As tequila continues its hot streak and gains new fans, tequila producers are rapidly racing new products to the market. There are over 1,400 products on the market today. While increased demand is great for the industry, it can lead to disappointment when the liquid fails to meet a drinker’s expectations. Luckily, several prestigious annual spirits competitions shine a spotlight where it is needed.
The Ultimate Spirits Competition (USC) is one such event. Using a 100-point scale, every bottle entered undergoes a rigorous blind-tasting format judged by a panel of recognized industry experts. Any bottle that emerges from their judging with high marks is one to be sought out.
This year there were 154 entries across the tequila field split into six categories (Blanco, Reposado, Cristalino, Añejo, Extra Añejo, and Flavored) in six categories. Here are the tequilas awarded the Chairman’s Trophy and named the best in their group. Plus, each was also named to their Top 100 Spirits of 2023 list. You can find the full results for the USC here.
Ocho Añejo Tequila
As the highest-rated tequila at 97 points, this tequila tops our list. Made by two tequila legends, Carlos Camarena and Tomas Estes, Tequila Ocho has been racking up awards since its launch in 2008. A single-estate tequila its produced by following old-fashioned methods few producers follow these days. The result is tequilas prized for their delicate floral flavors. The judges said this about Ocho Añejo.
“An exceptional spirit with a complex bouquet of fresh pineapple, toasted mango, citrus candy, dried wildflowers, lemon pastry cream, and a hint of vanilla bean. Big vegetal agave flavors continue across the palate finishing with a touch of Poblano pepper spice.”
Priced at only $74.99, it is a bottle to be added to any collection.
Cierto Reserve Collection Blanco Tequila
As the most award-winning tequila in the world (over 700+), this newcomer has turned heads since it arrived in 2019. Made by Master Distillers Sergio Mendoza and Enrique Fonseca, fourth and fifth-generation agave farmers themselves and two of the leading voices in the additive-free tequila movement, it was only recently made available to the public. The name Cierto means “true” in Spanish, and every barrel is made following time-honored traditions with nothing added in during distillation or aging. The judges said this about the Reserve Collection Blanco, which earned 96 points.
“Spicy and floral on the nose, with hints of grilled jalapeno, roasted corn, lime flower, and lilac alongside a deeper, meaty note. Much softer and vanillin at first on the palate, but those mouthwatering savory, herbal notes come roaring back at the finish.”
It’s only $89.00 and would be a perfect addition to any back bar.
Avion Reserva 44 Extra Añejo Tequila
Pulling in 96 points, this affordable tequila this tequila defeated much more expensive bottles on the way to topping its category. Aged for at least thirty-six months in American Oak barrels, this Extra Añjeo has regularly finished near the top of the awards circuit for several years. Made in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, in small batches, it’s loaded with flavors. Here is what the judges had to say about it.
“A supremely luscious spirit with a decadent bouquet of dried kiwi, sweet papaya, vanilla frosting, milk chocolate, and toasted vanilla bean. The palate is dense and moreish, showing decadent pastry notes and a lingering note of spiced citrus.”
Priced at $129.99, it is sure to disappear quickly.
Don Fulano Reposado Tequila
Made by the venerable Fonseca family, the same people who produce Cierto, this tequila 96-point gem uses only 100% estate-grown agave and is bottled onsite in the Highlands of Jalisco. Slowly cooked and naturally fermented using proprietary yeast, it is aged for eight to eleven months in French limousine oak before being blended. Here is what the judges had to say about it.
“This reposado tequila showcases a complex nose of freshly cut tropical fruit and nuttiness alongside subtle earthly aromas. It’s immediately refreshing on the palate, carrying over the notes of ripe mango and papaya with a hint of herbaceous and peppery notes on the finish.”
Priced at $59.99, it also was awarded a Great Value Award for its affordability.
Partida Roble Fino Cristalino Reposado Tequila
While less well-known than the other tequila categories on this list, cristalino tequila is on the rise, for a good reason. Essentially it’s an aged tequila that has been filtered to remove any naturally occurring colors picked up in the barrel. Made from tequila aged for at least six months in ex-bourbon barrels before aging another two months in ex-single malt, sherry-seasoned casks, this 95-point cristalino is a highly complex spirit that will surprise many. Here is what the judges had to say about it.
“The Sherry cask comes through aromatically with notes of dried fruits and a touch of nuttiness. Warm spices coat the palate with nutmeg, cinnamon, orange peel, crème brulee, and subtle vanilla. The agave core remains with peppery herbs and dried pineapple.”
Priced at $109.00, it’s ideal for an adventurous tequila lover.
21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeno Tequila
By scoring 95 points and a spot on the Top 100 list, this tequila earned credibility for a category, flavored, that is often overlooked. Made by a female-founded company was created by two sisters and a friend to make high-quality spirits that were approachable. It’s distilled at one of the few female-led distilleries in Mexico. 21 Seeds has been making a name for itself with its infused tequilas made with natural fruit juices. Here is what the judges had to say about it.
“There’s no mistaking the refreshing aroma of freshly chopped cucumbers and jalapenos that leaps from the glass with this flavored tequila. The coolness of the vegetable ingredients soothes the palate with a subtle sweetness before a peppery spice kicks in on the finish.”
Priced at $29.99, you can grab one for your next party.
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