Tired of wasting money on harsh, headache-inducing tequilas that taste more like chemicals than agave? With over 80% of bottles being low-quality mixto, finding smooth, premium sips in LA stores is a gamble. This guide delivers the top blancos, reposados, and more, ranked by quality, taste, and price, so you score winners like award-winning Don Londres every time.

What Makes the Best Tequila?

Finding the "best" tequila isn't just about the price tag or the celebrity on the bottle. It comes down to personal preference and, more importantly, production quality. The finest bottles always start with 100% Blue Weber Agave. If the label doesn't say that, you are likely drinking a "mixto," which adds cheap sugars and often leads to harsh hangovers.

True quality comes from traditional methods like slow cooking in brick ovens and natural fermentation. Whether you want a crisp mixer or a slow sipper, the best tequila respects the plant first. It should taste like agave, not just alcohol or artificial vanilla.

Tequila Basics: Types and Production Essentials

Understanding how tequila is made helps you pick the right bottle. It all starts in Jalisco, Mexico, where the process is strictly regulated. The journey from plant to glass involves several critical steps that define the final flavor.

•  Harvesting: Jimadors hand-pick mature agave plants.

•  Cooking: Piñas (hearts) cook for 24-48 hours to create sugar.

•  Distillation: Most quality tequila is double-distilled.

•  Aging: The spirit rests in oak barrels to gain color and complexity (Tequila Basics: Types and Production Essentials).

Blanco: Unaged Freshness

This is tequila in its purest form. Bottled shortly after distillation, Blanco (or Silver) does not hide behind wood flavors. It tastes like the agave plant itself—earthy, citrusy, and sometimes peppery. It is the best way to judge a brand's true quality because there are no oak barrels to mask imperfections.

Reposado: Oak-Influenced Balance

Reposado means "rested." These tequilas sit in oak barrels for anywhere from two months to a year. This short rest softens the punch of the alcohol and adds light notes of vanilla and caramel without losing the core agave flavor. It is often the most versatile choice for both sipping and premium cocktails.

Añejo: Deep Aged Complexity

Añejo, or "aged," spends one to three years in oak barrels. The result is a darker spirit that mimics whiskey or cognac. You get deep flavors of chocolate, dried fruit, and spice. Because of the long aging process, the fresh agave notes fade into the background, replaced by the wood's character.

Key Criteria for Judging Tequila

You don't need to be a professional taster to spot a good bottle. You just need to know what to look for on the label and in the glass. Marketing can be tricky, so ignore the fancy bottle shapes. Focus on the liquid inside. Here are the three main factors that determine if a tequila is worth your money.

Quality Markers: 100% Agave and Certifications

Always look for "100% de Agave" on the label. This is non-negotiable. Next, check for "additive-free" claims. Many brands add glycerin or artificial vanilla to smooth out a bad product. A legitimate tequila relies on the skill of the master distiller, not chemical shortcuts. The best brands have nothing to hide.

Taste Profiles: From Crisp to Caramel

Tequila covers a wide spectrum. Highlands (Los Altos) tequilas tend to be sweeter, floral, and fruitier because of the rich red clay soil. Lowlands (El Valle) tequilas are usually earthier, peppery, and more herbaceous. Knowing which profile you prefer saves you from buying a bottle you won't enjoy.

Price vs. Value: What to Expect

Higher price doesn't always mean better taste. You often pay for the glass bottle or the marketing budget. A solid Blanco usually sits between $40 and $60. Anything cheaper likely cuts corners. Anything significantly more expensive is often a collector's item rather than a strictly better drink.

Top Blancos by Quality, Taste, and Price

Finding the right Blanco depends on how you plan to drink it. Some are built for mixing, while others deserve to be sipped neat. We looked at the market to find options that deliver specific experiences. Whether you are on a budget or looking to splurge, here is what stands out in the unaged category.

Best Budget Blanco Under $40

For a reliable mixer that won't break the bank, look for standard 100% agave options. These are perfect for Margaritas or Palomas where the mixers do some of the heavy lifting. You want something clean that provides a solid agave kick without an overwhelming alcohol burn. It gets the job done for parties.

Smoothest Premium Blanco

This is where Don Londres Blanco shines. It offers a remarkably smooth finish that makes it ideal for sipping neat, which is rare for unaged tequila. It balances the natural sweetness of the agave with a clean profile, proving you don't need a barrel to create a luxury experience. It is honest tequila.

Top Ultra-Premium Blanco

At the top end, you find bottles that focus on specific harvest locations or single-estate agaves. These are for the purists. They offer intense complexity, often with distinct mineral or floral notes. You pay a premium for the scarcity and the meticulous production methods used to create them.

