The Best Tequila Right Now—According To Tequila Matchmaker Competition

Forbes

16 hours ago

The inaugural Agavos International Spirits Competition recently crowned best tequila winners in a variety of categories.
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Judges at the inaugural Agavos International Spirits Competition recently revealed their picks for the best tequila, mezcal, baconara, raicilla and more. The 26-person judging panel rated a variety of aged and unaged tequilas as well as mezcals and other agave spirits. The duo behind Tequila Matchmaker, a prominent agave spirit reviewing resource, started the competition.
Forbes reported previously that the Best in Show winner at the competition is Trujillo Special Edition Manifiesto 56, a blanco tequila from the Trujillo distillery in Capilla de Guadalupe, Jalisco. Here we'll look at the best of winners in all the categories judged, including the best tequila in multiple subcategories, the best mezcal, baconara, raicilla and agave spirit.
Montagave Blanco 'Las Rocas' Swell Spirits Mexico
45% ABV
Price: $70 MSRP
What the judges said: 'Ethereal sweet agave notes on the nose. An incredibly bright flavor profile with hints of cinnamon and a lovely finish. This is really delicious. Pretty much everything I want in a blanco.'
LALO Tequila High Proof LALO Tequila
54% ABV
Price: $74.99
What the judges said: 'Sweet aromas of cooked agave, butter, walnut, and pistachio. The bouquet is persistent, lingering beautifully over time. On the palate, the buttery and nutty notes deliver on the aromatic promise, creating a rich and lasting impression. Exceptionally well-balanced.'
Ultramundo PKGD Group Mexico
47% abv
Retail Price: $129.99
What the judges said: 'Fire roasted serrano chilies and tomato vine aromas are bursting with freshness and infinitely alluring. So rich and concentrated, with flavors for days. Waves of herbs and berries unfold on the tongue. A treat to sip.'
Tequila Volcan de mi Tierra Reposado
40% ABV
Price: $59
What the judges said: 'Significant aroma of nuts and banana. Lots of barrel character here, but not over the top. More than I expected from a reposado, but not overbearing with barrel notes.'
Tequila Arte NOM 1146 Añejo Terranova Spirits
41.3% ABV
Price: $119.99
What the judges said: 'Cooked agave, oak, cinnamon, sweet potato, olive brine; one of my favorites. Finally, very prominent cooked agave, balanced by very present oak.'
Alquimia Extra Anejo 14 year Cask Strength Tequila Alquimia Organic Tequila
50% abv
Price: $279
What the judges said: 'Aroma of chocolate, flowers, pitted fruit, and oak. Citrus and minerals also come through on the aroma, indicating an intact agave core alongside thoughtful barrel aging. Nice balance between sweet spices, salinity, and subtle roasted agave that comes through. Long floral and buttery finish. The texture and flavors are in harmony. I like this one a lot.'
Tequila Ocho Plata Puntas 2024 Mirandillas Samson & Surrey
54% ABV
Price: $74.99
What the judges said: 'A fragrant bouquet of orange, lilac and springtime grass. The mouthfeel is fantastic, brimming with gobs of florality that eases you into the above-average ABV.'
ROHO Kenyan Agave Spirit ROHO Agave Ltd. Kenya Category: Agave Spirits
45% ABV
Price: $100
What the judges said: 'Ooooh, cool. Smoke. Wild. Mezcal-like. Deep and full. This tastes like a competent mezcal. Big rising smoke dominates the front palate, fading to reveal wood ash, roasted agave, honeyed sweetness, white florals, dried grass. Quite good. This is a solid entry, a bottle I'd be happy with, particularly if I'm taking a chance on non-Mexico agave spirits.'
Estaca Bacanora Estaca Mexico
40% ABV
Price: $90
What the judges said: 'Mild, pleasant floral and agave nose. Taste of cooked agave, piloncillo, baking spices. There's a caramel-like sweetness on the finish. This is cool. A classic Bacanora profile. Nicely balanced with a good finish.'
Raicilla Asil PKGD Group
45% ABV
Price: $139.99
What the judges said: 'The balance is great, nice kiss of oak sweetness. Barrel gives lots of butterscotch, maybe would be too much in tequila but this sweet note helps anchor the rest of the flavors. Grassy, earthy, white pepper, butterscotch, and a finish of pineapple rind. Phenomenal developing and ever-changing flavor. I need this one immediately. I wanted to drink it over and over again. Agave sings through while offering so much.'