Words by Aidy Smith
There’s no debate that one of my favourite spirits on this planet is tequila. While some may have ruined it for themselves by being reckless shot-slamming teenagers, it’s become a liquid that I have come to love and appreciate like no other. But what is the trick to crafting such an incredibly good tequila? Purity. There should be no burn, there should be no overpowering ethanol, instead, you should feel like you are tasting the agave nectar itself which each and every sip.
These beauties are not meant to sit beside a lime and salt, they are meant to be cherished and enjoyed for exactly what they are and by themselves. For that reason, Ladies and Gentlemen, today I give you the World’s Best Sipping Tequilas!
Casa Dragones Blanco
These guys create another one of the ultimate sipping tequilas and arguably one of the ‘purest’ looking bottles I’ve seen too. I love to use these as water bottles once I’ve finished the nectar inside. Small batch, 100% blue agave which has been around for 7-9 years ripened to perfection in the rich lands of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. The water is pretty neat too, beneath the earth’s surface in hundreds of 70-meter natural aquifers straight from the Volcano of Tequila! Perhaps that what gives it such a pure and distinct taste…
ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £88.95 // US $64.99
Patron Burdeos
Created in super limited quantities each year, Burdeos sits atop the perch of Patróns collection of tequilas. Those who read my pieces often will now that reposado is one of my favourite tequilas for making cocktails, but Burdeos is a very different beauty for very different reasons and it all starts with its name. The translation actually means ‘Bordeaux’, given how this tequila is aged for one year in American and French oaks before then being transported to ex-Bordeaux casks given it that robust nose and velvety smooth texture. Once again only 100% Weber Blue agave is used from the heart of Jalisco’s highlands. The result is a divinely rich dark amber tequila with notes of fresh roasted coffee and chocolate. What about the taste? Pure with hints of raisins and vanilla intertwined by a velvety smooth mouthfeel. This one is difficult to share.
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £499.99 // US $499.99
Clase Azul Reposado
Quite possibly one of the most beautiful bottles on the planet which also happens to contain one of the most magnificent tequilas too. You may have heard about this tequila because of it’s fun little bell which goes ‘Ding Ding’, but there’s a lot more to its design than just that. Each bottle is unique and 100% handcrafted by over 100 artists and artisans who dedicate their time to create just one bottle at a time. Produced at one of the highest points in Los Altos (the highlands) in the town have Jesus Maria (Jalisco), legend has it the altitude has a unique effect on the flavour profile of the tequila. Whether that’s true or not, I’m completely in love with what’s in the bottle.
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £199.99 // US $169.99
Padré Azul
I think I need to sit down for a second. Woah, this is one of the purest tequilas I’ve ever tasted, and it still blows my mind as to how they are able to make it this way. It’s literally like drinking fresh from the agave plant. Undeniably smooth with so much rich plant-nectar flavour, it’s difficult to just keep to one sipping glass of this stuff. On the outside, it can look a little bit gimmicky with its cow-hide bottle cover and skull closure, but don’t let that put you off. The liquid inside is something of true magic and for that reason this tequila is one of the best I’ve ever tasted. Originally intended to be a product imported into Austria, word has since spread and Padré Azul is finding itself into more and more markets within Europe. Still fairly undiscovered and underrated I’d say.
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £90.95 // US $109.99
Casamigos Anejo
If it’s got George Clooney’s face on it, let’s not beat around the agave bush, you want that in your mouth. No but seriously, this is an outstanding tequila. It may be widely available but their master distiller (who’s never actually been named) is working wonders. I have as much confidence in this as I do in Clooney’s acting career. Strong game. They use 100% Blue Weber agave with an age of 7-9 years, slow cooking the piñas for 72 hours in their traditional brick ovens. The 80-hour fermentation process coupled alongside a signature yeast blend give this tequila its refined flavour. The Anejo then sits in American white oak casks for 14 months to elevate its game even further. Pure agave, soft caramel, gentle vanilla and a sweet spiced oak fill your mouth with joy. If only it came with a side of George…
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £67.45 // US $59.99
Enjoyed this? Then make sure you check out The 6 Tequilas you Need in Your Life Right Now and The Best Tequila for Margaritas!