, and always with friends.

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Pueblo Viejo’s Añejo Tequila

The first Añejo Tequila on this list, the tequila from Pueblo Viejo must be aged for at least one year before it can be labeled “Añejo.” The distillers are also required to age Añejo Tequila in barrels that do not exceed 600 liters. The longer tequila is aged the darker it gets, so Añejo Tequila is an amber color, and the flavor is smoother, richer and more complex. This Añejo Tequila features notes of dark chocolate and dried fruit; Darker flavors for a darker tequila.

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Agavero Original Liqueur Tequila

100% blue agave tequila, Agavero’s Original Liqueur is a unique blend of Añejo and Reposado Tequilas and Damiana flowers, hand blended for unparalleled smoothness and taste. The Damiana flowers are indigenous to the hot mountains of Jalisco, and are rumored to stir up passion between individuals, as if tequila needed help doing that. The taste reflects the ingredients, being floral and fruity, with touches of chamomile and rich vanilla. Enjoy straight, on the rocks or in a cocktail for the ultimate margarita or perfect old-fashioned.

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