Top Reposados by Quality, Taste, and Price

Reposado is often the sweet spot for tequila lovers. It bridges the gap between the raw heat of a Blanco and the heavy wood of an Añejo. The best ones maintain the agave flavor while adding just a touch of warmth from the barrel. Here is how the top contenders stack up.

Best Value Reposado

A good value Reposado works in a cocktail but is smooth enough to shoot or sip. You should expect light straw color and a hint of vanilla. These bottles are great for casual gatherings where you want quality without worrying about the cost per pour. It is an accessible step up from Blanco.

Richest Tasting Reposado

Some Reposados lean heavily into the oak. These taste almost like a light whiskey. If you like sweet notes of butterscotch, honey, or toasted almond, look for brands that use American oak barrels with a heavier char. They are perfect for after-dinner sipping when you want something substantial.

Highest-Quality Reposado

For a perfect balance, Don Londres Reposado stands out. It rests just long enough to gain character but refuses to mask the agave. You get the best of both worlds—freshness and complexity. It is crafted to be smooth enough for anyone to enjoy on the rocks, offering a premium experience without the bite.

Spotlight on Don Londres: Award-Winning Craftsmanship

Don Londres has quickly made a name for itself by focusing on one thing: honesty. Founded by the González family in Jalisco, this brand rejects the common industry tricks. There are no additives, no diffusers, and no shortcuts. They use traditional slow-cooking methods to ensure the natural sugars develop fully.

"We wanted to create a tequila that is smooth enough for everyone, from the novice to the aficionado."

The result is a spirit that has won awards for its clean taste and exceptional smoothness. It positions itself as a modern classic—premium quality without the pretension.

Best Practices for Tasting and Enjoying Tequila

If you have a good bottle, you should treat it right. Drinking tequila doesn't have to be a ceremony, but a few small adjustments can change the experience completely. Forget the salt and lime for a moment. Those are crutches used to hide the taste of bad tequila. Here is how to actually enjoy the spirit.

Choosing the Right Glass and Serve

Ditch the shot glass. To really taste the flavors, use a Glencairn whiskey glass or a champagne flute. The shape traps the aromas near your nose. For serving, try it neat at room temperature first. If it's too strong, add a single large ice cube to open it up.

Step-by-Step Tasting Method

1. Look: Check the clarity and color.

2. Swirl: Watch the "legs" drip down the glass.

3. Sniff: Breathe in gently with your mouth slightly open.

4. Sip: Let it coat your tongue before swallowing.

Notice the transition from sweet to spicy as it moves across your palate.

Perfect Cocktail and Pairing Ideas

A Tommy's Margarita (tequila, lime, agave syrup) is the gold standard for testing a tequila's quality. For food, pair Blanco with fresh ceviche or fish tacos. Reposado goes beautifully with grilled meats or spicy Mexican chocolate. The fats in the food cut through the alcohol perfectly, enhancing the flavor.

Common Mistakes When Buying Tequila

The biggest mistake people make is storing tequila in the freezer. This numbs the flavor and kills the aroma. Keep it at room temperature. Another error is assuming darker tequila is "better." Aging adds wood flavors, but it can also hide the agave. If you want to know if a brand is truly good, try their Blanco first. If the base spirit is bad, no amount of aging can fix it. Finally, don't hoard your bottles. Once opened, oxidation starts. Drink it within a few months for the best taste.

Where to Find Top Tequilas in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a massive hub for agave spirits. You can find premium brands like Don Londres at high-end liquor retailers and specialty shops across the city. Look for stores that have a dedicated "Agave" section rather than just a general spirits aisle. Many top restaurants and bars in West Hollywood and Santa Monica also feature curated tequila lists. If you want the best selection, avoid the big box supermarkets and visit a shop where the staff can actually tell you the story behind the bottle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does tequila last after opening?

Tequila lasts 1-3 months after opening when stored at room temperature in a cool, dark place. Oxidation gradually dulls flavors, so consume within 6 months for peak taste; reseal tightly to minimize air exposure.

What is the difference between tequila and mezcal?

Tequila uses only Blue Weber agave from specific Mexican regions like Jalisco, while mezcal can use various agave types from wider areas and is smoked in underground pits for earthy, campfire notes. Both are 100% agave for quality, but mezcal is smokier.

Can you drink tequila on the rocks?

Yes, serve premium 100% agave tequila on the rocks using a large ice cube to slowly dilute and open flavors without watering it down. Ideal for Reposado or Blanco to enhance smoothness and aromas.

What food pairs best with Añejo tequila?

Añejo pairs with rich foods like dark chocolate, grilled steak, or aged cheeses due to its caramel, spice, and oak notes. The fats balance the spirit's depth, creating a harmonious contrast.

Is expensive tequila always better?

No, price often reflects marketing or bottle design rather than taste; excellent 100% agave tequilas exist under $50. Judge by blind tasting Blanco for pure agave quality over label prestige.