Hola, Amigos! There’s no better day than today, Cinco De Mayo, for an upscale tequila-tasting experience. Fair warning: these ultra premium tequilas aren’t for shooting or mixing in margaritas – they’re all best enjoyed like a fine wine or scotch, neat.
Reserva de la Familia
($135)
($135)One generally equates Jose Cuervo with a tequila perfect for margaritas or old school shooters. But this high end extra aged Reserva de la Familia is the brand’s upper-end expression, made with 100% blue agave tequila that is aged in French and American oak barrels for an average of 3 years, with batches aged up to 30 years added to the final blend. Housed in a wooden box adorned with the work of a Mexican artist, this is truly a special treat.
1800 Milenio ($225)
($225)This premium extra-aged anejo tequila was matured for forty months in American Oak barrels before spending an additional four months in French oak ex-cognac barrels, resulting in a surprisingly smooth taste with notes of vanilla, cinnamon and caramel.
Casa Dragones Joven ($285) This master blend of silver and extra aged tequila was rested in American oak for five years, resulting in a complex flavor blend of vanilla and spice, with a finish of hazelnut, and subtle citrusy aromas. This is one of our all-time favorite sipping and pairing tequilas.
Clase Azul Ultra ($1,700) The most coveted of the Clase Azul expressions, the “Ultra” is made in batches of just 100 bottles to preserve the ultimate flavor. We are huge fans of this brand (which starts at about $100 a bottle) but specifically this expression, which features tequila aged for five years in second use Sherry wood casks from Spain and packaged in handmade decanters featuring 24 karat gold labels hand painted with pure liquid platinum by Mexican artisans. It features aromas of wood, fruit and intense cherry, with a smooth flavorful taste.
Casa Noble Single Barrel Extra Anejo 
Certified organic, this small batch tequila is our go-to. We love the “reposado” expression for everyday (from $50) but for a splurge, try the Single Barrel Extra Anejo, aged in French white oak barrels and resulting in a smooth flavor reminiscent of cognac. Learn more about how it’s made in this conversation with owner Jose “Pepe” Hermosillo.