Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by Lydia Martin
With the popularity hike for Margaritas and boosted by celebrity owners and endorsement, the tequila market has grown from strength to strength, brand to brand.
Through extensive surveys, tastings, and passionate conversations with tequila aficionados, we’ve compiled the most popular tequila brands that have captured the hearts of many tequila lovers worldwide.
Keep reading to know if your favorite brand is on the list.
Table of Contents
Top 22 Tequila Brands: Popularity Meter Tested
1. Jose Cuervo Especial Gold
Average Price:Roughly $21.27 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose: Agave, Vanilla, Caramel, Oak, Citrus
Palate: Sweet Agave, Caramel, Oak, Vanilla, Light Citrus Notes
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:Jose Cuervo Especial Gold is aJoventequila brand made from aged tequila mixed with younger tequilas.
The popular tequila came from the largest tequila brand, Jose Cuervo, known for its premium tequila products.
“Good tequila has no need for salt and lime.” -Liquor Laboratory
Tequila drinkers enjoy handcrafted bottles of Cuervo Gold neat and in shots, but we recommend it in cocktails as it blends seemingly in different mixers.
2. Casamigos Reposado
Average Price:Roughly $59.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Caramel, Cocoa, Vanilla, Agave, Spices
Palate:Balanced Sweetness, Oak, Caramel, Cocoa, Light Spiciness
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:The Casamigos brand is one of the fastest-growing spirits in the tequila industry and has been a crowd favorite for its attractive yet approachable taste profile.
Casamigos Reposado is pure tequila aged in French oak barrels for a more complex and versatile flavor profile.
LikWe were in awe of the hints of caramel and cocoa, and Tequila lovers will agree that the brand did a great job with the balanced sweetness and spiciness of the tequila.
3. Casamigos Añejo
Average Price:Roughly $64.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Agave, Spices, Vanilla, Caramel, Hints of Oak
Palate:Agave, Spices, Vanilla, Caramel, Balanced Sweetness
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:Casamigos Añejo is a well-recognized tequila brand worldwide for its unique yet enjoyable palate profile.
Using the pure blue weber agave plants from Mexico, the company produced an award-winning tequila brand that many connoisseurs adore.
It boasts delectable layered natural flavors of agave, spices, and vanilla with the right balance of sweetness from blue weber agaves.
4. Don Julio 1942
Average Price:Roughly $190.75 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose: Roasted Agave, Warm Oak, Chocolate
Palate: Rich Oak, Roasted Agave, Chocolate, Warm and Bold
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:Don Julio 1942 is one of the best tequila brands widely used by exclusive cocktail bars and nightclubs and has been a bartender favorite for its rich and bold palate profile.
Don Julio 1942 premium tequila has been aged for a minimum of two and half years for a rich and flavorful palate profile. The warm oak, agave, and chocolate are evident in every sip.
5. Casamigos Blanco
Average Price:Roughly $59.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Agave, Citrus, Hints of Vanilla
Palate:Fruit-forward Notes, Agave, Hints of Vanilla
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:Casamigos Blanco is one of the best-selling tequilas in the market. George Clooney and his friends founded this brand when they decided to join the tequila business.
The crystal clear tequila is made from handpicked blue weber from a small town in Jalisco, Mexico. This brand has bagged different awards in the industry, including the Supreme Brand Champion.
The aroma of the blanco tequila is filled with hints of agave and citrus, and our taste buds were filled with fruit-forward notes and vanilla.
You can use the blanco tequila as a base liquor for a classic Margarita because, unlike other premium tequilas, it blends seemingly into the mixers.
6. Don Julio Reposado
Average Price:Roughly $59.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Vanilla, Caramel, Agave, Oak
Palate:Smooth, Rich Vanilla, Caramel, Oak, Agave
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:Don Julio Reposado is a high-quality tequila barrel-aged for eight months to deliver smooth, rich, and fantastic tasting notes. We noticed the inviting and elegant aroma of the reposado tequila as we opened the bottle.
Aside from Don Julio Blanco, reposado tequila from the brand has been a crowd favorite for its versatility and approachable palate profile, thanks to its distillation process and aging in used bourbon barrels.
7. Don Julio Añejo
Average Price:Roughly $66.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Vanilla, Agave, Caramel
Palate:Balanced, Wood, Vanilla, Caramel, Honey, Citrus Notes
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:Don Julio Añejo is a barrel-aged tequila, and it is well known for its rich, wonderful, and distinctive tasting notes.
The añejo has the right balance of wood, vanilla, and agave that you can enjoy neat and on the rocks.
As we opened the bottle, the aroma of vanilla and agave greeted us, and the caramel, honey, and citrus notes lingered on our palate.
8. Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Reposado
Average Price:Roughly $88.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Oak, Vanilla, Agave, Caramel, Baking Spice
Palate:Complex, Smooth, Agave, Vanilla, Caramel, Baking Spice, Hints of Fruit
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Reposado is part of today’s ultra-premium selection of one of the most well-known tequila brands.
The Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Reposado boasts sophisticated qualities because of its unique barrel aging process.
