FIVE OF THE BEST TEQUILAS
There’s a growing thirst for tequila in the UK, with sales jumping 94% in value between 2020 and 2022, according to figures from the WSTA, and projected growth set to increase steadily for the next four years. Here’s a selection of new launches and favourites from recent tastings.
1 Casa Rayos Blanco
£41.99/70cl brewdog.com
The team at BrewDog Distilling Co has branched out from beer to launch its own blanco tequila, made in partnership with long-established producers the Orendain family. Smoky aromas with a crème brûlée note, plus lemon curd and lemon zest. There’s cracked black pepper, vanilla and grassy freshness on the palate, alongside deeper earthy notes, with lemon and grapefruit citrus, plus peppery spice on the finish. It makes a great base for a Paloma cocktail. Alcohol 40%
2 El Mayor Reposado
£39-£47.50/70cl Hedonism, House of Malt,
The Whisky Exchange
Meaning ‘the greatest’ in Spanish, El Mayor is now headed up by Grace Gonzalez, a fourth-generation distiller continuing her family’s 150-year legacy of producing tequila. This reposado, aged in small
American oak barrels for a minimum of nine months, has woody, earthy, caramel aromas but still with signature agave fresh grassy notes. Creamy, with hints of orange, peach and toffee on the mid-palate that give way to dusty spice, smokiness and crisp citrus, with grassy lift on the finish. Perfect for a Tommy’s Margarita. The range also includes blanco, añejo and cristalino expressions. Alc 40%
3 Espolòn Blanco
£29.95-£38/70cl Amathus Drinks, Amazon, Distillers Direct, Gerry’s, House of Malt, Majestic, Ocado, The Whisky Exchange
New to the UK and made by Master Distiller Cirilo Oropeza in the highlands of Jalisco, this is a good-value blend of pot- and column-distilled tequilas. The name refers to the spur found on the legs of a rooster – the bird is a symbol of national pride in Mexico – and the distinctive label is inspired by the work of 19th-century Mexican revolutionary artist José Guadalupe Posada. Smoky aromas, with notes of cinder toffee and ash, and a fresh herbaceousness, followed by a creamy palate that has a roasted agave sweetness, green pea pod notes and green chilli spice. A good choice if you’re mixing up jugs of Margaritas for a party. Alc 40%
4 Lobos 1707 Extra Añejo
£122.49-£180/70cl Liquor Ltd, Selfridges,
The Bottle Club
Launched in the UK in late 2023, the Lobos 1707 range is bankrolled by US basketball star LeBron James. Its range of expressions are all finished in Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks: from three months for the spicy Joven to three years for this Extra Añejo. One to sip, it has light, elegant aromas, with sweet woody spices and hints of orange. Creamy texture with layers of flavour: notes of dried fruit – raisins and sultanas – roasted agave, hints of caramel, fresh grassiness and lemon citrus weaving through, plus lots of pepperiness and green chilli spice on the satisfying finish. Alc 40%
5 Volcan De Mi Tierra XA
£181-£250/70cl Amazon, Clos19, Hedonism, Selfridges, Spirits Kiosk, The Whisky Exchange,
The Whisky World, Threshers
Presented in a striking handmade decanter that lights up, this is the super-premium expression from Moët Hennessy-owned Volcan De Mi Tierra. It’s a small-batch blend of reposado, añejo and extra añejo tequilas, all made from lowland- and highland-grown blue Weber agave. Sophisticated smoky and spicy aromas, with sweet cedary oak, toffee and roasted agave. Smooth, light and elegant style, showing harmonious notes of roasted agave, cocoa nibs, grassiness, white pepper, sweet woodiness and bonfire smoke; the fresh finish has a hit of green chilli spice, with lingering caramel, dried fruit and coffee bean hints. One for collectors to savour. Alc 40%