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The Tequila Hall Of Fame: 20 Blanco Tequilas

Joseph V Micallef
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Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
I write about wines and spirits and the hidden corners of the world
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Updated Sep 15, 2024, 08:41am EDT

Tequila is the fastest-growing spirit category in the United States. Here’s a list of 20 frequently medaled Blanco Tequila expressions. All of them have won gold or higher awards or scored more than 90 points in at least five international spirit competitions over the last decade. Each is worthy of the Tequila Hall of Fame, and each is a candidate for World’s Best Blanco Tequila. Each entry includes the competitions where they medaled, a brief note on the distillery where they are produced, and a short tasting note.

El Tesoro Blanco, La Alteña Distillery, Arandas, Jalisco. (NOM 1139).

Awards: Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC); Gold, International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC); Gold, World Tequila Awards (WTA); Gold, Tequila & Mezcal Masters; 95 points, TAG Global Spirits Awards (TAG).

Founded in 1937, La Alteña is known for its traditional methods, including tahona crushed agave and open-air fermentation. The Tequila features a bright, herbaceous agave flavor, citrus and pepper notes, and a smooth, spicy finish.

Siete Leguas Blanco, Tequila Siete Leguas, Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco (NOM 1120).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, WTA; 96 points, Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC); Gold, International Spirits Challenge (ISC); Gold, TAG.

One of Mexico’s oldest distilleries, it uses both tahona and mechanical mills to crush the agave. The Tequila features earthy, citrus, and pepper notes, with a robust agave forward profile.

Patrón Silver, Patrón Spirits Mexico, Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco (NOM 1492).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; 93 points, USC; Gold, ISC; Gold, WTA; Gold, The Spirits Business (SB).

The distillery is known for its handcrafted small-batch production. The Tequila features fresh agave aromas, with hints of citrus and a peppery finish.

Cazadores Blanco, Bacardi y Compañía, Arandas, Jalisco (NOM 1487).

Awards: Gold, IWSC; Gold, WTA; Gold, SFWSC; Gold, Tequila & Mezcal Masters (TMM); 94 points, USC.

Cazadores is renowned for using estate-grown agave and focusing on sustainability in its production. The Tequila is crisp and light, with citrus, herbs, and white pepper notes.

Don Julio Blanco, La Primavera Distillery, Atotonilco El Alto Jalisco (NOM 1449).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, WTA; 95 points, USC; Gold, IWSC; Gold, TAG.

Don Julio pioneered the premium Tequila market and is known for its rich flavors and smooth finishes. The Tequila is light and crisp, with citrus, vanilla, and agave notes, leading to a satiny finish.

Tapatio Blanco, La Alteña Distillery, Arandas, Jalisco (NOM 1139).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; Gold, WTA; Gold, TMM; 95 points, USC.

Tapatio is a classic Tequila expression, respected for its traditional practices and taste profile. It features robust agave notes, with pepper, citrus, and a lingering spicy finish.

Fortaleza Blanco, Tequila Los Abuelos, Tequila, Jalisco (NOM 1493).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; 97 points, USC; Gold, WTA; Gold, TMM.

A small, family-owned distillery, Fortaleza emphasizes traditional methods like tahona milling. The Tequila features bold agave notes, with hints of olive, lime, and earth, finishing with a rich, buttery texture.

Olmeca Altos Plata, Pernod Ricard Mexico, Arandas, Jalisco (Nom 1111).

Awards: Gold, SFWSC; Gold, ISC; Gold, WTA; 94 points, USC; Gold, TMM.

Olmeca, a partnership between bartenders and Tequila makers, focuses on traditional methods and sustainable practices. The Tequila is fresh with citrus and agave flavors, balanced by a peppery finish.

1800 Silver, Casa Cuervo, Tequila, Jalisco (NOM 1122).

Awards: Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; Gold, WTA; Gold, TMM; 91 points USC.

Produced at the oldest active distillery in Latin America, 1800 is known for its quality and consistency. It’s fresh and clean with hints of agave, citrus, and a touch of black pepper.

Casa Noble Blanco, La Cofradia, Tequila, Jalisco (NOM 1137).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; Gold, WTA; 96 points, USC; Gold, TAG.

