Let’s Talk Tequila
Over the last decade, Tequila has undergone a serious rebrand, rising from its reputation as the boozy punchline of a student night out to become the premium, sipping spirit of the stars. Everyone from Clooney to Kendall Jenner seems to have dabbled in it and together with increased interest in craftsmanship, provenance and spirits that tell a story, Tequila's happy hour has finally arrived. What’s helped is a clear message about what premium means, i.e. made with 100% Blue Weber agave in small batches with next to no additives as opposed to mass produced spirits mixed with corn syrup or other fillers. The result is an elevated experience where you can taste the ‘terroir’ in a clean and pure way rather than a synthetic one that reeks of hangover. So, for that smoother, more expressive sip, look for ‘100% Blue Weber Agave’ on the label and try the various styles from the youthful, clear ‘Blancos’ up through the darker, earthy Reposados and Añejos and finally, the ultra-premium Cristalinos and Master Blends.
Ladydragòn Tequila Blanco, 700ml, £58.99 finewinecellars.co.uk
This female-owned brand founded by JC Cortez and Heather Ann makes small-batch Tequilas produced in Amatitán, Jalisco just with Blue Weber agave and well water. Think elegant, fresh citrus and florals blended with subtle, peppery herbs and sweet, earthy agave notes.
Pantalones Tequila Reposado, £56, flaskfinewines.com
This organic Tequila range from actor Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila aims to be premium without being pretentious. It’s an easy-going, rustic reposado that’s been ‘relaxed’ for 9 months in American Oak whisky barrels to add notes of woody vanilla to the sweet, smoky agave. Great in a Tequila Old Fashioned.
Maestro Dobel Diamante Cristalino, £54.30, house-of-spirits.co.uk
Maestro Dobel pioneered the ‘Cristalino’ style, which is a blend of Reposado, Añejo and Extra Añejo Tequilas that have been filtered through charcoal before bottling. The result is an elegant, silky smooth and crystal-clear spirit that remarkably manages to retain its complexity and creamy texture from the aged agave.
Patrón ‘El Alto’ Tequila, £189.95, MasterofMalt.com
This is Patrón’s launch into the world of ultra-premium spirits. A sultry sipper that’s a master blend of unfiltered Extra Añejo, Añejo and Reposado Tequilas made from Los Altos agave, which is known to be especially sweet, floral and fruity. The focus here is on a luxurious, silky texture and immense depth of flavour - and it delivers that in spades.