It is complex and smooth, with the right balance of agave, vanilla, baking spice, and caramel picked up from the three wood barrels used for aging the tequila.
9. El Jimador Reposado
Average Price:Roughly $22.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Toffee Apple, Buttery Aromas
Palate:Soft Spices, Caramel, Woody Notes, Agave
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:El Jimador Reposado is made from pure blue weber agave and rested in American oak barrels for two months.
As it ages in the barrel, it absorbs the color and flavor of the tequila. You can drink it neat and on the rocks, but we recommend trying it in cocktails.
On the nose,El Jimadorhas toffee apple-like buttery aromas, while on the palate, we enjoyed the soft spices, caramel, woody, and agave flavor.
10. Maestro Dobel Diamante
Average Price:Roughly $47.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Honey, Maple, Caramel, Vanilla
Palate:Sweet, Honey, Maple, Caramel, Vanilla, Long and Smooth Finish
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:Maestro Dobel Diamante is a mixture of Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo tequilas that are filtered to create an exceptional Cristallino tequila [1].
The proprietary filtration allows the brand to remove the color of the aged tequilas while preserving their smoothness and complexity.
Maestro Dobel Diamante is one of the best-selling tequilas from the brand, as it boasts sweet flavors of honey, maple, caramel, and vanilla with a long and smooth finish.
11. Don Julio Blanco
Average Price:Roughly $53.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Crisp Agave, Citrus, Hints of Citrus
Palate:Light, Citrus, Hints of Citrus
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:This Blanco tequila is in its purest form, made from the finest blue weber agave plant. It is commonly called a silver tequila and boasts a crisp agave flavor with hints of citrus.
Don Julio’s Blanco tequila is light and sweet. In addition, it is one of the best tequila brands for cocktails because the Blanco tequila blends seamlessly and compliments the mixers [2].
12. Patron Silver
Average Price:Roughly $52.89 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Agave, Citrus, Hints of Fruits
Palate:Smooth, Agave, Hints of Citrus
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:If you are trying tequila for the first time, getting the Patron brand can be an excellent move as they offer various expressions, from Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo tequila.
Patron silver is made with the finest blue agave, and with significant steps, Patron Spirits Company has produced the best-tasting and premium silver tequila.
Patron silver is widely used as a cocktail because it blends great in different mixers, but you can drink it neat and on the rocks.
13. Espolon Añejo
Average Price:Roughly $38.50 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Rich Agave, Oak, Vanilla
Palate:Complex, Agave, Oak, Vanilla, Hints of Spice
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:Espolon Añejo is a tribute to Mexican culture, and it has been known for its complex yet impressive tasting notes.
Espolon Añejo is made from the finest blue weber agave, and it is aged for 12 months in oak barrels and finished in formerbourbonbarrels.
It is an excellent tequila brand because it offers the versatility you will not find in many of the worst tequilas.
It has a rich agave aroma and flavor profile that you can drink with ice and cocktails.
14. Espolon Reposado
Average Price:Roughly $29.29 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Delicate, Complex, Agave, Hints of Citrus
Palate:Smooth, Vanilla, Agave, Hints of Spice
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:Espolon Reposado is another brand of tequila that has been popular because of its delicate and complex tasting notes.
The best-selling tequila from the brand has gathered multiple awards because of its versatility and great-tasting palate profile.
You can drink Espolon Reposado [3] on its own, but we recommend you drink it on the rocks and in cocktails.
It blends excellently in mixers without overpowering the taste of other ingredients.
15. Corralejo Reposado
Average Price:Roughly $33.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Vanilla, Spice, Oak, Agave
Palate:Vanilla, Spice, Oak, Agave, Honey, Lemon
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:Corralejo Reposado is one of the best-selling tequilas for its complex yet smooth palate profile.
The Reposado tequila has a great vanilla, spice, oak, and agave aroma, as it is well-aged for four months in charred oak barrels.
In addition, the peppercorn, honey, oak, and lemon palate profile tickles our taste buds.
16. Espolon Blanco
Average Price:Roughly $29.14 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Tropical Fruit, Agave, Zesty Lemon, Hints of Pepper
Palate:Fruit, Lemon, Hints of Pepper
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:If you want tequila to enjoy neat, with ice, and in mixed drinks, Espolon Blanco is one of the famous brands that ticks all the boxes.
Espolon Blanco is the purest expression from the brand, and this tequila is made from 100% blue agave for rich and flavorful tasting notes.
The tequila brand boasts a combination of tropical fruit, sweet agave, and zesty lemon, with hints of pepper.
It has been one of the best-selling tequila brands for several years and has won several awards in international spirits competitions.
17. Herradura Reposado
Average Price:Roughly $47.66 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Oak, Agave, Slight Oak Taste
Palate:Smooth, Slight Oak Taste, Sweet Finish
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:Herradura Reposado is a best-selling tequila brand in circulation with a complex flavor profile, aged longer than the normal aging for Reposados.
Felix Lopez founded the company/brand, and Herradura Reposado has won 49 awards, including 21 golds for its rich and remarkable tasting notes.
