Here’s a list of highly awarded Tequila from the top international spirit competitions along with a succinct overview of current industry trends and detailed tasting notes on the Tequilas.

These Tequilas, each with a unique and intriguing aroma and flavor profile, have garnered global recognition by clinching Gold Medals in at least five major international spirit competitions. They stand as a testament to Mexico's finest Tequilas, spanning from established legacy brands to new offerings from craft producers. Widely available, these Tequilas provide excellent value and promise an exceptional tasting experience.

Current Tequila Industry Trends

The Tequila market has experienced a phenomenal surge over the past five years. From 2019 to 2023, US Tequila consumption skyrocketed from 19.7 million 9-liter cases to 31.6 million 9-liter cases. The highest growth was observed in the High-End Premium ($175-$255) and Super Premium ($255+) categories.

At the supplier level, the US Tequila market surged from $3.3 billion in 2019 to $6.5 billion in 2023. The projected revenue for 2024 is estimated to be between $6.5 billion and $7 billion, underscoring the market's robust potential.

Globally, the Tequila market measured $11.04 billion in 2023. It's projected to grow from $11.69 billion in 2024 to $18.58 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.97%. The US is the largest Tequila market, representing about 62% of demand in 2023, and could reach $7.44 billion by 2032.

Despite its impressive growth, Tequila sales were mixed in 2024, with various market surveys showing mixed trends. The data discrepancy may reflect that not all data sets have been completed for the year.

According to International Wines & Spirits Research (IWSR), retail sales dropped about 2% through November of 2024. Other surveys showed a decline of up to 4%. The SipSource data from the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers Association (WSWA), generally considered very reliable, showed a 1.5% increase in volume and a 2% increase in value through November 2024.

According to SipSource, Off-Premise sales increased 3.3% by volume and 3.8% by revenue, while On-Premise channels declined 3.2% by volume and 3.3% by revenue. This is a typical pattern of consumer behavior, drinking at home instead of bars and restaurants when they cut back on expenditures.

A significant inventory overhang developed among distributors and retailers due to demand trends resetting to their pre-COVID trends and significant economic headwinds. The premium Tequila categories are still growing, but the growth rate has moderated over the last year.

Agave prices have been highly volatile in the last several years, dropping from an average of 30 pesos per kilo to about 6 pesos. Agave price volatility has been a recurring feature of the agave/Tequila market; however, the breadth of price changes is exaggerated.

Small growers, typically newer ones, who lack long-term supply contracts, are forced to sell on the spot market, where prices are generally relatively low. Established growers who have long-term supply contracts get better prices.

Distillers recognize that at prices of 6 pesos/kilo of agave, the growers (Agaveros) are not financially viable, so they protect them with higher contract prices. The spot market prices do not indicate the prices at which most agave is sold.

Recent indications are that the market is stabilizing, with production more in line with actual consumption. Although still historically high, producer inventories are decreasing but probably still represent 6 to 8 months of excess supply.

Other significant trends include the continued growth of flavored Tequilas, such as coconut, pineapple, and spicy jalapeño, particularly among younger demographics. These variants often target mixologists and casual drinkers looking for approachable and versatile options.

Equally significant has been the rise of celebrity-sponsored brands. High-profile celebrities continue to launch Tequila brands, bringing attention to the spirit. Examples include Michael Jorden's Cincoro, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Teremana Tequila, and LeBron James' partnership with Lobos 1707. These endorsements have increasingly made Tequila a status symbol in pop culture.

Finally, Tequila's aroma and taste profile continue to expand as producers experiment with innovative cask finishes by aging Tequila in barrels previously used for wine, sherry, or other spirits. This trend is particularly relevant for Extra Añejo expressions, where the demand for longer-aged Tequilas increases as consumers seek richer, more nuanced profiles.

Here are 12 highly awarded Tequilas that have won 5 or more gold medals or higher awards in international spirit competitions, along with their distilleries and comprehensive tasting notes.

