We don't know about you but tequila has certainly become our spirit of choice in the past year. For those just starting out on this journey, the very first (and the most important) question that arises is which brand of tequila to begin with? Here's a list of our favourite tequila brands we keep going back to!
Pro-Tip: These are our current favourite tequila cocktail spots in Delhi.
Don Julio from the house of Diageo is undoubtedly the most popular tequila brand at the moment. Personally, we enjoy the Reposado a bit more than the Blanco and Añejo because of its complex, vanilla-influenced notes that pair perfectly in all cocktails. Made in small batches with 100% Blue Weber agave — it's a little pricey, but makes for a nice drinking experience and is easily available at most liquor stores.
For Reposado,
ABV: 38%
Price: INR 7,690 (Delhi Duty Free)
Código 1530 is among the purest and most luxurious tequila brands available, a hard find in India, but not impossible. The Código 1530 tequila (Blanco, Rosa, Reposado, Añejo, and Origen) is aged in Napa Cabernet French White Oak barrels, not the usual American barrels that lend it that smooth, sophisticated taste. This premium tequila is made using fully-matured agave and an age-old private recipe from a tiny distillery in Amatitán, so nothing but the good stuff for your next cocktail and neat drinking session.
For Blanco,
ABV: 40%
Price: INR 8,299 (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport Duty Free)
We love the Corralejo Añejo, a medium-bodied tequila made in Mexico. The flavour profile features a hint of spice, complemented by smoky, buttery notes from barrel aging with undertones of vanilla and caramel. The subtle sweetness pairs wonderfully with a variety of mixers, adding depth and complexity to your cocktails. Crafted with 100% blue agave and aged in American oak barrels for 18 months, it tastes good even when sipped alone, on the rocks with no mixers.
For Anejo,
ABV: 40%
Price: INR 7,290 (Delhi Duty Free)
Your special occasions deserve a luxurious tequila drinking upgrade and nothing beats Komos in that area. We tried their Añejo Cristalino offering, which is made in Jalisco from 100% Blue Weber agave and aged in French oak white wine barrels for a year, lending it that unparalleled smooth finish that's filtered through charcoal. Crystal clear, it has the perfect amount of aeration and the right balance of fruity, citrus and smoky notes for a balanced flavour profile — best to have it as is, undiluted, for experiencing the exquisite taste. Oh, and the luxurious ceramic bottle just adds to the charm of it.
For Añejo Cristalino,
ABV: 40%
Price: INR 23,690 (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport Duty Free)
LBB Tip: In India, Tequila Komos is distributed and marketed by Chason Beverages, and is currently selling in Delhi, Haryana, Goa and was recently launched in Mumbai.
Another easily available premium tequila brands, Patron Silver is a great addition to cocktails because of its clean taste which is why you will spot in most bar's menus, served in palomas, picantes, margaritas and what not. Their website says that Patron tequila is made using only Blue Weber agave, water, yeast and time. Their Silver variant seems to be a hit amongst mixologists for how flexible the flavour profile is with great crispness and slight sweetness.
For Silver,
ABV: 40%
Price: INR 7,050 (Delhi Duty Free)
Whenever we get a tequila cocktail made to order, we ask for the 1800 Blanco on repeat. The zesty, bright taste pairs beautifully with all cocktail concoctions. Made with 100% Blue Weber agave, yeast, and water, the Blanco has a medium finish with fruity vegetal notes, brought by sweet prune and roasted pepper. The aroma is punchy and crisp, with a hint of spice. Fun fact: This 220-year-old tequila brand is named after the first year in which the recipe was distilled and aged.
For Blanco,
ABV: 38%
Price: INR 4,790 (Delhi Duty Free)
A fairly new entrant to the tequila scene, Loca Loka was co-founded by ace actor Rana Daggubati, music composer Anirudh Ravichander, and entrepreneur Harsha Vadlamudi. Made with 100% highland agave from Los Altos, the brand's identity stands as a fusion between Mexican craftsmanship and the vibrancy India and Mexico represent individually. The Blanco's taste is earthy with a hint of sweetness. The taste is sharp and lingers without feeling too strong.
For Blanco,
ABV: 40%
Price: INR 5,050 (Delhi Duty Free)
Las Maracas is a tequila brand in India that's crafted in Jalisco, Mexico. This 100% Blue Weber Agave tequila is crafted from just two pure ingredients — agave and spring water. Their Añejo is a rich, caramel-forward flavour aged for 16 months for an intense flavour profile that's mature with lovely warmth and a touch of spice.
For Añejo,
ABV: 38% ABV
Price: INR 9,500 (in Delhi)
Maya Pistola is a great budget pick and is quite popular since it's Asia’s first premium 100% agave spirit. The different offerings inlcude Joven, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo. Made from wild agave Americana grown in the Indian Deccan Plateau, this spirit brand is proudly homegrown. The reposado is a silky, smooth light gold spirit that tastes amazing in cocktails, thanks to its smoky-vanilla notes with hints of pepperiness.
For Reposado,
ABV: 40%
Price: INR 3,500 (Livcheers)
A trip to Goa is incomplete without grabbing DesmondJi's 51% Agave. A sweet, well-rounded spirit that tastes fab in cocktails, this tequila is founded by Desmond Nazareth, the veteran entrepreneur. Made from Americana agave growing in the Deccan Plateau, they also have 100% Agave and 51% Agave Gold spirits. Before you ask, it isn't labelled as a tequila as it doesn't come from one of the tequila regions in Mexico.
For 51% Agave,
ABV: 40%
Price: INR 900 (In Goa)
