What Makes a Good, High-Quality Tequila?

Ever wondered what makes a top-shelf tequila? Is there a difference between cheap and expensive tequila? And how can you tell if a tequila is good quality? We’ll help you uncover the distinctive characteristics that define the best top shelf tequila and guide you on how to select the perfect bottle of top-shelf tequila.

What is Top-Shelf Tequila?

Top-shelf tequila represents the pinnacle of quality in the tequila universe, and it’s arguably one of the most expensive spirits to produce. It's meticulously crafted using superior ingredients, with blue agave plants that take years to mature, and time-honored methods, resulting in a tasting experience that's second to none.

What To Look For in a Top-Shelf Tequila

To truly appreciate what makes a good, high-quality, top-shelf tequila like PATRÓN EL CIELO, it's vital to grasp the influence of the ingredients, production process, and the influence of aging and maturation.

The Ingredients

There are primarily two types of tequila classifications—100% agave tequila or mixto tequila. The former is crafted solely from blue agave, yielding a purer flavor, while the latter is a blend of at least 51% agave and other sugars, impacting the taste and quality. Exceptional tequilas are made from 100% Weber Blue Agave, a special agave plant native to Mexico.

Choosing tequilas, like PATRÓN Tequila, that are produced from 100% Weber Blue Agave guarantees that the tequila is made entirely from the agave plant, without any added sugars or additives, delivering a smoother and more complex flavor and ensuring an authentic and pure flavor profile.

The Process

The meticulous production process is integral in determining a tequila's quality. Traditional production methods, like slow-cooking the agave in brick ovens and extracting the juice with a tahona wheel or roller mills, add complexity and depth to the tequila's taste.

At PATRÓN Tequila, we begin by harvesting only the finest 100% Weber Blue Agave with the highest sugar content, achieved after about five years of growth. We hand-chop and then bake the agave in small brick ovens for over 70 hours. Then, they’re crushed by a two-ton volcanic stone tahona wheel and a roller mill. In fact, PATRÓN Tequila has more working tahonas than any other tequila producer in the world. The pure agave juice ferments for three days, and is then distilled into small-batch copper pots.

PATRÓN EL CIELO is distilled four times to unlock a subtly sweet and radiant agave flavor with a radiantly smooth finish. PATRÓN EL ALTO, on the other hand, is composed of a blend of tequilas aged up to four years—Reposado, Añejo and Extra Añejo—and results in a deliciously bold, sweet and smooth flavor profile.

The Aging

At PATRÓN Tequila, we recognize the importance of the aging process. To create our aged varieties, our PATRÓN Silver is aged in a variety of oak barrels—American, French or Hungarian oak— which imparts unique flavors and aromas and adds depth and complexity to the spirit, with the duration of aging often correlating with more nuanced flavors.

The Final Product

The appearance and aroma of tequila can also be indicators of quality. Look for a clear, vibrant appearance and an enticing aroma with notes of agave, citrus, and spices. A high-quality tequila should be smooth, balanced, and free of any harsh or bitter undertones.

How to Enjoy Top-Shelf Tequila

A significant part of relishing top-shelf tequila lies in understanding how to properly taste and appreciate it. The right techniques can help discern the unique flavors and characteristics that make tequila a special spirit.

Start by observing the color, varying from clear to golden amber, dependent on the aging process. Next, take a deep breath to appreciate the complex aroma. High-quality tequilas often display a balance of sweetness and earthiness, with flavors of agave, pepper, fruit or oak. Finally, assess the finish, the taste that lingers after swallowing. A good tequila should have a smooth and pleasing finish.

Shake Things Up With a Cocktail

Top-shelf tequila is the secret ingredient to crafting exceptional cocktails. Whether it's on the rocks or in a bubbly celebration cocktail, using high-quality tequila will elevate your mixology skills. Don’t forget to use fresh ingredients, experiment with different PATRÓN tequila varieties and balance the flavors to create delightful drinks that are perfect for your taste.

At PATRÓN Tequila, we pride ourselves on crafting top-shelf tequilas that reflect the rich heritage and craftsmanship of this celebrated Mexican spirit. From meticulously selecting the finest blue agave plants to using traditional production methods, and aging our tequilas to perfection, we are committed to offering the best top shelf tequila.