Supreme sippers: The best tequilas need to be savoured, not shot, says our drinks expert
(Picture: Aidy Smith)It would seem at long last we’ve reached a turning point: the nation is beginning to appreciate tequila as a liquid to be sipped and embraced rather than knocked back with some lime and salt.
Considering this agave drink first came into existence around 250 AD, I’d say it’s about time. Tequila can be elegant and soft on the palate, making it the perfect drink to start your sipping journey. A good quality bottle should almost feel like you’re drinking straight from the plant itself, with a little bit of vanilla and chipotle. No burn, no wincing cheeks and no need for anything else to change the flavour.
For beginners and connoisseurs alike, check out these top-shelf tequilas — and sceptics, prepare to be converted.
Maestro Dobel Diamante
Here’s one for those who look to venture away from the norm. This unique blend of Extra Añejo, Añejo and Reposado tequilas, which has been aged in European oak casks, is double-filtered to remove the colour, leaving a shimmering diamond glimmer in each bottle. It’s an expertly-made tequila that showcases an exceptional smoothness alongside a creamy butterscotch, agave and black pepper. For the home bartenders out there, Dobel has also released a limited-edition luxury bar set.
£57.25, The Whisky Exchange
Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia
Something rather special. The Jose Cuervo family open up their private cellar each year to create a special reserve, and what I love about this magical blend is that it contains agave reserves aged anywhere between three to thirty years, giving you a true appreciation of their craft spanning three decades. The result is an enticingly rich medley of vanilla, oak, toasted almonds and cinnamon with a stewed pineapple and cracked black pepper caramel glaze.
£96.90, Amazon
Código 1530 Origen Extra Añejo
This emblem of the Código family is aged for six years in fine French white oak barrels, each hand-charred. The result is a tequila that has many nuances of darker spirits such as cognac or Scotch, bringing a vanilla spice, caramel and cinnamon to the forefront. Not only is each bottle hand-dipped in wax, it comes in a spectacular wooden box to really elevate the presentation. Tequila martinis are a thing, and this couldn’t be a better choice.
£229, Amazon
Clase Azul Tequila Gold
This brand-new release from the globally acclaimed tequila house is a Tequila Joven, a unique Reposado matured in French Oak, intertwined with an eight-year-old Extra Añejo that has been aged in American whiskey casks before being finished in sherry casks. It’s reminiscent of the darkness capturing its first glimmers of sunshine at dusk. Fresh apple, orange peel and agave syrup harmonise with raisins, fig and toasted almonds, before the taste offers you dark chocolate, ginger, green olive and a distinct vanilla oak.
£450, The Whisky Exchange
Mijenta Reposado
I discovered Mijenta this year and quickly fell in love. The liquid speaks for itself: an elegant Reposado, aged for six months in a blend of American white oak and European acacia casks. This unusual barrel ageing creates a distinct flavour, offering notes of roasted agave, cacao nibs, bergamot, vanilla honey and orange blossom with dried apricots. It comes from one of the few haciendas supporting female distilling talent, and the brand is dedicated to minimising its environmental impact, ensuring every step of the process is sustainable, from procurement to packaging. A win-win for all the right reasons.
£65, Berry Bro & Rudd
Prospero Tequila Añejo
When celebrities make tequilas, they’re typically rather average. Prospero, though, is anything but. Turns out Rita Ora did her homework, teaming up with Stella Anguiano, one of the most prominent names in the tequila business. The result is close on spectacular, and their Añejo is my sipper of choice, aged for a minimum of 12 months to allow deep, brooding flavours to emerge. Think earthy cooked agave, chocolate vanilla and baking spices with an orange rind and slight floral element. It hits all the right notes. There’s a joke about Ora’s voice in there somewhere, but it might be mean to make it.
£36.49, The Bottle Club
Casamigos Anejo Tequila
This passion project of George Clooney and pals has come a long way since it was founded in 2013. The name, meaning “House of Friends” encompasses a love for agave, and it’s something that really comes across in the drink itself. Blue Weber agave is aged between seven and nine years before being slow-roasted for 72 hours to ensure maximum flavour retention. They are then fermented for 80 hours (instead of the usual 48 hours), blended with a unique strain and aged for 14 months. Basically, it’s a process that ensures there’s a heck of a lot of flavour packed into each sip. Rich caramel in colour, you can expect to discover toffee and vanilla with a juicy smoky agave, rich spice and slow-cooked sweet pineapple. Another celebrity winner, even if it took a few years to get there.
£60.99, The Bottle Club