As it ages in American white oak barrels, it develops a slight oak taste with a smooth and sweet finish.
18. Patron Añejo
Average Price:Roughly $61.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Oak Wood, Raisins, Vanilla, Honey, Agave
Palate:Sweet, Smoky, Vanilla, Black Pepper, Oak Notes
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:Another best tequila brand in our cheat sheet is the Patron Añejo, aged 12 months in oak barrels, to produce an excellent tequila for sipping.
Patron Añejo has a lovely oak wood, raisins, and vanilla aroma with honey and agave notes on the palate.
It is sweet and smoky, with complex tasting notes that can elevate your cocktails.
It is famous for mixed drinks because the light gold spirit features pleasant agave notes and rich vanilla, black pepper, and oak notes.
19. 1800 Silver
Average Price:Roughly $37.99 per 1.0L (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Black Peppercorn, Spice, Fruit Aromas
Palate:Balanced, Roasted Pepper, Sweet Prune
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:1800 Tequila Silver is one of the best-selling tequila brands from Mexico City. The Beckmann Family owns this brand.
Their Blanco tequila does not have an overly sweet taste compared to other brands and boasts a smooth palate profile.
1800 tequila silver is a great sipper, but for a tasty way, you can mix it withorange liqueurand lime juice.
1800 tequila silver is a Blanco tequila with rich black peppercorn, spice, and fruit aromas. We like the balanced roasted pepper and sweet prune on the palate.
20. Don Julio 70
Average Price:Roughly $78.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Oak, Agave, Vanilla, Honey, Agave
Palate:Smooth, Vanilla, Agave, Honey, Agave, Citrus
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:Don Julio 70 is a Mexican tequila brand, the first clear añejo popularized by the brand.
The smooth tequila is twice distilled before aging in oak barrels for 18 months. After filteringDon Julioañejo in charcoal, it is bottled in luxurious bottles [3].
Don Julio 70 is known for its rich complexity and crisp agave flavor. It is one of the crowd-favorite tequila brands because of its smooth character with lingering oak and warm finish.
21. Fortaleza Blanco
Average Price:Roughly $55.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Rich Agave Aroma, Smooth
Palate:Rich Cooked Agave, Citrus, Lime, Black Pepper, Basil, Vanilla, Deep and Complex Finish
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:Fortaleza Blanco is one of the most popular brands of tequila, and their Blanco is known for its rich agave aroma and smooth taste.
The brand uses 100% blue agave and traditional production methods in making tequila, making it one of the finest tequila brands with an overly smooth taste and finish.
The tequila is best enjoyed neat and in a new mix of cocktails as it offers a rich cooked agave and flavors like citrus, lime, black pepper, basil, and vanilla with a deep and complex finish.
22. Herradura Añejo
Average Price:Roughly $54.04 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:40% ABV
Nose:Smooth, Dried Fruit, Oak
Palate:Smooth, Melts on the Taste Buds, Notes of Dried Fruit and Oak
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why We Like It:TequilaHerradurais one of the world’s oldest tequila makers, leading innovators in the tequila industry [4], and home to Herradura Añejo.
Herradura Añejo is one of the best tequila brands in circulation, and this amber-colored tequila boasts a remarkably smooth flavor that melts on your taste buds and leaves notes of dried fruit and oak.
“That was the challenge…How to take out the color without taking out the flavor. It would be a pleasant surprise to consumers, who would not be expecting that type of flavor from a clear tequila.” – Juan Domingo Beckmann Legorreta, CEO
This brand is one of the most authentic tequila brands that use 100% blue agave and spent 25 months on American oak barrels to develop its rich amber color and incredibly smooth flavor profile [5].
*Note:Average prices are based on Drizly and the official product websites. The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Each product was evaluated on its quality, flavor profile, complexity, smoothness, and enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most sold tequila in the world?
The most-sold tequila in the world is Jose Cuervo in the past year. Based on Forbes, roughly ⅓ of the tequila sold worldwide has “Cuervo” on its label. It has almost 8% sales growth from 2021 to 2022.
What is the #1 tequila in the US?
Jose Cuervo is the number one tequila brand in the US. This brand had approximately 7.9 million cases sold in 2022.
Based on Statista, the USA is the leading country of destination for tequila exports from Mexico [6].
To Sum It Up About Most Popular Tequila Brands
In recent years, tequila has shown impressive growth. Tequila is one of the purest forms of distilled spirits and one of the most versatile alcoholic drinks.
Casamigos, Patron, Don Julio, Herradura, and El Jimador are some of the most popular tequila brands that played a big part in the growth of tequila in the spirits industry.
However, Jose Cuervo stands as the best tequila brand that has won many hearts of drinking enthusiasts in the tequila world and by far the most popular one.
Did your favorite tequila make it to our list? Let us know in the comments.
References:
Everything You Need to Know About Cristalino, the Clear Tequila Connoisseurs Can’t Stop Drinking
Tequila Herradura Legend Aims To Fill Luxury Drinkers Glasses
The Effects of Aging on Liquor
Leading countries of destination of tequila exports from Mexico in 2023
