The Finest Nonetheless-Energy Tequilas, Based on Specialists

Tequila Ocho Plata Puntas

Helmed by third-generation grasp tequilero Carlos Camarena, Tequila Ocho is thought for its distinctive strategy of showcasing the terroir of agave in each bottling. The model’s most original providing, and arguably its most scrumptious, is the annual Puntas launch. 

“Tequila Ocho Puntas varies in ABV between its yearly releases however at all times appears to be floating across the 50% mark,” says Reis. 

The 2024 launch was distilled from mature agaves harvested from Rancho Mirandillas, a discipline simply over an hour away from Tequila Ocho’s Arandas-based distillery. The tequila is a mix of high-proof cuts, often known as the puntas, which can be barely proofed right down to 54% ABV. 

The result’s a scrumptious and agave-forward tequila with a singular character. “The upper ABV actually pushes the intense citrus and deep dessert notes of the tequila to the forefront, making this a sought-after yearly launch,” says Reis.

El Tequileño Nonetheless Energy

El Tequileño has produced conventional tequila since 1959, when Don Jorge Salles Cuervo established the distillery in Tequila, Jalisco. The Salles household continues the custom with their new still-strength expression.

Bottled at 50% ABV, El Tequileño Nonetheless Energy gives an uninhibited look into the bottom distillate used for all tequilas produced on the distillery. This expression reveals aromas and flavors of cooked agave, citrus peel, and pepper. These flavors are current in different tequila expressions produced by El Tequileño, however they’re dialed up right here.

“I really like this nonetheless energy from Tony Salles at El Tequileño,” says du Bois. “I’ve been fortunate sufficient to remain many nights on the distillery, and since they cook dinner agaves 24 hours a day, I maintain my patio door open so I can benefit from the very particular expertise of falling asleep and waking as much as the odor of cooked agaves. Each sip of his nonetheless energy floats me proper on again to his unimaginable distillery.” 

Tapatio 110

Based in 1937 by Don Felipe Camarena (grandfather to Ocho’s Carlos Camarena), Tapatio has a popularity as an old-school tequila for critical agave aficionados. It’s made on the famed La Alteña distillery, simply exterior of Arandas, Jalisco. 

Amongst still-strength tequila, Tapatio stands out for its worth, accessibility, and traditional taste profile. 

“Tapatio 110 has been, and at all times might be, a staple for my again bar, in addition to a staple in lots of bartenders’ wheelhouses,” says Reis. “Not solely is it filled with taste and traditional, however the value level makes it an unimaginable contender on this planet of cocktail tequilas.”

Fortaleza Nonetheless Energy

Few distilleries in Mexico have such a loyal following as Fortaleza. The model is thought for tequilas produced in small batches with conventional instruments like brick ovens, stone wheels, and picket fermentation tanks. The result’s about as quintessential as a tequila could be.

Fortaleza’s uncut, still-strength expression is the most effective instance of the model’s dedication to time-honored method. 

“Fortaleza still-strength blanco is available in at 46%, however actually drinks very approachable for a tequila with a better ABV,” says Reis. “It actually permits the cooked agave taste to shine, and drinks extremely vivid subsequent to its proofed-down 40% counterpart.” 

Fortaleza’s tequila sells out virtually as quick because it’s produced. If you could find a still-strength bottle on retailer cabinets, don’t hesitate to select it up and uncover what the hype is about.

Santo 110 Proof Blanco

How did a tequila model owned by Man Fieri and Sammy Hagar make this checklist? Most celebrity-endorsed tequilas have a popularity of questionable high quality and provenance. Santo is a notable exception.

Hagar is a vocal proponent of additive-free, historically produced tequila. He’s partnered with Tequila Matchmaker to extend consciousness about how additive-free bottlings provide a extra genuine expertise.

Santo’s still-strength tequila is produced by third-generation distiller Juan Eduardo Nuñez and tequilera Karina Rojo at El Viejito Distillery in Atotonilco el Alto, Jalisco. It affords aromas of roasted agave and citrus paired with vivid, vegetal flavors harking back to inexperienced pepper and lemongrass. 

Cazcanes Blanco No. 10

A relative newcomer to the agave scene, Cazcanes has constructed a popularity for fascinating and high-end tequilas. For this still-strength blanco, Cazcanes fastidiously selects the ripe agave and permits it to ferment with wild yeast, which gives a singular richness.

“Cazcanes Blanco No. 10 is a high-proof blanco that has turn into a staple for a lot of tequila drinkers, coming in at 54% and boasting a vivid peppery taste profile that makes this an unimaginable sipper,” says Reis.

Don Fulano Fuerte

Don Fulano Fuerte was one of many first high-proof tequilas launched to america, in 2002. It stays a preferred alternative.

Its founders, the Fonesca household, have been agave farmers for generations earlier than they started to distill tequila within the Seventies. Absolutely matured, high quality agave is on the middle of all the things they do.

The completed 50% ABV tequila is an agave-forward pour that almost any tequila lover would admire. 

“It shows great notes of cooked agave, a pleasant chunk of pepper and citrus, and a nice weight on the palate that lingers and retains evolving,” says Muñoz.

Cascahuín Plata 48

There are few figures in tequila as revered as Cascahuín’s Salvador “Chava” Rosales. His household has been distilling since 1904, and below his supervision, Cascahuín continues to provide high-quality tequila the old style manner. 

Cascahuín’s array of tequilas are price attempting, however connoisseurs prize this 48% ABV expression for its steadiness and complexity. 

“On the nostril, the Plata 48 reveals minerality, citrus, earthiness, and roasted agave. My favourite facet of this expression is how dry it’s,” says Muñoz. “The minerality and herbaceous [notes] pull the moisture out of your mouth, making you need to drink extra. The end lingers lengthy after your [first] sip. I maintain tasting residual slate and uncooked agave.”

Lalo Excessive Proof

When founders Eduardo “Lalo” González and David “R” Carballido began Lalo Tequila, they dedicated to provide the purest potential tequila. That meant additive-free bottlings that use solely agave, water, and yeast. It additionally meant to forgo any barrel getting older, to maintain a sole give attention to blanco tequila.

In 2024, the model launched a restricted high-proof expression at 54% ABV. Very similar to its 40% ABV counterpart, it expresses a crisp aroma of roasted agave, lime zest, and a touch of cilantro. The palate could be very wealthy, with a daring roasted taste that presents itself virtually like darkish chocolate. The deep-roasted taste is accented with pops of black pepper and clove that keep on by means of the prolonged and satisfying end. Lovers will discover lots to get pleasure from on this tequila.