Tequila doesn’t have to be expensive to be delicious. In fact, Mexico’s native agave spirit is available in a wide range of expressions and a variety of price points. Whether you’re seeking a tequila to sip, mix into cocktails or bring as a gift, these bottles won’t break the bank.
What Should I Look for in a Tequila Priced Under $40?
We turned to the pros for advice on which attributes to look for in a value-priced tequila. Of note: all suggested seeking out bottles labeled as 100% agave; many also recommended looking for additive-free tequilas.
Below $40, scan the shelves for blancos first, says Mark Murphy, director of bar operations for Fort Lauderdale Mexican restaurant El Vez. Blanco (also called “silver,” “white” or “plata”) is unaged tequila, bottled within 60 days of distillation.
“Know that tequila isn’t made ‘better’ by aging; it’s just different,” Murphy says. (Reposado and añejo are two common aged tequilas. “But it does take time, and time is money. You’ll get the most bang for your buck when drinking a better quality blanco.”
Another tip: tequila from smaller distilleries can represent excellent quality and value, says Lalo Durazo, CEO of Bakan, a Mexican restaurant in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood.
“Small-batch tequilas, especially those from regions like Los Altos de Jalisco, often deliver the best quality for the price,” he says. And it pays to read the label: look for the name of the distillery and the origin of the agave, he adds. “Be cautious of
This Article was originally published on Wine Enthusiast