The distillery is known for its organic production and triple distillation process. The Tequila features floral and citrus notes, with a peppery agave finish.

Ocho Tequila Plata, Cía. Tequilera Los Alambiques, Arandas, Jalisco (NOM 1474).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, WTA; Gold, IWSC; 97 points, USC; Gold, TMM.

It’s produced from single-estate, vintage agave plants, emphasizing terroir. The Tequila is rich, with sweet agave and tropical fruit notes and floral undertones.

Avión Silver, Productos Finos de Agave, Jesus Maria, Jalisco (NOM 1416).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; Gold, WTA; Gold, TMM; 95 points, USC.

Avión is known for its slow-roasting agave, which brings out deep and complex flavors. It’s crisp and smooth, with a mix of citrus, agave, and a hint of mint.

Herradura Silver, Brown Forman Tequila Mexico, Amatitán, Jalisco (NOM 1119).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; Gold, WTA; 94 points, USC; Gold, TMM.

One of the oldest Mexican distilleries, it’s known for pioneering the reposado category. The Tequila is smooth with hints of vanilla, oak, and citrus over crisp agave.

Espolòn Blanco, Campari Mexico, San Ignacio Cerro Gordo, Jalisco (NOM 1440).

Awards: Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; Gold, WTA; 93 points, USC; Gold, TMM.

Espolòn is celebrated for its artful presentation and traditional methods. The Tequila features fresh agave, with hints of lemon and pepper, ending in a vibrant finish.

Clase Azul Plata, Casa Tradición, San Agustín, Jalisco (NOM 1595).

Awards: Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; Gold, WTA; 94 points, USC; Gold, TMM.

The brand is known for its iconic ceramic bottles and premium Tequila expressions. It features sweet agave, with vanilla and citrus notes and a smooth, rich finish.

Cincoro Blanco, Destiladora del Valle de Tequila (Casa Maestri), Tequila Jalisco (NOM 1438).

Awards: Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; Gold, WTA; Gold, TMM; 92 points, USC.

Cincoro, a luxury Tequila brand co-founded by Michael Jordan, is known for blending agave from highland and lowland regions. The Tequila features rich agave notes, with citrus and light pepper, finishing clean and smooth.

Milagro Silver, Tequilera Milagro, Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco (NOM 1559).

Awards: Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; Gold, WTA; Gold, TMM; 93 points USC.

Milagro combines modern and traditional methods, using both highland and lowland agave. The Tequila features fresh agave, with herbal notes and citrus, leading to a clean finish.

Corralejo Blanco, Hacienda Coralejo, Abasolo, Guanajuato (NOM 1368).

Awards: Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; Gold, WTA; Gold, TMM; 92 points, USC.

One of the few distilleries outside Jalisco, Corralejo is known for its tall, vibrant bottles and triple distillation for some of its Tequilas. The Tequila is crisp with citrus, agave, and floral notes, finishing smooth and light.

Cabo Wabo Blanco, Campari Mexico, San Ignacio Cerro Gordo, Jalisco (NOM 1440).

Awards: Gold, SFWSC; Gold, IWSC; Gold WTA; Gold, TMM; 90 points, USC.

Founded by rock musician Sammy Hagar, Cabo Wabo is known for its bold flavors and rock’n’roll heritage. The Tequila features sweet agave with a mix of pepper and citrus, finishing with a smooth, slightly smoky note.

Insólito Blanco, Premium de Jalisco, Mazamitla, Jalisco (NOM 1558).

Awards: Double Gold, SFWSC; Gold, WTA; Gold, IWSC; 94 points, USC; Gold, TAG.

Insólito is produced at a high altitude in Mazamitla, influencing its unique flavor profile. It features aromas of toasted nuts, cooked agave, and herbal notes, with a creamy mouthfeel and light sweetness.

These Hall of Fame Blanco Tequilas are recognized for their quality and craftsmanship, having earned top honors in many prestigious international competitions. Although the selection includes many familiar names, a few less-known expressions are well worth investigating. Each expression offers a unique tasting experience, reflecting the heritage and traditions of its respective distilleries.

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Joseph V Micallef
Joseph V Micallef
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