We often forget about the complexities of tequila. Long gone is the worm in the bottle we may recall from our college days. The Wine Spectator this month highlights the complexities surrounding the diverse terroir of Tequila production.
It is predicted that tequila sales in the near future may outpace vodka sales in the United States. In response, 67 Wine has increased its total selection of Tequila by over 20 percent this last business quarter curated by our lead spirit buyer Oscar Garcia Moncada.
There are two main geographical categories of tequila terroir. Tequilas produced in the Highlands located in northeastern Jalisco versus tequilas produced in the Lowlands from El Valle, just west of Los Altos, where the city of Tequila is located.
Highland tequilas are located nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. The climate is comparably cooler than the Lowlands. High altitude tequila produces more concentrated sugars during the growing journey of the agave. In addition, sunlight is more intense resulting in tequilas that are more floral on the nose and fruitier in body.
Lowland tequilas are also produced at a high altitude but just at over 4,000 feet above sea level but grown in rich volcanic soils. The resulting character are tequilas that are often more earthy, peppery and vegetal in flavor.
Highland Tequila Recommendations
1. El Tesoro Tequila Blanco 100% Puro de Agave – 750ml
Produced by a father-and-daughter duo, the distillery still uses a mule-powered stone mill to this day. This blanco is a benchmark for the style – open-air fermented, with notes of orange peel and savory green olives.
2. Tequila Ocho Single Estate Reposado Tierras Negras 2024 100% Puro Agave – 750ml
Tequila Ocho is living proof of terroir in tequila. Only the most mature, overripe agave is harvested from estate fields in the highlands of Jalisco. Expect rich fruits, vanilla, butterscotch, with hints of crème brûlée and almonds. Aged two months in ex-American whiskey barrels.
3. ArteNOM Selección de 1579 Blanco Tequila 100% de Agave – 750ml
Crafted by Felipe Camarena in the highland town of Jesús-María at El Pandillo, one of the most innovative distilleries in Mexico. Active aeration before bottling enhances the bright flavors of sugar-rich agaves and mineral-rich soils. Tasting notes include spearmint, freshly cut grass, and deeply caramelized agave with a warm, full, medium-bodied mouthfeel.
4. PM Spirits Project Single Oven Blanco Tequila Still Strength – 700ml (110 Proof)
Made with agave grown in the red clay soils of the Jalisco highlands, this still-strength blanco captures the region’s fruity, rounded flavor profile. A bold and expressive tequila that reflects the purity of its highland terroir.
Lowland Tequila Recommendations
1. Siembra Valles Aniversario Joven Tequila Batch 10/13/12– 750ml
Born in the lowlands of Jalisco, Siembra Valles is a tribute to expert jimadores who cultivate agave in volcanic soil and rainy summers. This joven tequila is bold and earthy, showcasing the powerful terroir of the region.
2. Fortaleza Añejo Tequila Tahona 100% de Agave – 750ml
A complex and refined añejo featuring layers of cooked agave, sweet butter, butterscotch, caramel, vanilla, citrus, dried and tropical fruits, cinnamon, white pepper, cloves, nuts, and dry earth. A classic, tahona-crushed masterpiece.
3. El Tequileño Reposado Gran Reserva Tequila – 750ml
100 Points & Century Award Winner – 2020 Proof Awards
Gold Medal – "Brand of Promise" (Tequila Aficionado)
Aged for 8 months and blended with 15% añejo, this award-winning tequila offers aromas of banana, caramelized pear, nutmeg, and vanilla. The palate brings light oak, toffee, vanilla, and macadamia nuts.
4. Wild Common Tequila Reposado 100% Blue Weber Agave – 750ml (86 Proof)
A standout reposado aged in used bourbon barrels, ideal for agave purists and bourbon lovers alike. Offers the deep sweetness of oven-cooked agave, supported by notes of caramel, stewed fruits, and bright flashes of tangerine.
Unique Tequila Recommendations
1. Dos Artes Añejo Tequila – 1 Liter
Crafted using agave from both the highlands and lowlands of Jalisco, Dos Artes Añejo delivers a uniquely complex and nuanced profile. Expect layered flavors of tropical fruit, vanilla, and aloe, with subtle hints of spice, caramel, and oak. A beautifully balanced sipping tequila in an eye-catching ceramic bottle.
2. Don Fulano Blanco Fuerte Overproof Tequila – 750ml (100 Proof)
Don Fulano Fuerte is the original overproof blanco tequila—intensely aromatic, full of spice and flavor, yet remarkably smooth. Floral notes of jasmine and orange blossom shine through its bold, highland agave core. A standout spirit for both purists and adventurous palates.
David Weiser