Cierto Private Collection Blanco, La Tequileña (NOM 1146)

This is an incredibly smooth, fresh Blanco with bright floral and agave notes. The aroma is herbaceous and sweet, imparting delicate floral hints. It offers light touches of minerality and cooked agave with a pronounced mouth weight on the palate. The finish is long and slightly sweet, with lingering notes of cooked agave.

Don Julio 1942, La Primavera (NOM 1449)

1942 is a rich and complex Extra Añejo featuring aromas of seasoned oak, vanilla, and roasted agave. The palate reveals layers of butterscotch, tropical fruit, and spice. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering oak and pepper notes.

El Tesoro Añejo, La Alteña (NOM 1139)

El Tesoro is a robust Añejo with aromas of cooked agave, oak, and vanilla. The palate balances agave sweetness and oak spice with chocolate, cinnamon, and dried fruit notes. The finish is long and warming with a hint of pepper.

Fortaleza Blanco, Fortaleza (NOM 1493)

Fortaleza is a traditional Blanco with intense roasted agave, citrus, and earth aromas. The palate is full-bodied with savory olive brine, black pepper, and mineral/wet stone flavors. It finishes clean and crisp with a lingering agave sweetness.

Clase Azul Reposado, Casa Tradición (NOM 1595)

The Clase Azul is a smooth and luxurious reposado with cream soda, spice, and caramel aromas. The palate is rich with cooked agave, vanilla, and cinnamon notes. It finishes long and sweet with hints of toffee and oak.

Tears of Llorona Extra Añejo, Tequileña (NOM 1146)

Tears of Llorna is one of the top Extra Añejo Tequilas available. An exceptional extra Añejo, it features complex aromas of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and oak. The palate is incredibly smooth with caramel, tobacco, and spice layers. The finish is extraordinarily long and silky, with lingering nuts and dried fruit notes.

Tequila Ocho Plata, Tequilera Los Alambiques (NOM 1474)

Ocho is a terroir-driven Blanco with fresh agave, citrus, and herbs aromas. The palate is clean and crisp, with green pepper, mint, and mineral/wet stone flavors. It finishes long and zesty with a hint of white pepper.

Cazcabel Blanco, Tequila Artesanal de Los Altos de Jalisco (NOM 1436)

Cazcabel is a delicate and fruity Blanco with fresh agave and citrus aromas. The palate is clean and fresh with notes of pepper, grass, and a touch of sweetness. It finishes crisp and refreshing with a hint of spice.

Siete Leguas D'Antaño Extra Añejo, Casa Siete Leguas (NOM 1120)

Siete Leguas is a rich and complex 5-YO Extra Añejo. It offers aromas of oak, dried fruit, and vanilla. The palate is silky smooth with flavors of caramel, dark chocolate, and baking spices. The finish is long and elegant, with toasted oak and honey notes.

1800 Milenio Extra Añejo, Casa Cuervo (NOM 1122)

1800 is a luxurious Extra Añejo with toasted oak, caramel, and dried fruit aromas. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with dark chocolate, coffee, and spice flavors. It finishes long and smooth with hints of vanilla and tobacco.

Avión Silver, Productos Finos de Agave (NOM 1416)

Avión Silver is a premium Blanco with fresh agave, rosemary, and mint aromas. The palate is clean and crisp with grapefruit flavors, black pepper, and a touch of sweetness. It finishes long and smooth with a hint of pineapple.

Rodeo de las Aguas 5-Year Extra Añejo, Tequila Galindo (NOM 1517)

Rodeo is an exquisite Extra Añejo with complex oak, vanilla, and dried fruit aromas. The palate offers rich flavors of caramel, dark chocolate, and baking spices. It finishes exceptionally long and smooth with notes of toasted nuts and a hint of agave sweetness.

These Tequilas are exceptional and affordable and offer a broad range of aroma and taste profiles. Some come from established legacy producers, while others are from new craft distillers. All are worth trying and adding to your Tequila connection.

For a detailed listing of the top Tequila from the top international spirit competitions see: Top Blanco , Top Reposado , Top Añejo and Top Extra Añejo.